1
|
Liao LL, Li WZ, Jin L, Li GQ. Rnai-based functional analysis of bursicon genes related to cuticle pigmentation in a ladybird beetle. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 158:104696. [PMID: 39173874 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104696] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
In arthropods, the binding of a bursicon (encoded by burs and pburs) heterodimer or homodimer to a leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein coupled receptor LGR2 (encoded by rk) can activate many physiological processes, especially cuticle pigmentation during insect ecdysis. In the current paper, we intended to ascertain whether bursicon signaling mediates body coloration in the 28-spotted larger potato ladybird, Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata, and if so, by which way bursicon signal governs the pigmentation. The high expression of Hvburs, Hvpburs and Hvrk occurred in the young larvae, pupae and adults, especially in the head and ventral nerve cord. RNA interference (RNAi) aided knockdown of Hvburs, Hvpburs or Hvrk in the prepupae caused similar phenotypic defects. The pigmentation of the resultant adults was affected, with significantly reduced dark areas on the sternums. Moreover, the accumulated mRNA levels of two sclerotin biosynthesis genes, aspartate 1-decarboxylase gene Hvadc and N-β-alanyldopamine synthase gene Hvebony, were significantly increased in the Hvburs, Hvpburs or Hvrk RNAi beetles. Furthermore, depletion of either Hvadc or Hvebony could completely rescue the impaired coloration on the sternums of Hvpburs RNAi adult. Our results supported that bursicon heterodimer-mediated signal regulate cuticle pigmentation. The bursicon signaling may tune the ratio of melanins (dark/black, brown) to sclerotins (light yellow, colorless) exerting its regulative role in the pigmentation of H. vigintioctomaculata sternums.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Lan Liao
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Wen-Ze Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tian Y, Gao H, Li H, Li C, Li B. Evolutionary origin and distribution of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors in insects. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 52:101318. [PMID: 39216279 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2024.101318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors (LGRs) are crucial for animal growth and development. They were categorized into four types (A, B, C1, and C2) based on their sequence and domain structures. Despite the widespread distribution of LGRs across bilaterians, a thorough investigation of their distribution and evolutionary history remains elusive. Recent studies insect LGRs, especially the emergence of type C2 LGRs in various hemimetabolous insects, had prompted our study to address these problems. Initially, we traced the origins of LGRs by exploiting data from 99 species spanning 11 metazoan phyla, and discovered that type A and B LGRs originated from sponges, while type C LGRs originated from cnidarians. Subsequently, through comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses across 565 species across 25 orders of insects, we found that both type A and C1 LGRs divided into two gene clusters. These clusters can be traced back to basal Insecta and an early ancestor of the Arthropoda, respectively. Furthermore, the absence of type B LGRs in wingless insects suggests a role in wing development, while the absence of type C2 LGRs in holometabolous insects hints at novel functions unrelated to insect metamorphosis. According to the origin of LGRs and the investigation of LGRs in insects, we speculated that type A and B LGRs appeared first among four types of LGRs, type A evolved into type C LGRs later, and type A and C1 LGRs independently duplicated during the evolutionary process. This study provides a more comprehensive view of the evolution of LGR genes than previously available, and sheds light on the evolutionary history and significance of LGRs in insect biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Tian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hong Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chengjun Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li WZ, Wu YK, Zhang YX, Jin L, Li GQ. Behavioral events and functional analysis of bursicon signal during adult eclosion in the 28-spotted larger potato ladybird. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 203:106011. [PMID: 39084776 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.106011] [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: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
To accommodate growth, insects must periodically shed their exoskeletons. In Manduca sexta, Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum, Bursicon (Burs)/ Partner of bursicon (Pburs)-LGR2 signal is an indispensable component for the proper execution of ecdysis behavior during adult eclosion. Nevertheless, the behavioral events and the roles of bursicon signaling in other insects deserve further exploration. In the current paper, we found that the pupal-adult ecdysis in Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata could be divided into three distinct stages, preecdysis, ecdysis and postecdysis. Preecdysis behavioral sequences included abdomen twitches, dorsal-ventral contractions and air filling that function to loosen the old cuticle. Ecdysis events began with anterior-posterior contractions that gradually split the old integument along the dorsal body midline, followed by freeing of legs and mouthparts, and culminated in detachment from pupal cuticle. Postecdysis behavioral processes contained three actions: perch selection and stretching of elytra and hindwings. RNA interference for HvBurs, HvPburs or Hvrk (encoding LGR2) strongly impaired wing expansion actions, and slightly influenced preecdysis and ecdysis behaviors. The RNAi beetles failed to extend their elytra and hindwings. In addition, injected with dsrk also caused kinked femurs and tibia. Our findings establish that bursicon pathway is involved in regulation of adult eclosion behavior, especially wing expansion motor programs. Given that wings facilitate food foraging, courtship, predator avoidance, dispersal and migration, our results provide a potential target for controlling H. vigintioctomaculata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ze Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yi-Kuan Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yu-Xing Zhang
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou ZX, Dou W, Wang M, Shang F, Wang JJ. Bursicon regulates wing expansion via PKA in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:388-396. [PMID: 37708392 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bursicon is a heterodimeric neuropeptide that is involved in many physiological activities such as cuticle tanning, wing expansion, reproduction and immunity in insects. In this study, the role of bursicon in the wing expansion was investigated in Bactrocera dorsalis, an important invasive insect pest in agriculture. RESULTS The cDNA sequences and deduced amino acids of bursicon genes (named BdBurs-α and BdBurs-β) were determined, and two proteins typically contained 11 cysteine residues in conserved positions that were highly conserved in other insect species. The spatiotemporal expressions of bursicon genes showed that higher expression occurred at the pupal, early adult stage and ovaries, and lower expression at the late larval stage and in wing tissue (8-day-old pupae). Dysfunction of bursicon genes by dsRNA microinjection into 5-day-old pupae reduced PKA (a downstream component of the bursicon pathway) activity and resulted in malformed adult wings. PKA inhibitor injection into 5-day-old pupae also resulted in similar phenotypes. Hematoxylin & eosin staining of the adult wing showed that RNAi and PKA inhibitor treatment reduced the thickness of the wing cuticle, which wing cuticle thickness were ≈50% thinner than in the control. Furthermore, the expression of hedgehog (Bdhh) (one of 10 tested genes related to wing development) was significantly upregulated after RNAi and PKA inhibitor application. CONCLUSION The results indicate that bursicon plays a crucial role in the wing expansion of B. dorsalis, suggesting bursicon genes have potential to be the targets for B. dorsalis control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xiong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Academy of Agricultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lariviere PJ, Leonard SP, Horak RD, Powell JE, Barrick JE. Honey bee functional genomics using symbiont-mediated RNAi. Nat Protoc 2023; 18:902-928. [PMID: 36460809 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00778-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Honey bees are indispensable pollinators and model organisms for studying social behavior, development and cognition. However, their eusociality makes it difficult to use standard forward genetic approaches to study gene function. Most functional genomics studies in bees currently utilize double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) injection or feeding to induce RNAi-mediated knockdown of a gene of interest. However, dsRNA injection is laborious and harmful, and dsRNA feeding is difficult to scale cheaply. Further, both methods require repeated dsRNA administration to ensure a continued RNAi response. To fill this gap, we engineered the bee gut bacterium Snodgrassella alvi to induce a sustained host RNA interference response that reduces expression of a targeted gene. To employ this functional genomics using engineered symbionts (FUGUES) procedure, a dsRNA expression plasmid is cloned in Escherichia coli using Golden Gate assembly and then transferred to S. alvi. Adult worker bees are then colonized with engineered S. alvi. Finally, gene knockdown is verified through qRT-PCR, and bee phenotypes of interest can be further assessed. Expression of targeted genes is reduced by as much as 50-75% throughout the entire bee body by 5 d after colonization. This protocol can be accomplished in 4 weeks by bee researchers with microbiology and molecular cloning skills. FUGUES currently offers a streamlined and scalable approach for studying the biology of honey bees. Engineering other microbial symbionts to influence their hosts in ways that are similar to those described in this protocol may prove useful for studying additional insect and animal species in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Lariviere
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sean P Leonard
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Richard D Horak
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - J Elijah Powell
- Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Barrick
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gmel AI, Guichard M, Dainat B, Williams GR, Eynard S, Vignal A, Servin B, Neuditschko M. Identification of runs of homozygosity in Western honey bees ( Apis mellifera) using whole-genome sequencing data. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e9723. [PMID: 36694553 PMCID: PMC9843643 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9723] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are continuous homozygous segments that arise through the transmission of haplotypes that are identical by descent. The length and distribution of ROH segments provide insights into the genetic diversity of populations and can be associated with selection signatures. Here, we analyzed reconstructed whole-genome queen genotypes, from a pool-seq data experiment including 265 Western honeybee colonies from Apis mellifera mellifera and Apis mellifera carnica. Integrating individual ROH patterns and admixture levels in a dynamic population network visualization allowed us to ascertain major differences between the two subspecies. Within A. m. mellifera, we identified well-defined substructures according to the genetic origin of the queens. Despite the current applied conservation efforts, we pinpointed 79 admixed queens. Genomic inbreeding (F ROH) strongly varied within and between the identified subpopulations. Conserved A. m. mellifera from Switzerland had the highest mean F ROH (3.39%), while queens originating from a conservation area in France, which were also highly admixed, showed significantly lower F ROH (0.45%). The majority of A. m. carnica queens were also highly admixed, except 12 purebred queens with a mean F ROH of 2.33%. Within the breed-specific ROH islands, we identified 14 coding genes for A. m. mellifera and five for A. m. carnica, respectively. Local adaption of A. m. mellifera could be suggested by the identification of genes involved in the response to ultraviolet light (Crh-BP, Uvop) and body size (Hex70a, Hex70b), while the A. m. carnica specific genes Cpr3 and Cpr4 are most likely associated with the lighter striping pattern, a morphological phenotype expected in this subspecies. We demonstrated that queen genotypes derived from pooled workers are useful tool to unravel the population dynamics in A. mellifera and provide fundamental information to conserve native honey bees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annik Imogen Gmel
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Animal Production Systems and Animal HealthAgroscopePosieuxSwitzerland
| | - Matthieu Guichard
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Animal Production Systems and Animal HealthAgroscopePosieuxSwitzerland
- Swiss Bee Research CentreAgroscopeLiebefeldSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Sonia Eynard
- GenPhySEINRAE, INPT, INPENVTUniversité de ToulouseCastanet‐TolosanFrance
- UMT PrADEProtection des Abeilles Dans L'EnvironnementAvignonFrance
| | - Alain Vignal
- GenPhySEINRAE, INPT, INPENVTUniversité de ToulouseCastanet‐TolosanFrance
- UMT PrADEProtection des Abeilles Dans L'EnvironnementAvignonFrance
| | - Bertrand Servin
- GenPhySEINRAE, INPT, INPENVTUniversité de ToulouseCastanet‐TolosanFrance
- UMT PrADEProtection des Abeilles Dans L'EnvironnementAvignonFrance
| | | | - Markus Neuditschko
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Animal Production Systems and Animal HealthAgroscopePosieuxSwitzerland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tang J, Yu R, Zhang Y, Xie J, Song X, Feng F, Gao H, Li B. Molecular and functional analysis of eclosion hormone-like gene involved in post-eclosion behavior in a beetle. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 142:104429. [PMID: 35964679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104429] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Eclosion hormone (EH) is a neurohormone that plays a key role in the regulation of insect pre-ecdysis behavior at the end of each molt. Previous research has reported more than one EH gene was found in certain insects, with their functions and mechanisms still unclear. Here, aside from the classical EH gene orthologous group, we characterized another novel orthologous cluster of eclosion hormone-like (EHL) genes in Arthropoda and investigated the roles of EHL during development in Tribolium castaneum. T. castaneum EHL (TcEHL) shows high expression levels during pupal - adult development, which also positively responded to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment as well as RNA interference (RNAi) of ECR (20E nuclear receptor). Knockdown of TcEHL prevented the tanning of the adult cuticle and caused lethal phenotypes. Further analysis indicated that knockdown of TcEHL could upregulate expression levels of the classical TcEH, and downregulate the ecdysis behavior cascade genes, as well as tanning pathway enzymes. This suggests a critical role for TcEHL in adult eclosion and cuticle tanning. In addition, our data indicated that TcEHL is responsible for the female reproduction process. Taken together, these results suggest that TcEHL has specific roles in adult cuticle tanning during the post-eclosion process and female reproduction. They also suggest that EHL gene is the ancestral copy for the EH family and it is functionally shuffled by synfunctionalization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Runnan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Yonglei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Jia Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Xiaowen Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang CS, Sun LL, Xie JM, Cao CW. RNAi-based functional analysis of bursicon genes related to wing expansion in gypsy moths. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 139:104398. [PMID: 35537524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Bursicon is a heterodimeric neuropeptide composed of Burs-α and Burs-β subunits that plays an important role in cuticle tanning and wing expansion in insects. In this study, full-length cDNAs of Burs-α (LdBurs-α) and Burs-β (LdBurs-β) genes were identified in gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and cloned. The 480 bp and 420 bp open reading frames (ORFs) encode 159 and 129 amino acid polypeptides, respectively. LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β have 11 conserved cysteine residues, and LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β genes were expressed during all developmental stages according to quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), with highest expression in the egg stage. High expression levels were also detected in the haemolymph, cuticle and head. To explore the physiological functions of LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β, the genes were knocked down in larvae and pupae using RNA interference (RNAi), and expression levels of LdBurs-α and LdBurs-β were decreased by 42.26-80.09%. Wing defects were observed in L. dispar pupae following Ldbursion silencing, with a phenotypic percentage ranging from 10.17% to 15.00%. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Ldbursicon prevented the expansion of male and female L. dispar adult wings, with malformation rates ranging from 6.38% and 30.00% to 57.69% and 69.23%, but no cuticle tanning defects were observed in pupae or adults. The results indicate that bursicon plays a key role in wing expansion in L. dispar adults, making it a potentially novel molecular target for insecticide-based control of this pest species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Shu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Li-Li Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Jia-Ming Xie
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China
| | - Chuan-Wang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu WT, Chen CC, Ji DD, Tu WC. The cecropin-prophenoloxidase regulatory mechanism is a cross-species physiological function in mosquitoes. iScience 2022; 25:104478. [PMID: 35712072 PMCID: PMC9194137 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
This study's aim was to investigate whether the cecropin-prophenoloxidase regulatory mechanism is a cross-species physiological function among mosquitoes. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis revealed that three mosquito cecropin Bs, namely Aedes albopictus cecropin B (Aalcec B), Armigeres subalbatus cecropin B2 (Ascec B2), and Culex quinquefasciatus cecropin B1 (Cqcec B1), play crucial roles in cuticle formation during pupal development via the regulation of prophenoloxidase 3 (PPO 3). The effects of cecropin B knockdown were rescued in a cross-species manner by injecting synthetic cecropin B peptide into pupae. Further investigations showed that these three cecropin B peptides bind to TTGG(A/C)A motifs within each of the PPO 3 DNA fragments obtained from these three mosquitoes. These results suggest that Aalcec B, Ascec B2, and Cqcec B1 each play an important role as a transcription factor in cuticle formation and that similar cecropin-prophenoloxidase regulatory mechanisms exist in multiple mosquito species. Cecropin B is able to regulate PPO 3 expression in the pupae Cecropin B binds to TTGG(A/C)A motifs within the PPO 3 DNA The knockdown of cecropin B was rescued by sequence-similar cecropin B peptides The cecropin B-prophenoloxidase 3 regulatory mechanism is conserved in mosquitoes
Collapse
|
10
|
Sun L, Zhang C, Yan L, Wang X, Wang Z, Cao C. Bursicon receptor gene HLGR2 as a potential RNA interference target for control of the fall webworm Hyphantria cunea. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:1492-1499. [PMID: 34962063 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) have been identified as a new generation of attractive targets for RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest control. A functional study of the leucine-rich repeat-containing (LGR2) gene in Hyphantria cunea (HLGR2) was performed to examine whether it can be used in the molecular control of this notorious pest. RESULTS The complementary DNA (cDNA) sequence and deduced amino acids of HLGR2 were obtained and analyzed in the present study. HLGR2 is a typical GPCR and shows high structural and sequence similarity with other insect LGR2 proteins. The spatiotemporal expression profiles of HLGR2 showed that HLGR2 was highly expressed at the egg stage and tissues of head and silk gland. After RNAi of HLGR2, distinct phenotypes were observed when HLGR2 expression was suppressed, indicating that HLGR2 is essential in pupation and eclosion. HLGR2 RNAi led to a low pupation rate (45.00%), body malformation, abnormal wing expansion, failed cuticle melanization (63.33%), and high mortality rate (48.33%). Furthermore, we identified eight genes that are regulated by HLGR2. The expression of these eight genes was induced by the HLGR2 signaling pathway and correlated well with cuticle sclerotization. Unlike LGR2 in other insect species, HLGR2 was found to play a crucial role in the control of H. cunea during ecdysis and postecdysial stages. CONCLUSION HLGR2 is essential for the growth and development and wing expansion and maturation in H. cunea, suggesting HLGR2 is a promising candidate for application in RNAi-based control of this notorious agriculture-forest pest. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Chenshu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Liqiong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Zhiying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Chuanwang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, School of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xie J, Sang M, Song X, Zhang S, Kim D, Veenstra JA, Park Y, Li B. A new neuropeptide insect parathyroid hormone iPTH in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008772. [PMID: 32365064 PMCID: PMC7224569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In the postgenomics era, comparative genomics have advanced the understanding of evolutionary processes of neuropeptidergic signaling systems. The evolutionary origin of many neuropeptidergic signaling systems can be traced date back to early metazoan evolution based on the conserved sequences. Insect parathyroid hormone receptor (iPTHR) was previously described as an ortholog of vertebrate PTHR that has a well-known function in controlling bone remodeling. However, there was no sequence homologous to PTH sequence in insect genomes, leaving the iPTHR as an orphan receptor. Here, we identified the authentic ligand insect PTH (iPTH) for the iPTHR. The taxonomic distribution of iPTHR, which is lacking in Diptera and Lepidoptera, provided a lead for identifying the authentic ligand. We found that a previously described orphan ligand known as PXXXamide (where X is any amino acid) described in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis has a similar taxonomic distribution pattern as iPTHR. Tests of this peptide, iPTH, in functional reporter assays confirmed the interaction of the ligand-receptor pair. Study of a model beetle, Tribolium castaneum, was used to investigate the function of the iPTH signaling system by RNA interference followed by RNA sequencing and phenotyping. The results suggested that the iPTH system is likely involved in the regulation of cuticle formation that culminates with a phenotype of defects in wing exoskeleton maturation at the time of adult eclosion. Moreover, RNAi of iPTHRs also led to significant reductions in egg numbers and hatching rates after parental RNAi. Vertebrate parathyroid hormone (PTH) and its receptors have been extensively studied with respect to their function in bone remodeling and calcium metabolism. Insect parathyroid hormone receptors (iPTHRs) have been previously described as counterparts of vertebrate PTHRs, however, they are still orphan receptors for which the authentic ligands and biological functions remain unknown. We describe an insect form of parathyroid hormone (iPTH) by analyzing its interactions with iPTHRs. Identification of this new insect peptidergic system proved that the PTH system is an ancestral signaling system dating back to the evolutionary time before the divergence of protostomes and deuterostomes. We also investigated the functions of the iPTH system in a model beetle Tribolium castaneum by using RNA interference. RNA interference of iPTHR resulted in defects in wing exoskeleton maturation and fecundity. Based on the differential gene expression patterns and the phenotype induced by RNAi, we propose that the iPTH system is likely involved in the regulation of exoskeletal cuticle formation and fecundity in insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xie
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
| | - Ming Sang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaowen Song
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sisi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Donghun Kim
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju, Korea
| | - Jan A. Veenstra
- INCIA UMR 5287 CNRS, University of Bordeaux, Pessac, France
- * E-mail: (JAV); (YP); (BL)
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JAV); (YP); (BL)
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
- * E-mail: (JAV); (YP); (BL)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Pinheiro DH, Taylor CE, Wu K, Siegfried BD. Delivery of gene-specific dsRNA by microinjection and feeding induces RNAi response in Sri Lanka weevil, Myllocerus undecimpustulatus undatus Marshall. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:936-943. [PMID: 31461216 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) is widely used in entomological research for functional analysis of genes and is being considered as a new tool for insect pest management. Sri Lanka weevil (SLW) is a highly polyphagous pest of agronomically important plants, but currently only a few control methods are available for this insect. RESULTS In the present study, we evaluated the stability of candidate reference genes β-ACT, α-TUB, EF1-α, RPL12 and GAPDH, and identified EF1-α as the most reliable for gene expression normalization. Four target genes involved in different cellular processes, including Prosα2, RPS13, Snf7 and V-ATPase A were selected to evaluate whether RNAi response in SLW adults can be triggered by microinjection and oral feeding of their double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). Three days after injection of the dsRNAs for the target genes, their transcript levels were significantly reduced (up to 91.4%) when compared to the control. Additionally, weevils fed with the target dsRNAs showed significant decreases in gene transcript levels and significant mortality was observed in insects treated with Prosα2 and Snf7 dsRNAs (78.6 to 92.7%). CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that microinjection and feeding of dsRNA produce a strong RNAi response in SLW, indicating that RNAi-based strategies could be explored to develop a selective and environmentally safe control method against SLW. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele H Pinheiro
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Caitlin E Taylor
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ke Wu
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Blair D Siegfried
- Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Flaven-Pouchon J, Alvarez JV, Rojas C, Ewer J. The tanning hormone, bursicon, does not act directly on the epidermis to tan the Drosophila exoskeleton. BMC Biol 2020; 18:17. [PMID: 32075655 PMCID: PMC7029472 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-0742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In insects, continuous growth requires the periodic replacement of the exoskeleton. Once the remains of the exoskeleton from the previous stage have been shed during ecdysis, the new one is rapidly sclerotized (hardened) and melanized (pigmented), a process collectively known as tanning. The rapid tanning that occurs after ecdysis is critical for insect survival, as it reduces desiccation, and gives the exoskeleton the rigidity needed to support the internal organs and to provide a solid anchor for the muscles. This rapid postecdysial tanning is triggered by the "tanning hormone", bursicon. Since bursicon is released into the hemolymph, it has naturally been assumed that it would act on the epidermal cells to cause the tanning of the overlying exoskeleton. RESULTS Here we investigated the site of bursicon action in Drosophila by examining the consequences on tanning of disabling the bursicon receptor (encoded by the rickets gene) in different tissues. To our surprise, we found that rapid tanning does not require rickets function in the epidermis but requires it instead in peptidergic neurons of the ventral nervous system (VNS). Although we were unable to identify the signal that is transmitted from the VNS to the epidermis, we show that neurons that express the Drosophila insulin-like peptide ILP7, but not the ILP7 peptide itself, are involved. In addition, we found that some of the bursicon targets involved in melanization are different from those that cause sclerotization. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that bursicon does not act directly on the epidermis to cause the tanning of the overlying exoskeleton but instead requires an intermediary messenger produced by peptidergic neurons within the central nervous system. Thus, this work has uncovered an unexpected layer of control in a process that is critical for insect survival, which will significantly alter the direction of future research aimed at understanding how rapid postecdysial tanning occurs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier V Alvarez
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Candy Rojas
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - John Ewer
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaiso, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Du L, Wang M, Li J, He S, Huang J, Wu J. Characterization of a Vitellogenin Receptor in the Bumblebee, Bombus lantschouensis (Hymenoptera, Apidae). INSECTS 2019; 10:E445. [PMID: 31842304 PMCID: PMC6955983 DOI: 10.3390/insects10120445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The vitellogenin receptor (VgR) belongs to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family, responsible for mediating the endocytosis of vitellogenin (Vg) into the ovaries to promote ovarian growth and oviposition. Here, we cloned and measured VgR gene expression characteristics in the bumblebee Bombus lantschouensis. RNA interference was used to validate VgR function. The results showed that the full length of the BLVgR cDNA was 5519 bp, which included a 5280 bp open reading frame encoding 1759 amino acids (AAs). Sequence alignment revealed that the protein contained 12 LDLa, 5 EGF, 2 EGF-CA and 10 LY domains. Phylogenetic analysis showed that BLVgR and the VgR of Bombus terrestris clustered together and the tree of bumblebees (Bombus) appeared as one clade next to honeybees (Apis). Transcript expression analysis showed that BLVgR was expressed in all tested tissues and showed the highest abundance in the ovaries. BLVgR expression was present in all developmental stages. However, the expression level in larvae was extremely low. In addition, the expression of BLVgR was significantly upregulated after egg laying in both workers and queens. In new emerging workers injected with 5 µg of VgR dsRNA, the expression level of BLVgR was 4-fold lower than that in the GFP dsRNA-injected group after 72 h. Furthermore, BLVgR silencing significantly reduced the number of eggs laid (3.67 ± 1.96 eggs) and delayed the first egg-laying time (16.31 ± 2.07 days) in worker microcolonies when compared to dsGFP (37.31 ± 4.09 eggs, 8.15 ± 0.22 days) and DEPC-treated water injected controls (16.42 ± 2.24 eggs, 10.00 ± 0.37 days). In conclusion, the BLVgR gene and its reproductive function were explored in the bumblebee B. lantschouensis. This gene plays an important role in egg laying time and egg number.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Du
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (L.D.); (S.H.)
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China;
| | - Mingming Wang
- Nanchuan Bureau of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Chongqing 408400, China;
| | - Jilian Li
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China;
| | - Shaoyu He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (L.D.); (S.H.)
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China;
| | - Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, China;
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Singh S, Gupta M, Pandher S, Kaur G, Goel N, Rathore P. Using de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis to study RNAi in Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Sci Rep 2019; 9:13710. [PMID: 31548628 PMCID: PMC6757040 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49997-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenacoccus solenopsis is one of the major polyphagous crop pests in India. Inadequate genomic or transcriptomic resources have limited the molecular studies in this insect despite its huge economic importance. The existing molecular sequence resources of this insect were supplemented through RNA sequencing, de novo transcriptome assembly and analysis, which generated 12, 925 CDS from 23,643 contigs with an average size of 1077.5 bp per CDS and 85.1% positive BLAST hits with NCBI Non redundant (nr) database. Twenty three genes involved in RNAi machinery identified through BLASTx search against NCBI nr database suggested the existence of robust RNAi in mealybug. RNAi in P. solenopsis was demonstrated through knockdown of IAP (Inhibitor of Apoptosis), AQP (Aquaporin), CAL (Calcitonin), VATPase (V-type proton ATPase subunit F 1), bursicon, chitin synthase, SNF7 and α-amylase by injecting sequence specific dsRNA of respective genes in adult female. Additionally, feeding RNAi has been demonstrated in 2nd instar nymph through dsRNA uptake in plant. The knockdown of core RNAi machinery genes such as Dicer, Argonaute and Staufen significantly hampered RNAi efficiency in this insect. However, downregulation of dsRNases improved RNAi efficiency. Sequential studies for understanding RNAi in P. solenopsis using transcriptome sequences have also been reported. The present study provides a base for future research on developing RNAi as strategy for management of this pest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satnam Singh
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India.
| | - Mridula Gupta
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Suneet Pandher
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Gurmeet Kaur
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| | - Neha Goel
- Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttaranchal, India
| | - Pankaj Rathore
- Punjab Agricultural University, Regional Research Station, Faridkot, 151203, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Alshukri B, Astarita F, Al‐Esawy M, El Halim HMESA, Pennacchio F, Gatehouse AMR, Edwards MG. Targeting the potassium ion channel genes SK and SH as a novel approach for control of insect pests: efficacy and biosafety. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2019; 75:2505-2516. [PMID: 31207012 PMCID: PMC6771844 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potassium ion channels play a critical role in the generation of electrical signals and thus provide potential targets for control of insect pests by RNA interference. RESULTS Genes encoding the small conductance calcium-activated potassium channel (SK) and the voltage-gated potassium channel (SH) were knocked down in Tribolium castaneum by injection and oral delivery of dsRNA (dsTcSK and dsTcSH, respectively). Irrespective of the delivery mechanism a dose-dependent effect was observed for knockdown (KD) of gene expression and insect mortality for both genes. Larvae fed a 400 ng dsRNA mg-1 diet showed significant gene (P < 0.05) knockdown (98% and 83%) for SK and SH, respectively, with corresponding mortalities of 100% and 98% after 7 days. When injected (248.4 ng larva-1 ), gene KD was 99% and 98% for SK and SH, causing 100% and 73.4% mortality, respectively. All developmental stages tested (larvae, early- and late-stage pupae and adults) showed an RNAi-sensitive response for both genes. LC50 values were lower for SK than SH, irrespective of delivery method, demonstrating that the knockdown of SK had a greater effect on larval mortality. Biosafety studies using adult honeybee Apis mellifera showed that there were no significant differences either in expression levels or mortality of honeybees orally dosed with dsTcSK and dsTcSH compared to control-fed bees. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the titre of deformed wing virus, used as a measure of immune suppression, between experimental and control bees. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates the potential of using RNAi targeting neural receptors as a technology for the control of T. castaneum. © 2019 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baida Alshukri
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
| | - Federica Astarita
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Laboratory of Entomology “E. Tremblay”University of Napoli “Federico II”PorticiItaly
| | - Mushtaq Al‐Esawy
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
- Department of Plant ProtectionUniversity of KufaIraq
| | - Hesham Mohamed El Sayed Abd El Halim
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
- Entomology Department, Faculty of ScienceBenha UniversityBenhaEgypt
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Laboratory of Entomology “E. Tremblay”University of Napoli “Federico II”PorticiItaly
| | | | - Martin Gethin Edwards
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Newcastle UniversityNewcastle‐upon‐TyneUK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Falcon T, Pinheiro DG, Ferreira-Caliman MJ, Turatti ICC, de Abreu FCP, Galaschi-Teixeira JS, Martins JR, Elias-Neto M, Soares MPM, Laure MB, Figueiredo VLC, Lopes NP, Simões ZLP, Garófalo CA, Bitondi MMG. Exploring integument transcriptomes, cuticle ultrastructure, and cuticular hydrocarbons profiles in eusocial and solitary bee species displaying heterochronic adult cuticle maturation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213796. [PMID: 30870522 PMCID: PMC6417726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in the timing of exoskeleton melanization and sclerotization are evident when comparing eusocial and solitary bees. This cuticular maturation heterochrony may be associated with life style, considering that eusocial bees remain protected inside the nest for many days after emergence, while the solitary bees immediately start outside activities. To address this issue, we characterized gene expression using large-scale RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and quantified cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in comparative studies of the integument (cuticle plus its underlying epidermis) of two eusocial and a solitary bee species. In addition, we used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for studying the developing cuticle of these and other three bee species also differing in life style. We found 13,200, 55,209 and 30,161 transcript types in the integument of the eusocial Apis mellifera and Frieseomelitta varia, and the solitary Centris analis, respectively. In general, structural cuticle proteins and chitin-related genes were upregulated in pharate-adults and newly-emerged bees whereas transcripts for odorant binding proteins, cytochrome P450 and antioxidant proteins were overrepresented in foragers. Consistent with our hypothesis, a distance correlation analysis based on the differentially expressed genes suggested delayed cuticle maturation in A. mellifera in comparison to the solitary bee. However, this was not confirmed in the comparison with F. varia. The expression profiles of 27 of 119 genes displaying functional attributes related to cuticle formation/differentiation were positively correlated between A. mellifera and F. varia, and negatively or non-correlated with C. analis, suggesting roles in cuticular maturation heterochrony. However, we also found transcript profiles positively correlated between each one of the eusocial species and C. analis. Gene co-expression networks greatly differed between the bee species, but we identified common gene interactions exclusively between the eusocial species. Except for F. varia, the TEM analysis is consistent with cuticle development timing adapted to the social or solitary life style. In support to our hypothesis, the absolute quantities of n-alkanes and unsaturated CHCs were significantly higher in foragers than in the earlier developmental phases of the eusocial bees, but did not discriminate newly-emerged from foragers in C. analis. By highlighting differences in integument gene expression, cuticle ultrastructure, and CHC profiles between eusocial and solitary bees, our data provided insights into the process of heterochronic cuticle maturation associated to the way of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Falcon
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Núcleo de Bioinformática, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daniel G. Pinheiro
- Departamento de Tecnologia, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita Filho”, Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Maria Juliana Ferreira-Caliman
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Izabel C. C. Turatti
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Fabiano C. Pinto de Abreu
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Juliana S. Galaschi-Teixeira
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Juliana R. Martins
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Moysés Elias-Neto
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Michelle P. M. Soares
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marcela B. Laure
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vera L. C. Figueiredo
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Norberto Peporine Lopes
- Departamento de Física e Química, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Zilá L. P. Simões
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carlos A. Garófalo
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Márcia M. G. Bitondi
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mello TRP, Aleixo AC, Pinheiro DG, Nunes FMF, Cristino AS, Bitondi MMG, Barchuk AR, Simões ZLP. Hormonal control and target genes of ftz-f1 expression in the honeybee Apis mellifera: a positive loop linking juvenile hormone, ftz-f1, and vitellogenin. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:145-159. [PMID: 30270498 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ftz-f1 is an orphan member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. A 20-hydroxyecdysone pulse allows ftz-f1 gene expression, which then regulates the activity of downstream genes involved in major developmental progression events. In honeybees, the expression of genes like vitellogenin (vg), prophenoloxidase and juvenile hormone-esterase during late pharate-adult development is known to be hormonally controlled in both queens and workers by increasing juvenile hormone (JH) titres in the presence of declining levels of ecdysteroids. Since Ftz-f1 is known for mediating intracellular JH signalling, we hypothesized that ftz-f1 could mediate JH action during the pharate-adult development of honeybees, thus controlling the expression of these genes. Here, we show that ftz-f1 has caste-specific transcription profiles during this developmental period, with a peak coinciding with the increase in JH titre, and that its expression is upregulated by JH and downregulated by ecdysteroids. RNAi-mediated knock down of ftz-f1 showed that the expression of genes essential for adult development (e.g. vg and cuticular genes) depends on ftz-f1 expression. Finally, a double-repressor hypothesis-inspired vg gene knock-down experiment suggests the existence of a positive molecular loop between JH, ftz-f1 and vg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T R P Mello
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A C Aleixo
- Departamento de Genética, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D G Pinheiro
- Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F M F Nunes
- Departamento de Genética e Evolução, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A S Cristino
- Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - M M G Bitondi
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A R Barchuk
- Departamento de Biologia Celular e do Desenvolvimento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas, UNIFAL-MG, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Z L P Simões
- Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|