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Hu X, Cheng F, Gong Z, Qin K, Shan T, Li W, Zhang L, Yan W, Zeng Z, Wang Z. Knockout of a single Pax6 gene (toy but not ey) leads to compound eye deficiency and small head in honeybees. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1319. [PMID: 39402171 PMCID: PMC11473719 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-07016-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2024] [Indexed: 10/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The compound eyes are crucial to honeybees, playing pivotal roles in color recognition, orientation, localization, and navigation processes. The development of compound eyes is primarily mastered by an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor Pax6. In honeybees, there are two Pax6 homologs: ey and toy. To gain a deeper understanding of their functions, we knock out both homologs using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Intriguingly, we observe that toy knockout mutants have smaller heads without compound eyes and exhibit brain atrophy, while ey knockout mutants develop normal compound eyes, most of which die before/during their metamorphosis from pupa to adult. By comparing the head transcriptomes of four stages (larva, prepupa, pupa, and adult) in toy-knockout mutants versus normal controls, we identify significantly perturbed genes related to DNA binding transcription factors, neuron differentiation, and insect visual primordium development. Additionally, we find the interaction network of toy in honeybees differs obviously from that of D. melanogaster. Our findings suggest the two Pax6 genes serve distinct functions in honeybees and toy takes over the central function of ey in master-regulating the development of honeybee compound eyes. This adds new evidence for breaking the simplified view that some of conservative developmental toolkit genes function as all-or-nothing master regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Hu
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fuping Cheng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhixian Gong
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kaixin Qin
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tingting Shan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Lizhen Zhang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Weiyu Yan
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhijiang Zeng
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.
| | - Zilong Wang
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China.
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Brenman-Suttner D, Zayed A. An integrative genomic toolkit for studying the genetic, evolutionary, and molecular underpinnings of eusociality in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 65:101231. [PMID: 38977215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
While genomic resources for social insects have vastly increased over the past two decades, we are still far from understanding the genetic and molecular basis of eusociality. Here, we briefly review three scientific advancements that, when integrated, can be highly synergistic for advancing our knowledge of the genetics and evolution of eusocial traits. Population genomics provides a natural way to quantify the strength of natural selection on coding and regulatory sequences, highlighting genes that have undergone adaptive evolution during the evolution or maintenance of eusociality. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) can be used to characterize the complex genetic architecture underlying eusocial traits and identify candidate causal variants. Concurrently, CRISPR/Cas9 enables the precise manipulation of gene function to both validate genotype-phenotype associations and study the molecular biology underlying interesting traits. While each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, which we discuss herein, we argue that their combination will ultimately help us better understand the genetics and evolution of eusocial behavior. Specifically, by triangulating across these three different approaches, researchers can directly identify and study loci that have a causal association with key phenotypes and have evidence of positive selection over the relevant timescales associated with the evolution and maintenance of eusociality in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amro Zayed
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Maleszka R. Reminiscences on the honeybee genome project and the rise of epigenetic concepts in insect science. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:444-456. [PMID: 38196200 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12888] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The sequencing of the honeybee genome in 2006 was an important technological and logistic achievement experience. But what benefits have flown from the honeybee genome project? What does the annotated genomic assembly mean for the study of behavioural complexity and organismal function in honeybees? Here, I discuss several lines of research that have arisen from this project and highlight the rapidly expanding studies on insect epigenomics, emergent properties of royal jelly, the mechanism of nutritional control of development and the contribution of epigenomic regulation to the evolution of sociality. I also argue that the term 'insect epigenetics' needs to be carefully redefined to reflect the diversity of epigenomic toolkits in insects and the impact of lineage-specific innovations on organismal outcomes. The honeybee genome project helped pioneer advances in social insect molecular biology, and fuelled breakthrough research into the role of flexible epigenomic control systems in linking genotype to phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryszard Maleszka
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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4
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Zhang MQ, Gong LL, Zhao YQ, Ma YF, Long GJ, Guo H, Liu XZ, Hull JJ, Dewer Y, Yang C, Zhang NN, He M, He P. Efficient DIPA-CRISPR-mediated knockout of an eye pigment gene in the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:1015-1025. [PMID: 37919237 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13286] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Although CRISPR/Cas9 has been widely used in insect gene editing, the need for the microinjection of preblastoderm embryos can preclude the technique being used in insect species with eggs that are small, have hard shells, and/or are difficult to collect and maintain outside of their normal environment. Such is the case with Sogatella furcifera, the white-backed planthopper (WBPH), a significant pest of Oryza sativa (rice) that oviposits inside rice stems. Egg extraction from the stem runs the risk of mechanical damage and hatching is heavily influenced by the micro-environment of the rice stem. To bypass these issues, we targeted embryos prior to oviposition via direct parental (DIPA)-CRISPR, in which Cas9 and single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for the WBPH eye pigment gene tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase were injected into the hemocoel of adult females. Females at varying numbers of days posteclosion were evaluated to determine at what stage their oocyte might be most capable of taking up the gene-editing components. An evaluation of the offspring indicated that the highest G0 gene-edited efficacy (56.7%) occurred in females injected 2 d posteclosion, and that those mutations were heritably transmitted to the G1 generation. This study demonstrates the potential utility of DIPA-CRISPR for future gene-editing studies in non-model insect species and can facilitate the development of novel pest management applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Qi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lang-Lang Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yun-Feng Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Gui-Jun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Huan Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xuan-Zheng Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, Arizona, USA
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Chao Yang
- Guizhou Jifeng Seed Industry Limited Liability Company, Xingyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ning-Ning Zhang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Peng He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Pyenson BC, Rehan SM. Gene regulation supporting sociality shared across lineages and variation in complexity. Genome 2024; 67:99-108. [PMID: 38096504 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2023-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Across evolutionary lineages, insects vary in social complexity, from those that exhibit extended parental care to those with elaborate divisions of labor. Here, we synthesize the sociogenomic resources from hundreds of species to describe common gene regulatory mechanisms in insects that regulate social organization across phylogeny and levels of social complexity. Different social phenotypes expressed by insects can be linked to the organization of co-expressing gene networks and features of the epigenetic landscape. Insect sociality also stems from processes like the emergence of parental care and the decoupling of ancestral genetic programs. One underexplored avenue is how variation in a group's social environment affects the gene expression of individuals. Additionally, an experimental reduction of gene expression would demonstrate how the activity of specific genes contributes to insect social phenotypes. While tissue specificity provides greater localization of the gene expression underlying social complexity, emerging transcriptomic analysis of insect brains at the cellular level provides even greater resolution to understand the molecular basis of social insect evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra M Rehan
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
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6
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De Rouck S, Mocchetti A, Dermauw W, Van Leeuwen T. SYNCAS: Efficient CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing in difficult to transform arthropods. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 165:104068. [PMID: 38171463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104068] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The genome editing technique CRISPR/Cas9 has led to major advancements in many research fields and this state-of-the-art tool has proven its use in genetic studies for various arthropods. However, most transformation protocols rely on microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 components into embryos, a method which is challenging for many species. Alternatively, injections can be performed on adult females, but transformation efficiencies can be very low as was shown for the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, a minute but important chelicerate pest on many crops. In this study, we explored different CRISPR/Cas9 formulations to optimize a maternal injection protocol for T. urticae. We observed a strong synergy between branched amphipathic peptide capsules and saponins, resulting in a significant increase of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out efficiency, exceeding 20%. This CRISPR/Cas9 formulation, termed SYNCAS, was used to knock-out different T. urticae genes - phytoene desaturase, CYP384A1 and Antennapedia - but also allowed to develop a co-CRISPR strategy and facilitated the generation of T. urticae knock-in mutants. In addition, SYNCAS was successfully applied to knock-out white and white-like genes in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. The SYNCAS method allows routine genome editing in these species and can be a game changer for genetic research in other hard to transform arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander De Rouck
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Antonio Mocchetti
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Wannes Dermauw
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium.
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Komal J, Desai HR, Samal I, Mastinu A, Patel RD, Kumar PVD, Majhi PK, Mahanta DK, Bhoi TK. Unveiling the Genetic Symphony: Harnessing CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing for Effective Insect Pest Management. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3961. [PMID: 38068598 PMCID: PMC10708123 DOI: 10.3390/plants12233961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2024]
Abstract
Phytophagous insects pose a significant threat to global crop yield and food security. The need for increased agricultural output while reducing dependence on harmful synthetic insecticides necessitates the implementation of innovative methods. The utilization of CRISPR-Cas (Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) technology to develop insect pest-resistant plants is believed to be a highly effective approach in reducing production expenses and enhancing the profitability of farms. Insect genome research provides vital insights into gene functions, allowing for a better knowledge of insect biology, adaptability, and the development of targeted pest management and disease prevention measures. The CRISPR-Cas gene editing technique has the capability to modify the DNA of insects, either to trigger a gene drive or to overcome their resistance to specific insecticides. The advancements in CRISPR technology and its various applications have shown potential in developing insect-resistant varieties of plants and other strategies for effective pest management through a sustainable approach. This could have significant consequences for ensuring food security. This approach involves using genome editing to create modified insects or crop plants. The article critically analyzed and discussed the potential and challenges associated with exploring and utilizing CRISPR-Cas technology for reducing insect pest pressure in crop plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Komal
- Basic Seed Multiplication and Training Centre, Central Silk Board, Kharaswan 833216, Jharkhand, India;
| | - H. R. Desai
- Department of Entomology, Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat 395007, Gujarat, India; (H.R.D.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Ipsita Samal
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Litchi, Mushahari, Ramna, Muzaffarpur 842002, Bihar, India;
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - R. D. Patel
- Department of Entomology, Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Surat 395007, Gujarat, India; (H.R.D.); (R.D.P.)
| | - P. V. Dinesh Kumar
- Research Extension Centre, Central Silk Board, Hoshangabad 461001, Madhya Pradesh, India;
| | - Prasanta Kumar Majhi
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar 751003, Odisha, India;
| | - Deepak Kumar Mahanta
- Forest Entomology Discipline, Forest Protection Division, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)-Forest Research Institute (ICFRE-FRI), Dehradun 248006, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Tanmaya Kumar Bhoi
- Forest Protection Division, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE)-Arid Forest Research Institute (ICFRE-AFRI), Jodhpur 342005, Rajasthan, India
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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.
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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.
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Bai Y, He Y, Shen CZ, Li K, Li DL, He ZQ. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated genomic knock out of tyrosine hydroxylase and yellow genes in cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0284124. [PMID: 37036877 PMCID: PMC10085040 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Gryllus bimaculatus is an emerging model organism in various fields of biology such as behavior, neurology, physiology and genetics. Recently, application of reverse genetics provides an opportunity of understanding the functional genomics and manipulating gene regulation networks with specific physiological response in G. bimaculatus. By using CRISPR/Cas9 system in G. bimaculatus, we present an efficient knockdown of Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and yellow-y, which are involved in insect melanin and catecholamine-biosynthesis pathway. As an enzyme catalyzing the conversion of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, TH confines the first step reaction in the pathway. Yellow protein (dopachrome conversion enzyme, DCE) is also involved in the melanin biosynthetic pathway. The regulation system and molecular mechanism of melanin biogenesis in the pigmentation and their physiological functions in G. bimaculatus hasn't been well defined by far for lacking of in vivo models. Deletion and insertion of nucleotides in target sites of both TH and Yellow are detected in both F0 individuals and the inheritable F1 progenies. We confirm that TH and yellow-y are down-regulated in mutants by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Compared with the control group, mutations of TH and yellow-y genes result in defects in pigmentation. Most F0 nymphs with mutations of TH gene die by the first instar, and the only adult had significant defects in the wings and legs. However, we could not get any homozygotes of TH mutants for all the F2 die by the first instar. Therefore, TH gene is very important for the growth and development of G. bimaculatus. When the yellow-y gene is knocked out, 71.43% of G. bimaculatus are light brown, with a slight mosaic on the abdomen. The yellow-y gene can be inherited stably through hybridization experiment with no obvious phenotype except lighter cuticular color. The present loss of function study indicates the essential roles of TH and yellow in pigmentation, and TH possesses profound and extensive effects of dopamine synthesis in embryonic development in G. bimaculatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Bai
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan He
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chu-Ze Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Liang Li
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhu-Qing He
- School of Life Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Ma B, Ma C, Li J, Fang Y. Revealing phosphorylation regulatory networks during embryogenesis of honey bee worker and drone (Apis mellifera). Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1006964. [PMID: 36225314 PMCID: PMC9548569 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1006964] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein phosphorylation is known to regulate a comprehensive scenario of critical cellular processes. However, phosphorylation-mediated regulatory networks in honey bee embryogenesis are mainly unknown. We identified 6342 phosphosites from 2438 phosphoproteins and predicted 168 kinases in the honey bee embryo. Generally, the worker and drone develop similar phosphoproteome architectures and major phosphorylation events during embryogenesis. In 24 h embryos, protein kinases A play vital roles in regulating cell proliferation and blastoderm formation. At 48–72 h, kinase subfamily dual-specificity tyrosine-regulated kinase, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), and induced pathways related to protein synthesis and morphogenesis suggest the centrality to enhance the germ layer development, organogenesis, and dorsal closure. Notably, workers and drones formulated distinct phosphoproteome signatures. For 24 h embryos, the highly phosphorylated serine/threonine-protein kinase minibrain, microtubule-associated serine/threonine-protein kinase 2 (MAST2), and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) at Thr564 in workers, are likely to regulate the late onset of cell proliferation; in contrast, drone embryos enhanced the expression of CDK12, MAPK3, and MAST2 to promote the massive synthesis of proteins and cytoskeleton. In 48 h, the induced serine/threonine-protein kinase and CDK12 in worker embryos signify their roles in the construction of embryonic tissues and organs; however, the highly activated kinases CDK1, raf homolog serine/threonine-protein kinase, and MAST2 in drone embryos may drive the large-scale establishment of tissues and organs. In 72 h, the activated pathways and kinases associated with cell growth and tissue differentiation in worker embryos may promote the configuration of rudimentary organs. However, kinases implicated in cytoskeleton organization in drone embryos may drive the blastokinesis and dorsal closure. Our hitherto most comprehensive phosphoproteome offers a valuable resource for signaling research on phosphorylation dynamics in honey bee embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jianke Li
- *Correspondence: Jianke Li, ; Yu Fang,
| | - Yu Fang
- *Correspondence: Jianke Li, ; Yu Fang,
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11
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Wang Y, He X, Qiao L, Yu Z, Chen B, He Z. CRISPR/Cas9 mediates efficient site-specific mutagenesis of the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3294-3304. [PMID: 35484862 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anopheles sinensis is the most widely distributed mosquito species and is the main transmitter of Plasmodium vivax malaria in China. Most previous research has focused on the mechanistic understanding of biological processes in An. sinensis and novel ways of interrupting malaria transmission. However, the development of functional genomics and genetics-based vector control strategies against An. sinensis remain limited because of insufficient site-specific genome editing tools. RESULTS We report the first successful application of the CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knock-in for highly efficient, site-specific mutagenesis in An. sinensis. The EGFP marker gene driven by the 3 × P3 promoter was precisely integrated into the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) by direct injections of Cas9 protein, double-stranded DNA donor, and Orco-gRNA. We achieved a mutation rate of 3.77%, similar to rates in other mosquito species. Precise knock-in at the intended locus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequencing. The Orco mutation severely impaired mosquito sensitivity to some odors and their ability to locate and discriminate a human host. CONCLUSION Orco was confirmed as a key mediator of multiple olfactory-driven behaviors in the An. sinensis life cycle, highlighting the importance of Orco as a key molecular target for malaria control. The results also demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9 was a simple and highly efficient genome editing technique for An. sinensis and could be used to develop genetic control tools for this vector. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingfei He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengrong Yu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengbo He
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Vector Insects; Institute of Entomology and Molecular Biology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
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Navas-Zuloaga MG, Pavlic TP, Smith BH. Alternative model systems for cognitive variation: eusocial-insect colonies. Trends Cogn Sci 2022; 26:836-848. [PMID: 35864031 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the origins and maintenance of cognitive variation in animal populations is central to the study of the evolution of cognition. However, the brain is itself a complex, hierarchical network of heterogeneous components, from diverse cell types to diverse neuropils, each of which may be of limited use to study in isolation or prohibitively challenging to manipulate in situ. Consequently, highly tractable alternative model systems may be valuable tools. Eusocial-insect colonies display emergent cognitive-like properties from relatively simple social interactions between diverse subunits that can be observed and manipulated while operating collectively. Here, we review the individual-scale mechanisms that cause group-level variation in how colonies solve problems analogous to cognitive challenges faced by brains, like decision-making, attention, and search.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Theodore P Pavlic
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; School of Sustainability, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; School of Complex Adaptive Systems, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Brian H Smith
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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13
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von Reumont BM, Anderluh G, Antunes A, Ayvazyan N, Beis D, Caliskan F, Crnković A, Damm M, Dutertre S, Ellgaard L, Gajski G, German H, Halassy B, Hempel BF, Hucho T, Igci N, Ikonomopoulou MP, Karbat I, Klapa MI, Koludarov I, Kool J, Lüddecke T, Ben Mansour R, Vittoria Modica M, Moran Y, Nalbantsoy A, Ibáñez MEP, Panagiotopoulos A, Reuveny E, Céspedes JS, Sombke A, Surm JM, Undheim EAB, Verdes A, Zancolli G. Modern venomics-Current insights, novel methods, and future perspectives in biological and applied animal venom research. Gigascience 2022; 11:giac048. [PMID: 35640874 PMCID: PMC9155608 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Venoms have evolved >100 times in all major animal groups, and their components, known as toxins, have been fine-tuned over millions of years into highly effective biochemical weapons. There are many outstanding questions on the evolution of toxin arsenals, such as how venom genes originate, how venom contributes to the fitness of venomous species, and which modifications at the genomic, transcriptomic, and protein level drive their evolution. These questions have received particularly little attention outside of snakes, cone snails, spiders, and scorpions. Venom compounds have further become a source of inspiration for translational research using their diverse bioactivities for various applications. We highlight here recent advances and new strategies in modern venomics and discuss how recent technological innovations and multi-omic methods dramatically improve research on venomous animals. The study of genomes and their modifications through CRISPR and knockdown technologies will increase our understanding of how toxins evolve and which functions they have in the different ontogenetic stages during the development of venomous animals. Mass spectrometry imaging combined with spatial transcriptomics, in situ hybridization techniques, and modern computer tomography gives us further insights into the spatial distribution of toxins in the venom system and the function of the venom apparatus. All these evolutionary and biological insights contribute to more efficiently identify venom compounds, which can then be synthesized or produced in adapted expression systems to test their bioactivity. Finally, we critically discuss recent agrochemical, pharmaceutical, therapeutic, and diagnostic (so-called translational) aspects of venoms from which humans benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjoern M von Reumont
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Department for Applied Bioinformatics, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberg Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60235 Frankfurt, Germany
- Justus Liebig University Giessen, Institute for Insectbiotechnology, Heinrich Buff Ring 26-32, 35396 Giessen, Germany
| | - Gregor Anderluh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Agostinho Antunes
- CIIMAR/CIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos, s/n, 4450–208 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Naira Ayvazyan
- Orbeli Institute of Physiology of NAS RA, Orbeli ave. 22, 0028 Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Dimitris Beis
- Developmental Biology, Centre for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Figen Caliskan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ana Crnković
- Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maik Damm
- Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Chemistry, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Lars Ellgaard
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Goran Gajski
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Mutagenesis Unit, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hannah German
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Beata Halassy
- University of Zagreb, Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, Trg Republike Hrvatske 14, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Benjamin-Florian Hempel
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies BCRT, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tim Hucho
- Translational Pain Research, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Nasit Igci
- Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, 50300 Nevsehir, Turkey
| | - Maria P Ikonomopoulou
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Food, Madrid,E28049, Spain
- The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Izhar Karbat
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Maria I Klapa
- Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology Laboratory, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), Patras GR-26504, Greece
| | - Ivan Koludarov
- Justus Liebig University Giessen, Institute for Insectbiotechnology, Heinrich Buff Ring 26-32, 35396 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jeroen Kool
- Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Lüddecke
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Senckenberg Frankfurt, Senckenberganlage 25, 60235 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, 35392 Gießen, Germany
| | - Riadh Ben Mansour
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Gafsa University, Campus Universitaire Siidi Ahmed Zarrouk, 2112 Gafsa, Tunisia
| | - Maria Vittoria Modica
- Dept. of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms (BEOM), Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Via Po 25c, I-00198 Roma, Italy
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Ayse Nalbantsoy
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ege University, 35100 Bornova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - María Eugenia Pachón Ibáñez
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, and Preventive Medicine, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alexios Panagiotopoulos
- Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology Laboratory, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research & Technology Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), Patras GR-26504, Greece
- Animal Biology Division, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Patras, GR-26500, Greece
| | - Eitan Reuveny
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Javier Sánchez Céspedes
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology, and Preventive Medicine, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andy Sombke
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim M Surm
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Eivind A B Undheim
- University of Oslo, Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Postboks 1066 Blindern 0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Aida Verdes
- Department of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Giulia Zancolli
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Li R, Meng Q, Qi J, Hu L, Huang J, Zhang Y, Yang J, Sun J. Microinjection-based CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis in the decapoda crustaceans, Neocaridina heteropoda and Eriocheir sinensis. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:274276. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been applied to many arthropods. However, application of this technology to crustaceans remains limited due to the unique characteristics of embryos. Our group has developed a microinjection system to introduce the CRISPR/Cas9 system into Neocaridina heteropoda embryos (one-cell stage). Using the developed method, we mutated the target gene Nh-scarlet (N. heteropoda scarlet), which functions in eye development and pigmentation. The results showed that both eye color and shape were altered in individuals in which Nh-scarlet was knocked out. Furthermore, this system was also successfully applied to another decapod crustacean, Eriocheir sinensis. DNA sequencing revealed that the zoeae with red eyes had an edited version of Es-scarlet. This study provides a stable microinjection method for freshwater crustaceans, and will contribute to functional genomics studies in various decapods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghao Meng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiachen Qi
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Lezhen Hu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinwei Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Yichen Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiale Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinsheng Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Science, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, People's Republic of China
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15
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Feng W, Huang J, Zhang Z, Nie H, Lin Y, Li Z, Su S. Understanding of Waggle Dance in the Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) from the Perspective of Long Non-Coding RNA. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020111. [PMID: 35206685 PMCID: PMC8878125 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The ethological study of dance behaviour has yielded some findings since Karl Von Frisch discovered and interpreted the ‘dance language’ in the honey bee. However, the function and role of long non-coding RNAs on dance behaviour are hardly known until now. In this study, the differential expression patterns of lncRNAs in the brains of waggling dancers and non-dancing bees were analysed by RNA sequencing. Furthermore, lncRNA-mRNA association analysis was constructed to decipher the waggle dance. The results of RNA sequencing indicated that a total of 2877 lncRNAs and 9647 mRNAs were detected from honey bee brains. Further comparison analysis displayed that two lncRNAs, MSTRG.6803.3 and XR_003305156.1, may be involved in the waggle dance. The lncRNA-mRNA association analysis showed that target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs in the brains between waggling dancers and non-dancing bees were mainly annotated in biological processes related to metabolic process, signalling and response to stimulus and in molecular function associated with signal transducer activity, molecular transducer activity and binding. Nitrogen metabolism was likely implicated in the modulation of the waggle dance. Our findings contribute to further understanding the occurrence and development of waggle dance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangjiang Feng
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (W.F.); (J.H.); (H.N.); (Y.L.)
| | - Jingnan Huang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (W.F.); (J.H.); (H.N.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhaonan Zhang
- Laboratory of Evolution and Diversity Biology (EDB), UMR5174, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, CNRS, 31062 Toulouse, France;
| | - Hongyi Nie
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (W.F.); (J.H.); (H.N.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yan Lin
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (W.F.); (J.H.); (H.N.); (Y.L.)
| | - Zhiguo Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (W.F.); (J.H.); (H.N.); (Y.L.)
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (S.S.); Tel.: +86-150-0591-7215 (Z.L.); +86-136-6500-5782 (S.S.)
| | - Songkun Su
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (W.F.); (J.H.); (H.N.); (Y.L.)
- Correspondence: (Z.L.); (S.S.); Tel.: +86-150-0591-7215 (Z.L.); +86-136-6500-5782 (S.S.)
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16
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Snow JW. Nosema apis and N. ceranae Infection in Honey bees: A Model for Host-Pathogen Interactions in Insects. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 114:153-177. [PMID: 35544003 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-93306-7_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There has been increased focus on the role of microbial attack as a potential cause of recent declines in the health of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. The Nosema species, N. apis and N. ceranae, are microsporidian parasites that are pathogenic to honey bees, and infection by these species has been implicated as a key factor in honey bee losses. Honey bees infected with both Nosema spp. display significant changes in their biology at the cellular, tissue, and organismal levels impacting host metabolism, immune function, physiology, and behavior. Infected individuals lead to colony dysfunction and can contribute to colony disease in some circumstances. The means through which parasite growth and tissue pathology in the midgut lead to the dramatic physiological and behavioral changes at the organismal level are only partially understood. In addition, we possess only a limited appreciation of the elements of the host environment that impact pathogen growth and development. Critical for answering these questions is a mechanistic understanding of the host and pathogen machinery responsible for host-pathogen interactions. A number of approaches are already being used to elucidate these mechanisms, and promising new tools may allow for gain- and loss-of-function experiments to accelerate future progress.
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Baci GM, Cucu AA, Giurgiu AI, Muscă AS, Bagameri L, Moise AR, Bobiș O, Rațiu AC, Dezmirean DS. Advances in Editing Silkworms ( Bombyx mori) Genome by Using the CRISPR-Cas System. INSECTS 2021; 13:28. [PMID: 35055871 PMCID: PMC8777690 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated) represents a powerful genome editing technology that revolutionized in a short period of time numerous natural sciences branches. Therefore, extraordinary progress was made in various fields, such as entomology or biotechnology. Bombyx mori is one of the most important insects, not only for the sericulture industry, but for numerous scientific areas. The silkworms play a key role as a model organism, but also as a bioreactor for the recombinant protein production. Nowadays, the CRISPR-Cas genome editing system is frequently used in order to perform gene analyses, to increase the resistance against certain pathogens or as an imaging tool in B. mori. Here, we provide an overview of various studies that made use of CRISPR-Cas for B. mori genome editing, with a focus on emphasizing the high applicability of this system in entomology and biological sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela-Maria Baci
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Alexandra-Antonia Cucu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Alexandru-Ioan Giurgiu
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Adriana-Sebastiana Muscă
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Lilla Bagameri
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Adela Ramona Moise
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | - Otilia Bobiș
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
| | | | - Daniel Severus Dezmirean
- Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnology, University of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.-M.B.); (A.-A.C.); (A.-I.G.); (A.-S.M.); (L.B.); (O.B.); (D.S.D.)
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Liang L, Li Z, Li Q, Wang X, Su S, Nie H. Expansion of CRISPR Targeting Sites Using an Integrated Gene-Editing System in Apis mellifera. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12100954. [PMID: 34680723 PMCID: PMC8540347 DOI: 10.3390/insects12100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary CRISPR/Cas9, a versatile gene manipulation tool, has been harnessed for targeted genome engineering in honeybees. However, until now, only SpCas9 that enables NGG recognition has been shown to manipulate the genome in A. mellifera, limiting the editable range to the NGG-included loci. In the current study, to evaluate the potential expansion when utilising Cpf1, SpCas9 and SaCas9, we predicted the distribution and number of targeting sites throughout the whole honeybee genome with a bioinformatic approach. The results of bioinformatics analysis suggest that the number of accessible targeting sites in A. mellifera could be significantly increased via the integrated CRISPR system. In addition, we measured the cleavage activity of these new CRISPR enzymes in A. mellifera, and it was found that both SaCas9 and Cpf1 can induce genome alternation in A. mellifera, albeit with relatively lower mutagenesis rates for Cpf1 and unstable editing for SaCas9. To our knowledge, our study provides the first evidence that SaCas9 and Cpf1 can efficiently mediate genome sequence mutation, thereby expanding the targetable spectrum in A. mellifera. The integrated CRISPR system will probably boost both fundamental studies and applied researches in A. mellifera and perhaps other insects. Abstract CRISPR/Cas9, a predominant gene-editing tool, has been utilised to dissect the gene function in Apis mellifera. However, only the genomic region containing NGG PAM could be recognised and edited in A. mellifera, seriously hampering the application of CRISPR technology in honeybees. In this study, we carried out the bioinformatics analysis for genome-wide targeting sites of NGG, TTN, and NNGRRT to determine the potential expansion of the SpCas9, SaCas9, Cpf1, and it was found that the targetable spectrum of the CRISPR editing system could be markedly extended via the integrated gene manipulation system. Meanwhile, the single guide RNA (sgRNA)/crRNA of different novel gene editing systems and the corresponding CRISPR proteins were co-injected into honeybee embryos, and their feasibility was tested in A. mellifera. The sequencing data revealed that both SaCas9 and Cpf1 are capable of mediating mutation in A. mellifera, albeit with relatively lower mutagenesis rates for Cpf1 and unstable editing for SaCas9. To our knowledge, our results provide the first demonstration that SaCas9 and Cpf1 can function to induce genome sequence alternation, which extended the editing scope to the targets with TTN and NNGRRT and enabled CRISPR-based genome research in a broader range in A. mellifera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiang Liang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (L.L.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Zhenghanqing Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (L.L.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Qiufang Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (L.L.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (X.W.)
| | - Xiuxiu Wang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (L.L.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (X.W.)
- College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Songkun Su
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (L.L.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (X.W.)
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (H.N.); Tel.: +86-181-0503-9938 (S.S.); +86-157-0590-2721 (H.N.)
| | - Hongyi Nie
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (L.L.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (X.W.)
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (H.N.); Tel.: +86-181-0503-9938 (S.S.); +86-157-0590-2721 (H.N.)
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19
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Watanabe K, Yoshiyama M, Akiduki G, Yokoi K, Hoshida H, Kayukawa T, Kimura K, Hatakeyama M. A simple method for ex vivo honey bee cell culture capable of in vitro gene expression analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257770. [PMID: 34555120 PMCID: PMC8460014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultured cells are a very powerful tool for investigating biological events in vitro; therefore, cell lines have been established not only in model insect species, but also in non-model species. However, there are few reports on the establishment of stable cell lines and development of systems to introduce genes into the cultured cells of the honey bee (Apis mellifera). We describe a simple ex vivo cell culture system for the honey bee. Hemocyte cells obtained from third and fourth instar larvae were cultured in commercial Grace’s insect medium or MGM-450 insect medium for more than two weeks maintaining a normal morphology without deterioration. After an expression plasmid vector bearing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (egfp) gene driven by the immediate early 2 (IE2) viral promoter was transfected into cells, EGFP fluorescence was detected in cells for more than one week from one day after transfection. Furthermore, double-stranded RNA corresponding to a part of the egfp gene was successfully introduced into cells and interfered with egfp gene expression. A convenient and reproducible method for an ex vivo cell culture that is fully practicable for gene expression assays was established for the honey bee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyo Watanabe
- Insect Gene Function Research Unit, Division of Insect Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, Owashi, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Mikio Yoshiyama
- Animal Genetics Unit, Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ikenodai, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Gaku Akiduki
- Insect Pest Management Group, Division of Agro-Environment Research, Kyushu Okinawa Agricultural Research Center, NARO, Koshi, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kakeru Yokoi
- Insect Genome Research and Engineering Unit, Division of Applied Genetics, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, Owashi, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroko Hoshida
- Insect Genome Research and Engineering Unit, Division of Applied Genetics, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, Owashi, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takumi Kayukawa
- Insect Gene Function Research Unit, Division of Insect Sciences, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, Owashi, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kimura
- Animal Genetics Unit, Division of Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, NARO, Ikenodai, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Hatakeyama
- Insect Genome Research and Engineering Unit, Division of Applied Genetics, Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, NARO, Owashi, Tsukuba, Japan
- * E-mail:
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20
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Xing W, Zhou D, Long Q, Sun M, Guo R, Wang L. Immune Response of Eastern Honeybee Worker to Nosema ceranae Infection Revealed by Transcriptomic Investigation. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080728. [PMID: 34442293 PMCID: PMC8396959 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Currently, knowledge regarding Apis cerana–Nosema ceranae interaction is very limited, though A. cerana is the original host of N. ceranae. Apis cerana cerana is a subspecies of A. cerana and a major bee species used in the beekeeping industry in China and other countries. Here, the effective infection of A. c. cerana workers by N. ceranae was verified, followed by transcriptomic investigation of host responses. Furthermore, immune responses between A. c. cerana and Apis mellifera ligustica were deeply compared and discussed. In total, 1127 and 957 N. ceranae-responsive genes were identified in the infected midguts at 7 d post-inoculation (dpi) and 10 dpi, respectively. Additionally, DEGs in workers’ midguts at both 7 dpi and 10 dpi were associated with six cellular immune pathways and three humoral immune pathways. Noticeably, one up-regulated gene was enriched in the NF-κB signaling pathway in the midgut at 10 dpi. Further analysis indicated that different cellular and humoral immune responses were employed by A. c. cerana and A. m. ligustica workers to combat N. ceranae. Our findings provide a foundation for clarifying the mechanisms regulating the immune response of A. c. cerana workers to N. ceranae invasion and developing new approaches to control bee microsporidiosis. Abstract Here, a comparative transcriptome investigation was conducted based on high-quality deep sequencing data from the midguts of Apis cerana cerana workers at 7 d post-inoculation (dpi) and 10 dpi with Nosema ceranae and corresponding un-inoculated midguts. PCR identification and microscopic observation of paraffin sections confirmed the effective infection of A. c. cerana worker by N. ceranae. In total, 1127 and 957 N. ceranae-responsive genes were identified in the infected midguts at 7 dpi and 10 dpi, respectively. RT-qPCR results validated the reliability of our transcriptome data. GO categorization indicated the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were respectively engaged in 34 and 33 functional terms associated with biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Additionally, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs at 7 dpi and 10 dpi could be enriched in 231 and 226 pathways, respectively. Moreover, DEGs in workers’ midguts at both 7 dpi and 10 dpi were involved in six cellular immune pathways such as autophagy and phagosome and three humoral immune pathways such as the Toll/Imd signaling pathway and Jak-STAT signaling pathway. In addition, one up-regulated gene (XM_017055397.1) was enriched in the NF-κB signaling pathway in the workers’ midgut at 10 dpi. Further investigation suggested the majority of these DEGs were engaged in only one immune pathway, while a small number of DEGs were simultaneously involved in two immune pathways. These results together demonstrated that the overall gene expression profile in host midgut was altered by N. ceranae infection and some of the host immune pathways were induced to activation during fungal infection, whereas some others were suppressed via host–pathogen interaction. Our findings offer a basis for clarification of the mechanism underlying the immune response of A. c. cerana workers to N. ceranae infection, but also provide novel insights into eastern honeybee-microsporodian interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Xing
- College of Animal Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China;
| | - Dingding Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.Z.); (Q.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Qi Long
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.Z.); (Q.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Minghui Sun
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.Z.); (Q.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (D.Z.); (Q.L.); (M.S.)
- Apitherapy Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-0591-8764-0197
| | - Limei Wang
- Dongying Vocational Institute, Dongying 257000, China;
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21
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Wang X, Lin Y, Liang L, Geng H, Zhang M, Nie H, Su S. Transcriptional Profiles of Diploid Mutant Apis mellifera Embryos after Knockout of csd by CRISPR/Cas9. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080704. [PMID: 34442270 PMCID: PMC8396534 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In honey bees, males are haploid while females are diploid, leading to a fundamental difference in genetic materials between the sexes. In order to better control the comparison of gene expression between males and females, diploid mutant males were generated by knocking out the sex-determining gene, complementary sex determiner (csd), in fertilized embryos. The diploid mutant drones had male external morphological features, as well as male gonads. RNA sequencing was performed on the diploid mutant embryos and one-day-old larvae. The transcriptome analysis showed that several female-biased genes, such as worker-enriched antennal (Wat), vitellogenin (Vg), and some venom-related genes, were down-regulated in the diploid mutant males. In contrast, some male-biased genes, like takeout and apolipophorin-III-like protein (A4), were up-regulated. Moreover, the co-expression gene networks suggested that csd might interact very closely with fruitless (fru), feminizer (fem) might have connections with hexamerin 70c (hex70c), and transformer-2 (tra2) might play roles with troponin T (TpnT). Foundational information about the differences in the gene expression caused by sex differentiation was provided in this study. It is believed that this study will pave the ground for further research on the different mechanisms between males and females in honey bees. Abstract In honey bees, complementary sex determiner (csd) is the primary signal of sex determination. Its allelic composition is heterozygous in females, and hemizygous or homozygous in males. To explore the transcriptome differences after sex differentiation between males and females, with genetic differences excluded, csd in fertilized embryos was knocked out by CRISPR/Cas9. The diploid mutant males at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h after egg laying (AEL) and the mock-treated females derived from the same fertilized queen were investigated through RNA-seq. Mutations were detected in the target sequence in diploid mutants. The diploid mutant drones had typical male morphological characteristics and gonads. Transcriptome analysis showed that several female-biased genes, such as worker-enriched antennal (Wat), vitellogenin (Vg), and some venom-related genes, were down-regulated in the diploid mutant males. In contrast, some male-biased genes, such as takeout and apolipophorin-III-like protein (A4), had higher expressions in the diploid mutant males. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated that there might be interactions between csd and fruitless (fru), feminizer (fem) and hexamerin 70c (hex70c), transformer-2 (tra2) and troponin T (TpnT). The information provided by this study will benefit further research on the sex dimorphism and development of honey bees and other insects in Hymenoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu Wang
- College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.L.); (L.L.); (H.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Yan Lin
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.L.); (L.L.); (H.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Liqiang Liang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.L.); (L.L.); (H.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Haiyang Geng
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.L.); (L.L.); (H.G.); (M.Z.)
| | - Meng Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.L.); (L.L.); (H.G.); (M.Z.)
- Apicultural Research Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330052, China
| | - Hongyi Nie
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.L.); (L.L.); (H.G.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: (H.N.); (S.S.); Tel.: +86-157-0590-2721 (H.N.); +86-181-0503-9938 (S.S.)
| | - Songkun Su
- College of Life Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China;
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (Y.L.); (L.L.); (H.G.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: (H.N.); (S.S.); Tel.: +86-157-0590-2721 (H.N.); +86-181-0503-9938 (S.S.)
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22
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Sieber KR, Dorman T, Newell N, Yan H. (Epi)Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Evolutionary Success of Eusocial Insects. INSECTS 2021; 12:498. [PMID: 34071806 PMCID: PMC8229086 DOI: 10.3390/insects12060498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eusocial insects, such as bees, ants, and wasps of the Hymenoptera and termites of the Blattodea, are able to generate remarkable diversity in morphology and behavior despite being genetically uniform within a colony. Most eusocial insect species display caste structures in which reproductive ability is possessed by a single or a few queens while all other colony members act as workers. However, in some species, caste structure is somewhat plastic, and individuals may switch from one caste or behavioral phenotype to another in response to certain environmental cues. As different castes normally share a common genetic background, it is believed that much of this observed within-colony diversity results from transcriptional differences between individuals. This suggests that epigenetic mechanisms, featured by modified gene expression without changing genes themselves, may play an important role in eusocial insects. Indeed, epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, have been shown to influence eusocial insects in multiple aspects, along with typical genetic regulation. This review summarizes the most recent findings regarding such mechanisms and their diverse roles in eusocial insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayli R. Sieber
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (K.R.S.); (T.D.); (N.N.)
| | - Taylor Dorman
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (K.R.S.); (T.D.); (N.N.)
| | - Nicholas Newell
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (K.R.S.); (T.D.); (N.N.)
| | - Hua Yan
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (K.R.S.); (T.D.); (N.N.)
- Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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23
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Tasman K, Rands SA, Hodge JJL. The Power of Drosophila melanogaster for Modeling Neonicotinoid Effects on Pollinators and Identifying Novel Mechanisms. Front Physiol 2021; 12:659440. [PMID: 33967830 PMCID: PMC8096932 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.659440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are the most widely used insecticides in the world and are implicated in the widespread population declines of insects including pollinators. Neonicotinoids target nicotinic acetylcholine receptors which are expressed throughout the insect central nervous system, causing a wide range of sub-lethal effects on non-target insects. Here, we review the potential of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to model the sub-lethal effects of neonicotinoids on pollinators, by utilizing its well-established assays that allow rapid identification and mechanistic characterization of these effects. We compare studies on the effects of neonicotinoids on lethality, reproduction, locomotion, immunity, learning, circadian rhythms and sleep in D. melanogaster and a range of pollinators. We also highlight how the genetic tools available in D. melanogaster, such as GAL4/UAS targeted transgene expression system combined with RNAi lines to any gene in the genome including the different nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit genes, are set to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the sub-lethal effects of these common pesticides. We argue that studying pollinators and D. melanogaster in tandem allows rapid elucidation of mechanisms of action, which translate well from D. melanogaster to pollinators. We focus on the recent identification of novel and important sublethal effects of neonicotinoids on circadian rhythms and sleep. The comparison of effects between D. melanogaster and pollinators and the use of genetic tools to identify mechanisms make a powerful partnership for the future discovery and testing of more specific insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiah Tasman
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sean A. Rands
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - James J. L. Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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24
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Abstract
Social behavior is one of the most fascinating and complex behaviors in humans and animals. A fundamental process of social behavior is communication among individuals. It relies on the capability of the nervous system to sense, process, and interpret various signals (e.g., pheromones) and respond with appropriate decisions and actions. Eusocial insects, including ants, some bees, some wasps, and termites, display intriguing cooperative social behavior. Recent advances in genetic and genomic studies have revealed key genes that are involved in pheromone synthesis, chemosensory perception, and physiological and behavioral responses to varied pheromones. In this review, we highlight the genes and pathways that regulate queen pheromone-mediated social communication, discuss the evolutionary changes in genetic systems, and outline prospects of functional studies in sociobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yan
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA
- Center for Smell and Taste, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Jürgen Liebig
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA
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25
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Chen Z, Traniello IM, Rana S, Cash-Ahmed AC, Sankey AL, Yang C, Robinson GE. Neurodevelopmental and transcriptomic effects of CRISPR/Cas9-induced somatic orco mutation in honey bees. J Neurogenet 2021; 35:320-332. [PMID: 33666542 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2021.1887173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In insects, odorant receptors facilitate olfactory communication and require the functionality of the highly conserved co-receptor gene orco. Genome editing studies in a few species of ants and moths have revealed that orco can also have a neurodevelopmental function, in addition to its canonical role in adult olfaction, discovered first in Drosophila melanogaster. To extend this analysis, we determined whether orco mutations also affect the development of the adult brain of the honey bee Apis mellifera, an important model system for social behavior and chemical communication. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to knock out orco and examined anatomical and molecular consequences. To increase efficiency, we coupled embryo microinjection with a laboratory egg collection and in vitro rearing system. This new workflow advances genomic engineering technologies in honey bees by overcoming restrictions associated with field studies. We used Sanger sequencing to quickly select individuals with complete orco knockout for neuroanatomical analyses and later validated and described the mutations with amplicon sequencing. Mutant bees had significantly fewer glomeruli, smaller total volume of all the glomeruli, and higher mean individual glomerulus volume in the antennal lobe compared to wild-type controls. RNA-Sequencing revealed that orco knockout also caused differential expression of hundreds of genes in the antenna, including genes related to neural development and genes encoding odorant receptors. The expression of other types of chemoreceptor genes was generally unaffected, reflecting specificity of CRISPR activity in this study. These results suggest that neurodevelopmental effects of orco are related to specific insect life histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenqing Chen
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ian M Traniello
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Seema Rana
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Amy C Cash-Ahmed
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Alison L Sankey
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Che Yang
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Biochemistry Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Gene E Robinson
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Entomology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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26
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Surm JM, Moran Y. Insights into how development and life-history dynamics shape the evolution of venom. EvoDevo 2021; 12:1. [PMID: 33413660 PMCID: PMC7791878 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-020-00171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Venomous animals are a striking example of the convergent evolution of a complex trait. These animals have independently evolved an apparatus that synthesizes, stores, and secretes a mixture of toxic compounds to the target animal through the infliction of a wound. Among these distantly related animals, some can modulate and compartmentalize functionally distinct venoms related to predation and defense. A process to separate distinct venoms can occur within and across complex life cycles as well as more streamlined ontogenies, depending on their life-history requirements. Moreover, the morphological and cellular complexity of the venom apparatus likely facilitates the functional diversity of venom deployed within a given life stage. Intersexual variation of venoms has also evolved further contributing to the massive diversity of toxic compounds characterized in these animals. These changes in the biochemical phenotype of venom can directly affect the fitness of these animals, having important implications in their diet, behavior, and mating biology. In this review, we explore the current literature that is unraveling the temporal dynamics of the venom system that are required by these animals to meet their ecological functions. These recent findings have important consequences in understanding the evolution and development of a convergent complex trait and its organismal and ecological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim M Surm
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 9190401, Jerusalem, Israel.
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27
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Li HL, Wang XY, Zheng XL, Lu W. Research Progress on Oviposition-Related Genes in Insects. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:6047614. [PMID: 33367730 PMCID: PMC7759734 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Oviposition-related genes have remained a consistent focus of insect molecular biology. Previous research has gradually clarified our mechanistic understanding of oviposition-related genes, including those related to oviposition-gland-related genes, oogenesis-related genes, oviposition-site-selection-related genes, and genes related to ovulation and hatching. Moreover, some of this research has revealed how the expression of single oviposition-related genes affects the expression of related genes, and more importantly, how individual node genes function to link the expression of upstream and downstream genes. However, the research to date is not sufficient to completely explain the overall interactions among the genes of the insect oviposition system. Through a literature review of a large number of studies, this review provides references for future research on oviposition-related genes in insects and the use of RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9 technology to verify the functions of oviposition-related genes and to prevent and control harmful insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Lin Li
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Xia-Lin Zheng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
| | - Wen Lu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agric-Environment and Agric-Products Safety, College of Agriculture, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
- Corresponding author, e-mail:
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28
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Li J, Aidlin Harari O, Doss A, Walling LL, Atkinson PW, Morin S, Tabashnik BE. Can CRISPR gene drive work in pest and beneficial haplodiploid species? Evol Appl 2020; 13:2392-2403. [PMID: 33005229 PMCID: PMC7513724 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene drives based on CRISPR/Cas9 have the potential to reduce the enormous harm inflicted by crop pests and insect vectors of human disease, as well as to bolster valued species. In contrast with extensive empirical and theoretical studies in diploid organisms, little is known about CRISPR gene drive in haplodiploids, despite their immense global impacts as pollinators, pests, natural enemies of pests, and invasive species in native habitats. Here, we analyze mathematical models demonstrating that, in principle, CRISPR homing gene drive can work in haplodiploids, as well as at sex-linked loci in diploids. However, relative to diploids, conditions favoring the spread of alleles deleterious to haplodiploid pests by CRISPR gene drive are narrower, the spread is slower, and resistance to the drive evolves faster. By contrast, the spread of alleles that impose little fitness cost or boost fitness was not greatly hindered in haplodiploids relative to diploids. Therefore, altering traits to minimize damage caused by harmful haplodiploids, such as interfering with transmission of plant pathogens, may be more likely to succeed than control efforts based on introducing traits that reduce pest fitness. Enhancing fitness of beneficial haplodiploids with CRISPR gene drive is also promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of StatisticsUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | | | | | - Linda L. Walling
- Department of Botany and Plant SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaRiversideCAUSA
| | | | - Shai Morin
- Department of EntomologyHebrew University of JerusalemRehovotIsrael
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29
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Guoth AW, Chernyshova AM, Thompson GJ. Gene-regulatory context of honey bee worker sterility. Biosystems 2020; 198:104235. [PMID: 32882324 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2020.104235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The highly organized societies of the Western honey bee Apis mellifera feature a highly reproductive queen at the center of attention and a large cohort of daughters that suppress their own reproduction to help rear more sisters, some of whom become queens themselves. This reproductive altruism is peculiar because in theory it evolves via indirect selection on genes for altruism that are expressed in the sterile workers but not in the reproductive queens. In this study we attempt to situate lists of genes previously implicated in queenright worker sterility into a broader regulatory framework. To do so we use a model bee brain transcriptional regulatory network as a template to infer how sets of genes responsive to ovary-suppressing queen pheromone are functionally interconnected over the model's topology. We predict that genes jointly involved in the regulation of worker sterility should be tightly networked, relative to genes whose functions are unrelated to each other. We find that sets of mapped genes - ranging in size from 17 to 250 - are well dispersed across the network's substructural scaffolds, suggesting that ovary de-activation involves genes that reside within more than one transcriptional regulatory module. For some sets, however, this dispersion is biased into certain areas of the network's substructure. Our analysis identifies the regions enriched for sterility genes and likewise identifies local hub genes that are presumably critical to subnetwork function. Our work offers a glimpse into the gene regulatory context of honey bee worker sterility and uses this context to identify new candidate gene targets for functional analysis. Finally, to the extent that any sterility-related modules identified here have evolved via selection for worker altruism, we can assume that this selection was indirect and of the type specifically invoked by inclusive fitness theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex W Guoth
- Biology Department, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Anna M Chernyshova
- Biology Department, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Graham J Thompson
- Biology Department, Western University, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.
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30
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Lester PJ, Bulgarella M, Baty JW, Dearden PK, Guhlin J, Kean JM. The potential for a CRISPR gene drive to eradicate or suppress globally invasive social wasps. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12398. [PMID: 32709966 PMCID: PMC7382497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR gene drives have potential for widespread and cost-efficient pest control, but are highly controversial. We examined a potential gene drive targeting spermatogenesis to control the invasive common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) in New Zealand. Vespula wasps are haplodiploid. Their life cycle makes gene drive production challenging, as nests are initiated by single fertilized queens in spring followed by several cohorts of sterile female workers and the production of reproductives in autumn. We show that different spermatogenesis genes have different levels of variation between introduced and native ranges, enabling a potential 'precision drive' that could target the reduced genetic diversity and genotypes within the invaded range. In vitro testing showed guide-RNA target specificity and efficacy that was dependent on the gene target within Vespula, but no cross-reactivity in other Hymenoptera. Mathematical modelling incorporating the genetic and life history traits of Vespula wasps identified characteristics for a male sterility drive to achieve population control. There was a trade-off between drive infiltration and impact: a drive causing complete male sterility would not spread, while partial sterility could be effective in limiting population size if the homing rate is high. Our results indicate that gene drives may offer viable suppression for wasps and other haplodiploid pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Lester
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Mariana Bulgarella
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - James W Baty
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Peter K Dearden
- Genomics Aotearoa and Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Joseph Guhlin
- Genomics Aotearoa and Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - John M Kean
- AgResearch Limited, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
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Zhou Y, Liu X, Wu J, Zhao G, Wang J. CRISPR-Cas12a-Assisted Genome Editing in Amycolatopsis mediterranei. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:698. [PMID: 32671053 PMCID: PMC7332547 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amycolatopsis mediterranei U32 is an industrial producer of rifamycin SV, whose derivatives have long been the first-line antimycobacterial drugs. In order to perform genetic modification in this important industrial strain, a lot of efforts have been made in the past decades and a homologous recombination-based method was successfully developed in our laboratory, which, however, requires the employment of an antibiotic resistance gene for positive selection and did not support convenient markerless gene deletion. Here in this study, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) system was employed to establish a genome editing system in A. mediterranei U32. Specifically, the Francisella tularensis subsp. novicida Cas12a (FnCas12a) gene was first integrated into the U32 genome to generate target-specific double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) breaks (DSBs) under the guidance of CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs). Then, the DSBs could be repaired by either the non-homologous DNA end-joining (NHEJ) system or the homology-directed repair (HDR) pathway, generating inaccurate or accurate mutations in target genes, respectively. Besides of A. mediterranei, the present work may also shed light on the development of CRISPR-assisted genome editing systems in other species of the Amycolatopsis genus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinqiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiacheng Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoping Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Department of Microbiology and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Jin Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Md Abdullah AB, Lee DW, Jung J, Kim Y. Deletion mutant of sPLA 2 using CRISPR/Cas9 exhibits immunosuppression, developmental retardation, and failure of oocyte development in legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 103:103500. [PMID: 31589887 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2019.103500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyzes release of free fatty acids linked to phospholipids at sn-2 position. Some of these released free fatty acids are used to synthesize eicosanoids that mediate various physiological processes in insects. Although a large number of PLA2s form a superfamily consisting of at least 16 groups, few PLA2s have been identified and characterized in insects. Furthermore, physiological functions of insect PLA2s remain unclear. Clustered regularly interspaced short parlindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has been a useful research tool to validate gene function. This study identified and characterized a secretory PLA2 (sPLA2) from legume pod borer, Maruca vitrata (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), and validated its physiological functions using CRISPR/Cas9. An open reading frame of M. vitrata sPLA2 (Mv-sPLA2) encoding 192 amino acids contained signal peptide, calcium-binding domain, and catalytic site. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Mv-sPLA2 was related to other Group III sPLA2s. Mv-sPLA2 was expressed in both larval and adult stages. It was inducible by immune challenge. RNA interference (RNAi) of Mv-sPLA2 significantly suppressed cellular immunity and impaired larval development. Furthermore, RNAi treatment in female adults prevented oocyte development. These physiological alterations were also observed in a mutant line of M. vitrata with Mv-sPLA2 deleted by using CRISPR/Cas9. Mv-sPLA2 was not detected in the mutant line from western blot analysis. Addition of an eicosanoid, PGE2, significantly rescued oocyte development of females of the mutant line. These results suggest that Mv-sPLA2 plays crucial role in immune, developmental, and reproductive processes of M. vitrata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Al Baki Md Abdullah
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, 36729, South Korea
| | - Dae-Weon Lee
- School of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434, South Korea
| | - Jinkyo Jung
- Division of Crop Cultivation and Environment Research, Department of Central Area Crop Science, National Institute of Crop Science, Rural Development Administration, Suwon, 16429, South Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong, 36729, South Korea.
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33
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Genetics in the Honey Bee: Achievements and Prospects toward the Functional Analysis of Molecular and Neural Mechanisms Underlying Social Behaviors. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10100348. [PMID: 31623209 PMCID: PMC6835989 DOI: 10.3390/insects10100348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The European honey bee is a model organism for studying social behaviors. Comprehensive analyses focusing on the differential expression profiles of genes between the brains of nurse bees and foragers, or in the mushroom bodies—the brain structure related to learning and memory, and multimodal sensory integration—has identified candidate genes related to honey bee behaviors. Despite accumulating knowledge on the expression profiles of genes related to honey bee behaviors, it remains unclear whether these genes actually regulate social behaviors in the honey bee, in part because of the scarcity of genetic manipulation methods available for application to the honey bee. In this review, we describe the genetic methods applied to studies of the honey bee, ranging from classical forward genetics to recently developed gene modification methods using transposon and CRISPR/Cas9. We then discuss future functional analyses using these genetic methods targeting genes identified by the preceding research. Because no particular genes or neurons unique to social insects have been found yet, further exploration of candidate genes/neurons correlated with sociality through comprehensive analyses of mushroom bodies in the aculeate species can provide intriguing targets for functional analyses, as well as insight into the molecular and neural bases underlying social behaviors.
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