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Wang Y, Xu HQ, Han HL, Chen D, Jiang H, Smagghe G, Wang JJ, Wei D. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of a male accessory glands-specific gene takeout1 decreases the fecundity of Zeugodacus cucurbitae female. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:4399-4409. [PMID: 38676538 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8145] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is an invasive Tephritidae pest with robust fertility. The male accessory glands (MAGs) form a vital organ that ensures insect reproductive efficiency. Most of the secreted proteins by MAGs exhibit a male bias expression. Takeout, one of these proteins, is abundantly present in the MAGs of many insects. RESULTS In this study, we identified 32 takeout genes in Z. cucurbitae. The phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment results showed that Zctakeout1 is the most related homolog to the MAGs-specific takeout in Tephritidae. The real-time quantitative PCR results showed that Zctakeout1 was exclusively expressed in the male adult stage, and its expression level gradually increased with the increase in age and then remained stable at the sexually matured stage. The distribution among tissues demonstrated the specific expression of Zctakeout1 in the MAGs, and fluorescence immunohistochemical results confirmed the presence of Zctakeout1 in close proximity to binuclear cells of the mesoderm epidermal MAGs. In continuation, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing was employed, resulting in successfully generating a homozygous strain with an +8 bp insertion. The mating experiments with the Zctakeout1-/- males resulted in significant reductions in both the mating rate and egg production of females. CONCLUSION These findings prove that the MAGs-specific Zctakeout1 is essential in regulating fecundity in female Z. cucurbitae fruit flies. Our data suggests its utilization in future essential insect-specific gene-directed sterility insect technique (SIT) by the genetic manipulation to keep these important Tephritidae populations under control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui-Qian Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Liang Han
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongbo Jiang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Management of Invasive Alien Species in Guizhou Education Department, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
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Matzkin LM, Bono JM, Pigage HK, Allan CW, Diaz F, McCoy JR, Green CC, Callan JB, Delahunt SP. Females translate male mRNA transferred during mating. iScience 2024; 27:110442. [PMID: 39108707 PMCID: PMC11300900 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Although RNA is found in the seminal fluid of diverse organisms, it is unknown whether it is functional within females. We developed a proteomic method (VESPA, Variant Enabled SILAC Proteomic Analysis) to test the hypothesis that Drosophila male seminal fluid RNA is translated by females. We found 67 male-derived, female-translated proteins (mdFTPs) in female lower reproductive tracts, many with predicted functions relevant to reproduction. Knockout experiments indicate that mdFTPs play diverse roles in postmating interactions, affecting fertilization success, and the formation/persistence of the insemination reaction mass, a trait hypothesized to be involved in sexual conflict. These findings advance our understanding of reproduction by revealing a mechanism of postmating molecular interactions between the sexes that strengthens and extends male influences on reproduction in previously unrecognized ways. Given the diverse species that carry RNA in seminal fluid, this discovery has broad significance for understanding molecular mechanisms of cooperation and conflict during reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano M. Matzkin
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jeremy M. Bono
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Helen K. Pigage
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Carson W. Allan
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Fernando Diaz
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - John R. McCoy
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Clinton C. Green
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Jeffrey B. Callan
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Stephen P. Delahunt
- Department of Biology, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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Gouda MNR, D S, Gaikwad K, Prabha R, Kumar A, Subramanian S. Elucidation of ejaculatory bulb proteins in Bemisia tabaci Asia-1 and Asia II-1 and confirmation of their mating transfer via RNAi. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:861. [PMID: 39068620 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09816-8] [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: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bemisia tabaci, a significant agricultural pest in Asia, contains distinct genetic groups, Asia-1 and Asia II-1. Understanding its reproductive biology, particularly the role of ejaculatory bulb proteins (EBPs) in mating, is crucial. However, EBPs in B. tabaci were not well characterised until this study. METHODS AND RESULTS The EBPs have been characterised in the Asia-1 and Asia II-1 genetic groups of the whitefly B. tabaci, prevalent in Asia. The transcriptomic analysis yielded over 40,000,000 and 30,000,000 annotated transcripts, respectively, from Asia II-1 and Asia-1. Differential gene expression revealed the presence of 270 upregulated and 198 downregulated genes, with significant differences between these two genetic groups. Orphan genes (1992 numbers) were identified in both genetic groups. We report, for the first time, full-length sequences of EBP genes from B. tabaci. The 10 EBPs each deduced in B. tabaci Asia-1 and Asia II-1 are structurally akin to chemosensory proteins having four conserved cysteine residues. Additionally, we did domain analysis, protein structure prediction, mapping of these EBPs in the chromosomes of B. tabaci, and phylogenetic analysis to track their evolutionary lineage. We have specifically demonstrated the transfer of EBPs from males to females during mating using qPCR and further validated the transfer of EBPs through RNAi. Specifically, we targeted the highly expressed EBPs (EBP-3, 7, and 8 in BtAsia1; EBP-8, 9, and 10 in BtAsia II-1) through feeding bioassays of dsRNAs. Tracking by qPCR revealed that the females, when mated with dsRNA-treated males, did not show expression of the specific EBP, suggesting that the silencing of these genes in males hinders the transfer of EBP to females during mating. CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel insights into the genomic contours of EBPs in B. tabaci and underscore the potential of RNAi-based strategies for pest management by disrupting the reproductive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Rudra Gouda
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Sagar D
- Division of Genomic Resources, ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru, 275103, India
| | - Kishor Gaikwad
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Ratna Prabha
- Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit (AKMU), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Amrender Kumar
- Agricultural Knowledge Management Unit (AKMU), ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India
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Cao MH, Zou MM, Liu LL, Dong SJ, Huang MQ, Zheng JH, Li RN, Cui JD, Peng L. Sast1-mediated manifold effects inhibit Plutella xylostella fertility. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2596-2609. [PMID: 38252701 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7966] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) is a destructive pest of cruciferous crops due to its strong reproductive capacity and extensive resistance to pesticides. Seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) are the main effective factors that determine the reproductive physiology and behaviour of both sexes. Although an increasing number of SFPs have been identified, the effects of astacins in SFPs on agricultural pests have not yet been reported. Here, we elucidated the mechanisms by which Sast1 (seminal astacin 1) regulates the fertility of Plutella xylostella (L.). RESULTS PxSast1 was specifically expressed in the testis and accesssory gland. CRISPR/Cas9-induced PxSast1 knockout successfully constructed two homozygous mutant strains. Sast1 impaired the fertility of P. xylostella by separately regulating the reproductive capacity of males and females. Loss of PxSast1, on the one hand, significantly decreased the ability of males to mate and fertilize, mainly manifested as shortened mating duration, reduced mating competitiveness and decreased eupyrene sperm production; on the other hand, it significantly inhibited the expression of chorion genes in females, resulting in oogenesis deficits. Simultaneously, for mated females, the differentially expressed genes in signalling pathways related to oogenesis and chorion formation were significantly enriched after PxSast1 knockout. CONCLUSION These analyses of the functions of PxSast1 as the regulator of spermatogenesis and oogenesis establish its importance in the fertility process of P. xylostella, as well as its potential as a promising target for genetic regulation-based pest control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Hui Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ming-Min Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shi-Jie Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Hao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin-Dong Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lu Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Ministerial and Provincial Joint Innovation Centre for Safety Production of Cross-Strait Crops, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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Kulkarni A, Delgadillo FM, Gayathrinathan S, Grajeda BI, Roy S. Current Status of Omics Studies Elucidating the Features of Reproductive Biology in Blood-Feeding Insects. INSECTS 2023; 14:802. [PMID: 37887814 PMCID: PMC10607566 DOI: 10.3390/insects14100802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Female insects belonging to the genera Anopheles, Aedes, Glossina, and Rhodnius account for the majority of global vector-borne disease mortality. In response to mating, these female insects undergo several molecular, physiological, and behavioral changes. Studying the dynamic post-mating molecular responses in these insects that transmit human diseases can lead to the identification of potential targets for the development of novel vector control methods. With the continued advancements in bioinformatics tools, we now have the capability to delve into various physiological processes in these insects. Here, we discuss the availability of multiple datasets describing the reproductive physiology of the common blood-feeding insects at the molecular level. Additionally, we compare the male-derived triggers transferred during mating to females, examining both shared and species-specific factors. These triggers initiate post-mating genetic responses in female vectors, affecting not only their reproductive success but also disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Kulkarni
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Frida M. Delgadillo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Environmental Science and Engineering Ph.D. Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sharan Gayathrinathan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Brian I. Grajeda
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Biosciences Ph.D. Program, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Sourav Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; (A.K.); (F.M.D.); (S.G.); (B.I.G.)
- Border Biomedical Research Center, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
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Garlovsky MD, Ahmed-Braimah YH. Evolutionary Quantitative Proteomics of Reproductive Protein Divergence in Drosophila. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100610. [PMID: 37391044 PMCID: PMC10407754 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100610] [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: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive traits often evolve rapidly between species. Understanding the causes and consequences of this rapid divergence requires characterization of female and male reproductive proteins and their effect on fertilization success. Species in the Drosophila virilis clade exhibit rampant interspecific reproductive incompatibilities, making them ideal for studies on diversification of reproductive proteins and their role in speciation. Importantly, the role of intraejaculate protein abundance and allocation in interspecific divergence is poorly understood. Here, we identify and quantify the transferred male ejaculate proteome using multiplexed isobaric labeling of the lower female reproductive tract before and immediately after mating using three species of the virilis group. We identified over 200 putative male ejaculate proteins, many of which show differential abundance between species, suggesting that males transfer a species-specific allocation of seminal fluid proteins during copulation. We also identified over 2000 female reproductive proteins, which contain female-specific serine-type endopeptidases that showed differential abundance between species and elevated rates of molecular evolution, similar to that of some male seminal fluid proteins. Our findings suggest that reproductive protein divergence can also manifest in terms of species-specific protein abundance patterns.
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Abstract
Mating produces profound changes in the behavior of female flies, such as an increase in oviposition, reduction in sexual receptivity, increase in feeding, and even excretion. Many of these changes are produced by copulation, sperm, and accessory gland products that males transfer to females during mating. Our knowledge on the function of the male ejaculate and its effect on female insects is still incipient. In this article, we review peri- and postcopulatory behaviors in tephritid flies. We address the effects of male copulatory behavior; copula duration; and the male ejaculate, sperm, and accessory gland products on female remating behavior. Many species from these families are pests of economic importance; thus, understanding male mating effects on female behavior contributes to both developing more effective environmentally friendly control methods and furthering our understanding of evolutionary implications of intersexual competition and sexual conflict.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Solana Abraham
- Laboratorio de Investigaciones Ecoetológicas de Moscas de la Fruta y sus Enemigos Naturales (LIEMEN), PROIMI-Biotecnología, CONICET, San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
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Hakala SM, Fujioka H, Gapp K, De Gasperin O, Genzoni E, Kilner RM, Koene JM, König B, Linksvayer TA, Meurville MP, Negroni MA, Palejowski H, Wigby S, LeBoeuf AC. Socially transferred materials: why and how to study them. Trends Ecol Evol 2022; 38:446-458. [PMID: 36543692 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
When biological material is transferred from one individual's body to another, as in ejaculate, eggs, and milk, secondary donor-produced molecules are often transferred along with the main cargo, and influence the physiology and fitness of the receiver. Both social and solitary animals exhibit such social transfers at certain life stages. The secondary, bioactive, and transfer-supporting components in socially transferred materials have evolved convergently to the point where they are used in applications across taxa and type of transfer. The composition of these materials is typically highly dynamic and context dependent, and their components drive the physiological and behavioral evolution of many taxa. Our establishment of the concept of socially transferred materials unifies this multidisciplinary topic and will benefit both theory and applications.
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Xu X, Chen J, Du X, Yao L, Wang Y. CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Disruption of Seminal Fluid Protein Sfp62 Induces Male Sterility in Bombyx mori. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040561. [PMID: 35453761 PMCID: PMC9024854 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In gamogenetic animals, seminal fluid proteins are essential for male fertility. In this study, we investigated the function of the seminal fluid protein Sfp62 by using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in lepidopteran model insect Bombyx mori. Sfp62 mutation led to male sterility and can be inherited stably. The mutation did not affect growth and developmental nor female fertility. These data indicate that Sfp62 is an ideal target for sterile insect technology (SIT), in which genetically modified insects are released on a large scale to mate with wild-type insects in order to reduce or even eradicate the target pests. The determining factors for the effective implementation of SIT include the strong competitiveness of the modified individuals and multi-generational effects resulting from the mutation. Sfp62 meets these criteria and is therefore a promising target for biological pest control. Abstract Seminal fluid proteins provide factors necessary for development, storage, and activation of sperm. Altered expression of seminal fluid proteins can lead to defect in male infertility. We investigated the function of seminal fluid protein Sfp62 in the model lepidopteran insect Bombyx mori using CRISPR/Cas9 mediated mutagenesis. The knockout of BmSfp62 gene led to male sterility but has no effect on female fertility. The mutation did not affect growth and development of the silkworm of both sexes. Motility of sperm in male mutants was decreased and the mRNA expression levels of other genes encoding seminal fluid proteins were altered in BmSfp62 mutants compared to the wild-type controls. The male sterility caused by mutation of BmSfp62 was stably inherited. As the proteins encoded by Sfp62 genes are conserved among lepidopteran species, Sfp62 is a potential target for the biological management of lepidopteran pests.
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Williamson NG, Walsh CM, Kijimoto T. Comparative metabolomic analysis of polyphenic horn development in the dung beetle Onthophagus taurus. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265222. [PMID: 35298496 PMCID: PMC8929603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms alter their phenotypes in response to changing environmental conditions. The developmental basis of this phenomenon, phenotypic plasticity, is a topic of broad interest in many fields of biology. While insects provide a suitable model for studying the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity, the physiological aspects of plasticity are not fully understood. Here, we report the physiological basis of polyphenism, an extreme form of phenotypic plasticity by utilizing a dung beetle species, Onthophagus taurus. We highlighted the metabolome between sexes as well as two distinct male morphs—large and small horns. Unlike results from previous transcriptomic studies, the comparative metabolomic study revealed that differences in metabolite level were more prominent between animals with different body sizes than different sexes. Our results also indicate that specific metabolites and biochemical pathways may be active during horn size determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi G. Williamson
- Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Callee M. Walsh
- Shared Research Facilities, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
| | - Teiya Kijimoto
- Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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