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Vommaro ML, Donato S, Caputo S, Agostino RG, Montali A, Tettamanti G, Giglio A. Anatomical changes of Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum during complete metamorphosis. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:19-40. [PMID: 38409390 PMCID: PMC10997553 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03877-8] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In holometabolous insects, extensive reorganisation of tissues and cells occurs at the pupal stage. The remodelling of the external exoskeleton and internal organs that intervenes during metamorphosis has been traditionally studied in many insect species based on histological or ultrastructural methods. This study demonstrates the use of synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast micro-computed tomography as a powerful, non-destructive tool for in situ morphological observation of anatomical structures at the pupal stage in two Tenebrionid beetles, i.e. Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor, known as important pests, as well as emerging and promising models in experimental biology. Virtual sections and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed on both males and females at early, intermediate, and late pupal stage. The dataset allowed us to observe the remodelling of the gut and nervous system as well as the shaping of the female and male reproductive system at different pupal ages in both mealworm and red flour beetles. Moreover, we observed that the timing and duration pattern of organ development varied between the species analysed, likely related to the species-specific adaptations of the pre-imaginal stages to environmental conditions, which ultimately affect their life cycle. This research provides new knowledge on the morphological modifications that occur during the pupal stage of holometabolous insects and provides a baseline set of information on beetle metamorphosis that may support future research in forensics, physiology, and ecology as well as an image atlas for educational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Division of Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Caputo
- University of Calabria, Department of Environmental Engineering, Rende, Italy
| | - Raffaele G Agostino
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy.
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Sun LN, Meng JY, Wang Z, Lin SY, Shen J, Yan S. Research progress of aphid immunity system: Potential effective target for green pest management. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38415382 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Due to the absence of acquired immunity, insects primarily rely on their innate immune system to resist pathogenic microorganisms and parasitoids in natural habitats. This innate immune system can be classified into cellular immunity and humoral immunity. Cellular immunity is mediated by hemocytes, which perform phagocytosis, aggregation, and encapsulation to fight against invaders, whereas the humoral immunity primarily activates the immune signaling pathways and induces the generation of immune effectors. Existing studies have revealed that the hemipteran aphids lack some crucial immune genes compared to other insect species, indicating the different immune mechanisms in aphids. The current review summarizes the adverse impacts of pathogenic microorganisms and parasitoids on aphids, introduces the cellular and humoral immune systems in insects, and analyzes the differences between aphids and other insect species. Furthermore, our review also discussed the existing prospects and challenges in aphid immunity research, and proposed the potential application of immune genes in green pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Sun
- Department of Plant Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Yu Meng
- Guizhou Tobacco Science Research Institute, Guiyang, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- Department of Plant Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Yang Lin
- Pu'er Agricultural Science Research Institute, Pu'er, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yan
- Department of Plant Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Crosland A, Rigaud T, Develay C, Moret Y. Growth and longevity modulation through larval environment mediate immunosenescence and immune strategy of Tenebrio molitor. Immun Ageing 2024; 21:7. [PMID: 38212729 PMCID: PMC10785379 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00409-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Disposable Soma Theory of aging suggests a trade-off between energy allocation for growth, reproduction and somatic maintenance, including immunity. While trade-offs between reproduction and immunity are well documented, those involving growth remain under-explored. Rapid growth might deplete resources, reducing investment in maintenance, potentially leading to earlier or faster senescence and a shorter lifespan. However, rapid growth could limit exposure to parasitism before reaching adulthood, decreasing immunity needs. The insect immunity's components (cellular, enzymatic, and antibacterial) vary in cost, effectiveness, and duration. Despite overall immunity decline (immunosenescence), its components seem to age differently. We hypothesize that investment in these immune components is adjusted based on the resource cost of growth, longevity, and the associated risk of parasitism. RESULTS We tested this hypothesis using the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor as our experimental subject. By manipulating the larval environment, including three different temperatures and three relative humidity levels, we achieved a wide range of growth durations and longevities. Our main focus was on the relationship between growth duration, longevity, and specific immune components: hemocyte count, phenoloxidase activity, and antibacterial activity. We measured these immune parameters both before and after exposing the individuals to a standard bacterial immune challenge, enabling us to assess immune responses. These measurements were taken in both young and older adult beetles. Upon altering growth duration and longevity by modifying larval temperature, we observed a more pronounced investment in cellular and antibacterial defenses among individuals with slow growth and extended lifespans. Intriguingly, slower-growing and long-lived beetles exhibited reduced enzymatic activity. Similar results were found when manipulating larval growth duration and adult longevity through variations in relative humidity, with a particular focus on antibacterial activity. CONCLUSION The impact of growth manipulation on immune senescence varies by the specific immune parameter under consideration. Yet, in slow-growing T. molitor, a clear decline in cellular and antibacterial immune responses with age was observed. This decline can be linked to their initially stronger immune response in early life. Furthermore, our study suggests an immune strategy favoring enhanced antibacterial activity among slow-growing and long-lived T. molitor individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agathe Crosland
- Biogéosciences (UMR-CNRS 6282), Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France.
| | - Thierry Rigaud
- Biogéosciences (UMR-CNRS 6282), Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Charlène Develay
- Biogéosciences (UMR-CNRS 6282), Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Yannick Moret
- Biogéosciences (UMR-CNRS 6282), Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
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Vommaro ML, Zanchi C, Angelone T, Giglio A, Kurtz J. Herbicide exposure alters the effect of the enthomopathogen Beauveria bassiana on immune gene expression in mealworm beetles. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122662. [PMID: 37778488 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122662] [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] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Concerns have grown worldwide about the potentially far-reaching effects of herbicides on functional biodiversity in agroecosystems. Repeated applications over time can lead to accumulation of residues in soil, water, and food and may have negative impacts on non-target organisms. However, the effects of herbicide residues on interspecific relationships, such as host-pathogen interactions, are poorly studied. In this study, we evaluated the effects of two different concentrations of a commercial pendimethalin-based formulation (PND), the residual contamination (S, 13 ppm) in treated soils and the maximum residue level allowed by the European Commission in cereals (EU, 0.05 ppm). We tested the effect of PND on the biological interaction between the mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana Vuillemin, 1912 (Bb, strain KVL 03-144) at two concentrations (LC50 5 × 105 conidia mL-1 and LC100 1 × 107 conidia mL-1). We checked the survival of beetles exposed to PND or/and inoculated with B. bassiana, the expression of four antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and finally how PND affects in vitro germination of fungus. The exposure to PND had no significant effects on the survival of either control or Bb-exposed beetles. In the mealworm beetle, upregulation of gene expression of the inducible AMPs Tenecin 1, 2, and 4 was observed in PND-treated beetles after inoculation with Bb, while the levels of the non-inducible AMP Tenecin 3 were similar between treatments. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that admitted residual doses of currently used herbicides modify an important component of the inducible immune response of an insect. This did not translate into an effect on the survival to B. bassiana in our system. However, residual doses of the herbicide at 13 ppm may temporarily affect fungal germination. These results raise questions about the compatibility of bioinsecticides with synthetic pesticides and the effects of herbicide residues on host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy; Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Universityof Münster, Hüferstr. 1, 48149, Münster, Germany.
| | - Caroline Zanchi
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Universityof Münster, Hüferstr. 1, 48149, Münster, Germany; Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise Str. 1-3, 14 195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tommaso Angelone
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Via Bucci, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Joachim Kurtz
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Universityof Münster, Hüferstr. 1, 48149, Münster, Germany
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Bi Y, Wu L, Li B, Hao Y, Li Z, Zhang J, Cheng A, Yuan G, Fan J. Effects of beauvericin on the blood cells of Bombyx mori. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:108003. [PMID: 37838064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.108003] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
In this study, silkworms were treated by injection of the bioactive depsipeptide beauvericin (BEA) to explore its effect on the cellular immunity of larvae of the silkworm Bombyx mori. The results showed that: The LC50 of BEA for silkworms on the 3rd day of the 4th instar was 362.36 µM. The total count of circulating hemocytes in the silkworms decreased at 12 h after injection with 350 µM BEA, and reached the minimum value at 72 h post-treatment; at 48 h post-treatment, a large number of nodules formed by the aggregation of blood cells of the silkworms were observed under the light microscope. The survival rate of hemocytes in the larvae treated with BEA was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner in vivo and in vitro. The encapsulation of Q-Sepharose Fast Flow (QFF) gel particles by hemocytes in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group at 1.5 h and 3 h post-treatment (P < 0.05). Moreover, the melanization ratio of QFF gel particles kept increasing with treatment time. The melanization rate at 24 h after treatment was significantly higher than that at other times (P < 0.05), reaching 55.33 %. Under the scanning electron microscope, BEA-treated larvae showed protrusions on the surface of their blood cells in vivo. Under the transmission electron microscope, it was observed that silkworm hemocytes were vacuolated. This study demonstrated that BEA had an effect on the blood cells of silkworms, and has thrown some light on the inhibitory effect and mechanism of BEA on insect cellular immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Bi
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030800, China
| | - Lingzhi Wu
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030800, China
| | - Baozhen Li
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China.
| | - Yanping Hao
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030800, China
| | - Zixiao Li
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030800, China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030800, China
| | - Aiying Cheng
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030800, China
| | - Guizhen Yuan
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030800, China
| | - Jinhua Fan
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030800, China.
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Andrade-Oliveira AL, Lacerda-Rodrigues G, Pereira MF, Bahia AC, Machado EDA, Rossi CC, Giambiagi-deMarval M. Tenebrio molitor as a model system to study Staphylococcus spp virulence and horizontal gene transfer. Microb Pathog 2023; 183:106304. [PMID: 37567328 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106304] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrates can provide a valuable alternative to traditional vertebrate animal models for studying bacterial and fungal infections. This study aimed to establish the larvae of the coleoptera Tenebrio molitor (mealworm) as an in vivo model for evaluating virulence and horizontal gene transfer between Staphylococcus spp. After identifying the best conditions for rearing T. molitor, larvae were infected with different Staphylococcus species, resulting in dose-dependent killing curves. All species tested killed the insects at higher doses, with S. nepalensis and S. aureus being the most and least virulent, respectively. However, only S. nepalensis was able to kill more than 50% of larvae 72 h post-infection at a low amount of 105 CFU. Staphylococcus infection also stimulated an increase in the concentration of hemocytes present in the hemolymph, which was proportional to the virulence. To investigate T. molitor's suitability as an in vivo model for plasmid transfer studies, we used S. aureus strains as donor and recipient of a plasmid containing the gentamicin resistance gene aac(6')-aph(2″). By inoculating larvae with non-lethal doses of each, we observed conjugation, and obtained transconjugant colonies with a frequency of 1.6 × 10-5 per donor cell. This study demonstrates the potential of T. molitor larvae as a reliable and cost-effective model for analyzing the virulence of Staphylococcus and, for the first time, an optimal environment for the plasmid transfer between S. aureus carrying antimicrobial resistance genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luisa Andrade-Oliveira
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Geovana Lacerda-Rodrigues
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Monalessa Fábia Pereira
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Carangola, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Bahia
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ednildo de Alcântara Machado
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciencia e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ciro César Rossi
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcia Giambiagi-deMarval
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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Mahanta DK, Bhoi TK, Komal J, Samal I, Nikhil RM, Paschapur AU, Singh G, Kumar PVD, Desai HR, Ahmad MA, Singh PP, Majhi PK, Mukherjee U, Singh P, Saini V, Shahanaz, Srinivasa N, Yele Y. Insect-pathogen crosstalk and the cellular-molecular mechanisms of insect immunity: uncovering the underlying signaling pathways and immune regulatory function of non-coding RNAs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1169152. [PMID: 37691928 PMCID: PMC10491481 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1169152] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicellular organisms are constantly subjected to pathogens that might be harmful. Although insects lack an adaptive immune system, they possess highly effective anti-infective mechanisms. Bacterial phagocytosis and parasite encapsulation are some forms of cellular responses. Insects often defend themselves against infections through a humoral response. This phenomenon includes the secretion of antimicrobial peptides into the hemolymph. Specific receptors for detecting infection are required for the recognition of foreign pathogens such as the proteins that recognize glucans and peptidoglycans, together referred to as PGRPs and βGRPs. Activation of these receptors leads to the stimulation of signaling pathways which further activates the genes encoding for antimicrobial peptides. Some instances of such pathways are the JAK-STAT, Imd, and Toll. The host immune response that frequently accompanies infections has, however, been circumvented by diseases, which may have assisted insects evolve their own complicated immune systems. The role of ncRNAs in insect immunology has been discussed in several notable studies and reviews. This paper examines the most recent research on the immune regulatory function of ncRNAs during insect-pathogen crosstalk, including insect- and pathogen-encoded miRNAs and lncRNAs, and provides an overview of the important insect signaling pathways and effector mechanisms activated by diverse pathogen invaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar Mahanta
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar, India
| | - Tanmaya Kumar Bhoi
- Forest Protection Division, Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) - Arid Forest Research Institute (ICFRE-AFRI), Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - J. Komal
- Department of Entomology, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India
| | - Ipsita Samal
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Mushahari, Ramna, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India
| | - R. M. Nikhil
- Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Amit Umesh Paschapur
- Crop Protection Division, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan, Almora, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Gaurav Singh
- The Directorate of Research, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - P. V. Dinesh Kumar
- Department of Plant Pathology University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - H. R. Desai
- Department of Entomology, Main Cotton Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Gujarat, India
| | - Mohammad Abbas Ahmad
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar, India
| | - P. P. Singh
- Department of Entomology, Tirhut College of Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Majhi
- Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - U. Mukherjee
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar, India
| | - Pushpa Singh
- Department of Entomology, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur, Bihar, India
| | - Varun Saini
- Department of Entomology, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana, India
| | - Shahanaz
- Department of Entomology, College of Horticulture Mojerla, Sri Konda Laxman Telengana State Horticultural University, Wanaparthy, Telengana, India
| | - N. Srinivasa
- Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Yogesh Yele
- School of Crop Health Management Research, Council of Agricultural Research-National Institute of Biotic Stress Management (ICAR)- National Institute of Biotic Stress Management, Raipur, India
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Naccarato A, Vommaro ML, Amico D, Sprovieri F, Pirrone N, Tagarelli A, Giglio A. Triazine Herbicide and NPK Fertilizer Exposure: Accumulation of Heavy Metals and Rare Earth Elements, Effects on Cuticle Melanization, and Immunocompetence in the Model Species Tenebrio molitor. TOXICS 2023; 11:499. [PMID: 37368599 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11060499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of agrochemicals, including fertilizers and herbicides, has led to worrying metal contamination of soils and waters and raises serious questions about the effects of their transfer to different levels of the trophic web. Accumulation and biomagnification of essential (K, Na, Mg, Zn, Ca), nonessential (Sr, Hg, Rb, Ba, Se, Cd, Cr, Pb, As), and rare earth elements (REEs) were investigated in newly emerged adults of Tenebrio molitor exposed to field-admitted concentrations of a metribuzin-based herbicide and an NPK blend fertilizer. Chemical analyses were performed using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) supported by unsupervised pattern recognition techniques. Physiological parameters such as cuticle melanization, cellular (circulating hemocytes), and humoral (phenoloxidase enzyme activity) immune responses and mass loss were tested as exposure markers in both sexes. The results showed that NPK fertilizer application is the main cause of REE accumulation in beetles over time, besides toxic elements (Sr, Hg, Cr, Rb, Ba, Ni, Al, V, U) also present in the herbicide-treated beetles. The biomagnification of Cu and Zn suggested a high potential for food web transfer in agroecosystems. Gender differences in element concentrations suggested that males and females differ in element uptake and excretion. Differences in phenotypic traits show that exposure affects metabolic pathways involving sequestration and detoxification during the transition phase from immature-to-mature beetles, triggering a redistribution of resources between sexual maturation and immune responses. Our findings highlight the importance of setting limits for metals and REEs in herbicides and fertilizers to avoid adverse effects on species that provide ecosystem services and contribute to soil health in agroecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attilio Naccarato
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria,87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Luigia Vommaro
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Domenico Amico
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Pirrone
- CNR-Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Antonio Tagarelli
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies, University of Calabria,87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
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Urbański A, Konopińska N, Walkowiak-Nowicka K, Roizman D, Lubawy J, Radziej M, Rolff J. Functional homology of tachykinin signalling: The influence of human substance P on the immune system of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor L. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 142:104669. [PMID: 36791872 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104669] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Tachykinin-related peptides (TRPs) are one of the most prominent families of neuropeptides in the animal kingdom. Insect TRPs display strong structural and functional homology to vertebrate tachykinins (TKs). To study functional homologies between these two neuropeptide families, the influence of human substance P (SP, one of the essential vertebrate TKs) on the immune system of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor L., was analysed. Human SP influences the phagocytic abilities of T. molitor haemocytes. Peptide injection leads to an increase in the number of haemocytes participating in the phagocytosis of latex beads. In contrast, incubation of haemocytes from non-injected beetles in a solution of physiological saline and SP causes a decrease in phagocytic activity. Treatment with human SP also led to increased adhesion of haemocytes, but no changes in the arrangement of the F-actin cytoskeleton were observed. Interestingly, 6 h after human SP injection, increased DNA integrity in T. molitor haemocytes was reported. The opposite effects were observed 24 h after SP injection. Human SP caused the upregulation of humoral immune responses, such as phenoloxidase (PO) activity in the T. molitor haemolymph, and the downregulation of immune-related genes encoding coleoptericin A, tenecin 3 and Toll receptor. However, genes encoding attacin 2 and cecropin were upregulated. Despite these differences, the antimicrobial activity of T. molitor haemolymph was significantly lower in beetles injected with SP than in control beetles. Moreover, an analysis of the direct influence of SP on lysozyme activity was performed. Our results suggest that SP at a concentration of 10-6 M can directly inhibit lysozyme activity. However, an opposite effect was reported after the application of SP at a concentration of 10-4 M. The presented results suggest structural and functional homology between TK signalling in vertebrates and insects. Primarily, this was visible in the context of the humoral response and general antimicrobial activity of T. molitor haemolymph. However, some of the results related to haemocyte function may also indicate the importance of the TK and TRP sequences for evoking immunological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland.
| | - N Konopińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - K Walkowiak-Nowicka
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - D Roizman
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - J Lubawy
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - M Radziej
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego Str. 6, 61-614, Poznań, Poland
| | - J Rolff
- Evolutionary Biology, Institute for Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1-3, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB), Königin-Luise-Str. 2-4, 14195, Berlin, Germany
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Urbański A, Konopińska N, Bylewska N, Gmyrek R, Spochacz-Santoro M, Bufo SA, Adamski Z. Solanum nigrum Fruit Extract Modulates Immune System Activity of Mealworm Beetle, Tenebrio molitor L. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:68. [PMID: 36668887 PMCID: PMC9861574 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the first evidence concerning the modulation of insect immune system activity after applying Solanum nigrum fruit extract (EXT). We focused on two main issues: (1) is EXT cytotoxic for Tenebrio molitor haemocytes? and (2) how EXT affects the basic immune mechanisms of T. molitor. The results indicate cytotoxic action of 0.01 and 0.1% EXT on beetle haemocytes. Both the injection of EXT and incubating haemocytes with the EXT solution on microscopic slides significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells. However, 24 h after injection of 0.1% EXT cytotoxic effect of the tested extract probably was masked by the increased number of circulating haemocytes. Application of 0.01 and 0.1% EXT led to impairment of the activity of basic immune mechanisms such as phenoloxidase activity and the lysozyme-like antimicrobial activity of T. molitor haemolymph. Moreover, the EXT elicited significant changes in the expression level of selected immune genes. However, some of the immunomodulatory effects of EXT were different in beetles with and without an activated immune system. The obtained results are an essential step toward a complete understanding of the EXT mode of action on the T. molitor physiology and its potential usage in pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Urbański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Natalia Konopińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Natalia Bylewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Radosław Gmyrek
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Marta Spochacz-Santoro
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Zbigniew Adamski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
- Laboratory of Electron and Confocal Microscopy, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, 61-614 Poznań, Poland
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Senescence of the immune defences and reproductive trade-offs in females of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19747. [PMID: 36396809 PMCID: PMC9671880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24334-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the theory of ageing, it has been assumed that ageing is associated with a decline in somatic defences, including the immune system, as a consequence of a trade-off with reproduction. While overall immunity suffers from age-related deterioration (immune senescence), the different components of the immune response appear to age differently. It is also likely that investment among the many arms of the immune system and reproduction with age is finely adjusted to the organisms' reproductive strategy. We investigated this possibility in females of Tenebrio molitor, a species of long-lived insect with reproductive strategies similar to those of long-lived mammals. We specifically tested the effects of immunological challenges imposed early or late in adult life on immune pathway activation as well as fertility early and late in life. We found complex patterns of changes in immune defences with age and age-specific immune challenges with contrasted relationships with female reproduction. While cellular and enzymatic defences showed signs of ageing, they did not trade-off with reproduction. By contrast, the induced antibacterial immune response was found to be unaffected by age and to be highly connected to female fecundity. These findings suggest that these immunological pathways have different functions with regard to female ageing in this insect species.
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