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Li Y, Yan Z, Lin A, Yang X, Li X, Yin X, Li W, Li K. Epidermal oxysterols function as alarm substances in zebrafish. iScience 2024; 27:109660. [PMID: 38650983 PMCID: PMC11033690 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109660] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Alarm substances signal imminent predation thread and enable anti-predation strategies. In shoaling fish, alarm cues diffuse from injured skins that induce intense fear and anti-predation behaviors in other members. While these "fear substances" are shown to be present in numerous fishes and thought to exist in roughly 8,000 Ostariophysan species, their chemical nature remains largely unknown. We posited that fish alarm cues comprise small compounds and induce specific behaviors characteristic of fish exposed to skin extracts. Using the behaviors as bioassays, we tracked the alarm function of zebrafish skin extract to two compounds, 24-methyl-5α-cholestane-3α,7α,12α,24,28-pentahydroxy 28-sulfate, an oxysterol sulfate, and 5α-cyprinol sulfate. At concentrations of less than one nanomolar, each compound induced anti-predator behaviors and increased cortisol levels in zebrafish. Their mixture, at the natural ratio, replicated the skin extract in eliciting the full suite of anti-predator behavior patterns. Our findings reveal a molecular mechanism whereby fish escape predation danger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxi Li
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhi Yan
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
- School of Ocean, Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Ainuo Lin
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaodong Li
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Xiuli Yin
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Weiming Li
- Department of Fisheries & Wildlife, Michigan State University, Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Ke Li
- Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, China
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
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2
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Shi J, Liu C, Zhang Y, Wu X. Early larval exposure to flumethrin induces long-term impacts on survival and memory behaviors of adult worker bees Apis mellifera. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 201:105909. [PMID: 38685230 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105909] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Flumethrin has been supplied as an acaricide for Varroa mite control in world-wide apiculture due to its low lethal effects on honey bees. However, little is known about the effects of short-term flumethrin exposure in the larval stage on adult life stage of bees involving survival status, foraging and memory-related behaviors. Here, we found that exposure to flumethrin at 1 mg/L during larval stage reduced survival and altered foraging activities including induced precocious foraging activity, decreased foraging trips and time, and altered rotating day-off status of adult worker bees using the radio frequency identification system. Furthermore, larval exposure at 1 mg/L flumethrin influenced the correct proboscis extension responses of 7-day-old worker bees and decreased homing rates of 20-day-old worker bees, suggesting that 1 mg/L flumethrin exposure at larval stage could affect memory-related behaviors of adult bees; meanwhile, three genes related to memory (GluRA, Nmdar1 and Tyr1) were certainly down-regulated varying different flumethrin concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/L). Combined with transcriptomic sequencing, differentially expressed genes involved in olfactory memory of adult bees were completely down-regulated under flumethrin exposure. Our findings highlight the unprecedented impact of short-term exposure of insecticides on honey bees in long-term health monitoring under field conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingliang Shi
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yonghong Zhang
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Xiaobo Wu
- Honeybee Research Institute, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China; Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Honeybee Biology and Beekeeping, Nanchang 330045, China.
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3
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Clein RS, Warren MR, Neunuebel JP. Automated behavioral analysis reveals that mice employ a bait-and-switch escape mechanism to de-escalate social conflict. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.12.575321. [PMID: 38260649 PMCID: PMC10802557 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.575321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Intraspecies aggression has profound ecological and evolutionary consequences, as recipients can suffer injuries, decreases in fitness, and become outcasts from social groups. Although animals implement diverse strategies to avoid hostile confrontations, the extent to which social influences affect escape tactics is unclear. Here, we used computational and machine-learning approaches to analyze complex behavioral interactions as mixed-sex groups of mice, Mus musculus, freely interacted. Mice displayed a rich repertoire of behaviors marked by changes in behavioral state, aggressive encounters, and mixed-sex interactions. A prominent behavioral sequence consistently occurred after aggressive encounters, where males in submissive states quickly approached and transiently interacted with females immediately before the aggressor engaged with the same female. The behavioral sequences were also associated with substantially fewer physical altercations. Furthermore, the male's behavioral state and the interacting partners could be predicted by distinct features of the behavioral sequence, such as kinematics and the latency to and duration of male-female interactions. More broadly, our work revealed an ethologically relevant escape strategy influenced by the presence of females that may serve as a mechanism for de-escalating social conflict and preventing consequential reductions in fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel S. Clein
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Newark, DE 19713
| | - Megan R. Warren
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Newark, DE 19713
- Emory University, Department of Biology, Atlanta, GA 30322
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Emory National Primate Center, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Joshua P. Neunuebel
- University of Delaware, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Newark, DE 19713
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4
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Sun X, Hu C, Liu T, Yue S, Peng J, Fu Q. Translating Virtual Prey-Predator Interaction to Real-World Robotic Environments: Enabling Multimodal Sensing and Evolutionary Dynamics. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:580. [PMID: 38132519 PMCID: PMC10742093 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8080580] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Prey-predator interactions play a pivotal role in elucidating the evolution and adaptation of various organism's traits. Numerous approaches have been employed to study the dynamics of prey-predator interaction systems, with agent-based methodologies gaining popularity. However, existing agent-based models are limited in their ability to handle multi-modal interactions, which are believed to be crucial for understanding living organisms. Conversely, prevailing prey-predator integration studies often rely on mathematical models and computer simulations, neglecting real-world constraints and noise. These elusive attributes, challenging to model, can lead to emergent behaviors and embodied intelligence. To bridge these gaps, our study designs and implements a prey-predator interaction scenario that incorporates visual and olfactory sensory cues not only in computer simulations but also in a real multi-robot system. Observed emergent spatial-temporal dynamics demonstrate successful transitioning of investigating prey-predator interactions from virtual simulations to the tangible world. It highlights the potential of multi-robotics approaches for studying prey-predator interactions and lays the groundwork for future investigations involving multi-modal sensory processing while considering real-world constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelong Sun
- Machine Life and Intelligence Research Center, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (X.S.); (C.H.); (S.Y.)
- School of Mathematics and Information Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- Machine Life and Intelligence Research Center, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (X.S.); (C.H.); (S.Y.)
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Tian Liu
- MLTOR Numerical Control Technology Co., Ltd., Zhongshan 528400, China;
| | - Shigang Yue
- Machine Life and Intelligence Research Center, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (X.S.); (C.H.); (S.Y.)
- School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Jigen Peng
- Machine Life and Intelligence Research Center, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (X.S.); (C.H.); (S.Y.)
- School of Mathematics and Information Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qinbing Fu
- Machine Life and Intelligence Research Center, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China; (X.S.); (C.H.); (S.Y.)
- School of Mathematics and Information Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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5
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Zeller K, Ballesta S, Meunier H, Duboscq J, Morino L, Rimele A, Bonnet X, Maille A, Dezecache G, Garcia C. Spot the odd one out: do snake pictures capture macaques' attention more than other predators? Anim Cogn 2023; 26:1945-1958. [PMID: 37855842 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01831-9] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Detecting and identifying predators quickly is key to survival. According to the Snake Detection Theory (SDT), snakes have been a substantive threat to primates for millions of years, so that dedicated visual skills were tuned to detect snakes in early primates. Past experiments confronted the SDT by measuring how fast primate subjects detected snake pictures among non-dangerous distractors (e.g., flowers), but did not include pictures of primates' other predators, such as carnivorans, raptors, and crocodilians. Here, we examined the detection abilities of N = 19 Tonkean macaques (Macaca tonkeana) and N = 6 rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) to spot different predators. By implementing an oddity task protocol, we recorded success rates and reaction times to locate a deviant picture among four pictures over more than 400,000 test trials. Pictures depicted a predator, a non-predator animal, or a simple geometric shape. The first task consisted of detecting a deviant picture among identical distractor pictures (discrimination) and the second task was designed to evaluate detection abilities of a deviant picture among different distractor pictures (categorization). The macaques detected pictures of geometric shapes better and faster than pictures of animals, and were better and faster at discriminating than categorizing. The macaques did not detect snakes better or faster than other animal categories. Overall, these results suggest that pictures of snakes do not capture visual attention more than other predators, questioning previous findings in favor of the SDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Zeller
- Unité Eco-Anthropologie (EA), UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Musée de l'Homme 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016, Paris, France.
| | - Sébastien Ballesta
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre de Primatologie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Silabe, Niederhausbergen, France
| | - Hélène Meunier
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives, UMR 7364, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Centre de Primatologie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Silabe, Niederhausbergen, France
| | - Julie Duboscq
- Unité Eco-Anthropologie (EA), UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Musée de l'Homme 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016, Paris, France
| | - Luca Morino
- Ménagerie du Jardin Des Plantes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Adam Rimele
- Centre de Primatologie de l'Université de Strasbourg, Silabe, Niederhausbergen, France
| | - Xavier Bonnet
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, UMR 7372, CNRS ULR, Villiers-en-Bois, France
| | - Audrey Maille
- Unité Eco-Anthropologie (EA), UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Musée de l'Homme 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016, Paris, France
- DGD Musées, Jardins Botaniques et Zoologiques, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, 57 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
| | | | - Cécile Garcia
- Unité Eco-Anthropologie (EA), UMR 7206, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, Université Paris Cité, Musée de l'Homme 17 Place du Trocadéro, 75016, Paris, France
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6
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Jin S, Qian K, He L, Zhang Z. iORandLigandDB: A Website for Three-Dimensional Structure Prediction of Insect Odorant Receptors and Docking with Odorants. INSECTS 2023; 14:560. [PMID: 37367376 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The use of insect-specific odorants to control the behavior of insects has always been a hot spot in research on "green" control strategies of insects. However, it is generally time-consuming and laborious to explore insect-specific odorants with traditional reverse chemical ecology methods. Here, an insect odorant receptor (OR) and ligand database website (iORandLigandDB) was developed for the specific exploration of insect-specific odorants by using deep learning algorithms. The website provides a range of specific odorants before molecular biology experiments as well as the properties of ORs in closely related insects. At present, the existing three-dimensional structures of ORs in insects and the docking data with related odorants can be retrieved from the database and further analyzed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Jin
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Kun Qian
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Lin He
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Zan Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
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Picciotti U, Valverde-Urrea M, Garganese F, Lopez-Moya F, Foubelo F, Porcelli F, Lopez-Llorca LV. Brindley's Glands Volatilome of the Predator Zelus renardii Interacting with Xylella Vectors. INSECTS 2023; 14:520. [PMID: 37367336 DOI: 10.3390/insects14060520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Alien species must adapt to new biogeographical regions to acclimatise and survive. We consider a species to have become invasive if it establishes negative interactions after acclimatisation. Xylella fastidiosa Wells, Raju et al., 1986 (XF) represents Italy's and Europe's most recent biological invasion. In Apulia (southern Italy), the XF-encountered Philaenus spumarius L. 1758 (Spittlebugs, Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) can acquire and transmit the bacterium to Olea europaea L., 1753. The management of XF invasion involves various transmission control means, including inundative biological control using Zelus renardii (ZR) Kolenati, 1856 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). ZR is an alien stenophagous predator of Xylella vectors, recently entered from the Nearctic and acclimated in Europe. Zelus spp. can secrete semiochemicals during interactions with conspecifics and prey, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that elicit conspecific defence behavioural responses. Our study describes ZR Brindley's glands, present in males and females of ZR, which can produce semiochemicals, eliciting conspecific behavioural responses. We scrutinised ZR secretion alone or interacting with P. spumarius. The ZR volatilome includes 2-methyl-propanoic acid, 2-methyl-butanoic acid, and 3-methyl-1-butanol, which are consistent for Z. renardii alone. Olfactometric tests show that these three VOCs, individually tested, generate an avoidance (alarm) response in Z. renardii. 3-Methyl-1-butanol elicited the highest significant repellence, followed by 2-methyl-butanoic and 2-methyl-propanoic acids. The concentrations of the VOCs of ZR decrease during the interaction with P. spumarius. We discuss the potential effects of VOC secretions on the interaction of Z. renardii with P. spumarius.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Picciotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, Laboratory of Plant Pathology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Miguel Valverde-Urrea
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, Laboratory of Plant Pathology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Francesca Garganese
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Lopez-Moya
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, Laboratory of Plant Pathology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco Foubelo
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Organic Synthesis, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Francesco Porcelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e degli Alimenti (DiSSPA), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Luis Vicente Lopez-Llorca
- Department of Marine Science and Applied Biology, Laboratory of Plant Pathology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
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8
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Lee S, Kim M, Ahn BJ, Jang Y. Odorant-responsive biological receptors and electronic noses for volatile organic compounds with aldehyde for human health and diseases: A perspective review. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 455:131555. [PMID: 37156042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are gaseous chemicals found in ambient air and exhaled breath. In particular, highly reactive aldehydes are frequently found in polluted air and have been linked to various diseases. Thus, extensive studies have been carried out to elucidate disease-specific aldehydes released from the body to develop potential biomarkers for diagnostic purposes. Mammals possess innate sensory systems, such as receptors and ion channels, to detect these VOCs and maintain physiological homeostasis. Recently, electronic biosensors such as the electronic nose have been developed for disease diagnosis. This review aims to present an overview of natural sensory receptors that can detect reactive aldehydes, as well as electronic noses that have the potential to diagnose certain diseases. In this regard, this review focuses on eight aldehydes that are well-defined as biomarkers in human health and disease. It offers insights into the biological aspects and technological advances in detecting aldehyde-containing VOCs. Therefore, this review will aid in understanding the role of aldehyde-containing VOCs in human health and disease and the technological advances for improved diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solpa Lee
- Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04736, South Korea
| | - Minwoo Kim
- Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04736, South Korea
| | - Bum Ju Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04736, South Korea
| | - Yongwoo Jang
- Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04736, South Korea; Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul 04736, South Korea.
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9
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Gomez Ramirez WC, Thomas NK, Muktar IJ, Riabinina O. The neuroecology of olfaction in bees. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 56:101018. [PMID: 36842606 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The focus of bee neuroscience has for a long time been on only a handful of social honeybee and bumblebee species, out of thousands of bees species that have been described. On the other hand, information about the chemical ecology of bees is much more abundant. Here we attempted to compile the scarce information about olfactory systems of bees across species. We also review the major categories of intra- and inter-specific olfactory behaviors of bees, with specific focus on recent literature. We finish by discussing the most promising avenues for bee olfactory research in the near future.
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10
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Verschut TA, Ng R, Doubovetzky NP, Le Calvez G, Sneep JL, Minnaard AJ, Su CY, Carlsson MA, Wertheim B, Billeter JC. Aggregation pheromones have a non-linear effect on oviposition behavior in Drosophila melanogaster. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1544. [PMID: 36941252 PMCID: PMC10027874 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37046-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Female fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) oviposit at communal sites where the larvae may cooperate or compete for resources depending on group size. This offers a model system to determine how females assess quantitative social information. We show that the concentration of pheromones found on a substrate increases linearly with the number of adult flies that have visited that site. Females prefer oviposition sites with pheromone concentrations corresponding to an intermediate number of previous visitors, whereas sites with low or high concentrations are unattractive. This dose-dependent decision is based on a blend of 11-cis-Vaccenyl Acetate (cVA) indicating the number of previous visitors and heptanal (a novel pheromone deriving from the oxidation of 7-Tricosene), which acts as a dose-independent co-factor. This response is mediated by detection of cVA by odorant receptor neurons Or67d and Or65a, and at least five different odorant receptor neurons for heptanal. Our results identify a mechanism allowing individuals to transform a linear increase of pheromones into a non-linear behavioral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Verschut
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Renny Ng
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nicolas P Doubovetzky
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Le Calvez
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan L Sneep
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J Minnaard
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Chih-Ying Su
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Mikael A Carlsson
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bregje Wertheim
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-Christophe Billeter
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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11
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Autofluorescent Biomolecules in Diptera: From Structure to Metabolism and Behavior. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144458. [PMID: 35889334 PMCID: PMC9318335 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Light-based phenomena in insects have long attracted researchers’ attention. Surface color distribution patterns are commonly used for taxonomical purposes, while optically-active structures from Coleoptera cuticle or Lepidoptera wings have inspired technological applications, such as biosensors and energy accumulation devices. In Diptera, besides optically-based phenomena, biomolecules able to fluoresce can act as markers of bio-metabolic, structural and behavioral features. Resilin or chitinous compounds, with their respective blue or green-to-red autofluorescence (AF), are commonly related to biomechanical and structural properties, helpful to clarify the mechanisms underlying substrate adhesion of ectoparasites’ leg appendages, or the antennal abilities in tuning sound detection. Metarhodopsin, a red fluorescing photoproduct of rhodopsin, allows to investigate visual mechanisms, whereas NAD(P)H and flavins, commonly relatable to energy metabolism, favor the investigation of sperm vitality. Lipofuscins are AF biomarkers of aging, as well as pteridines, which, similarly to kynurenines, are also exploited in metabolic investigations. Beside the knowledge available in Drosophila melanogaster, a widely used model to study also human disorder and disease mechanisms, here we review optically-based studies in other dipteran species, including mosquitoes and fruit flies, discussing future perspectives for targeted studies with various practical applications, including pest and vector control.
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