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Lan J, Wu Q, Huang N, Zhang H, Yang Y, Chen L, Zhou N, He X. Identification of sulfakinin receptor regulating feeding behavior and hemolymph trehalose homeostasis in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14191. [PMID: 38902334 PMCID: PMC11190223 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65177-z] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Feeding behavior, the most fundamental physiological activity, is controlled by two opposing groups of factors, orexigenic and anorexigenic factors. The sulfakinin family, an insect analogue of the mammalian satiety factor cholecystokinin (CCK), has been shown to suppress food intake in various insects. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which sulfakinin regulates feeding behavior remain a biological question. This study aimed to elucidate the signaling pathway mediated by the anorexigenic peptide sulfakinin in Bombyx mori. We identified the Bombyx mori neuropeptide G protein-coupled receptor A9 (BNGR-A9) as the receptor for sulfakinin through functional assays. Stimulation with sulfakinin triggered a swift increase in intracellular IP3, Ca2+, and a notable enhancement of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, in a manner sensitive to a Gαq-specific inhibitor. Treatment with synthetic sulfakinin resulted in decreased food consumption and average body weight. Additionally, administering synthetic sulfakinin to silkworms significantly elevated hemolymph trehalose levels, an effect markedly reduced by pre-treatment with BNGR-A9 dsRNA. Consequently, our findings establish the sulfakinin/BNGR-A9 signaling pathway as a critical regulator of feeding behavior and hemolymph trehalose homeostasis in Bombyx mori, highlighting its roles in the negative control of food intake and the positive regulation of energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Lan
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311399, China
| | - Qi Wu
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212018, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nan Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Lin'an District, Hangzhou, 311399, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311399, China
| | - Yuanfei Yang
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311399, China
| | - Linjie Chen
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311399, China
| | - Naiming Zhou
- Institute of Biochemistry, College of Life Sciences, Zijingang Campus, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaobai He
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Bioengineering, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311399, China.
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2
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Liao J, Wan K, Lü Y, Ouyang W, Huang J, Zheng L, Miao L, Su S, Li Z. Comparison of Brain Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Auto-Grooming Behavior between Apis cerana and Apis mellifera Infested by Varroa destructor. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:763. [PMID: 38927699 PMCID: PMC11202474 DOI: 10.3390/genes15060763] [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: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The grooming behavior of honeybees serves as a crucial auto-protective mechanism against Varroa mite infestations. Compared to Apis mellifera, Apis cerana demonstrates more effective grooming behavior in removing Varroa mites from the bodies of infested bees. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating grooming behavior remain elusive. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of the auto-grooming behavior between A. cerana and A. mellifera and employed RNA-sequencing technology to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in bee brains with varying degrees of grooming behavior intensity. We observed that A. cerana exhibited a higher frequency of mite removal between day 5 and day 15 compared to A. mellifera, with day-9 bees showing the highest frequency of mite removal in A. cerana. RNA-sequencing results revealed the differential expression of the HTR2A and SLC17A8 genes in A. cerana and the CCKAR and TpnC47D genes in A. mellifera. Subsequent homology analysis identified the HTR2A gene and SLC17A8 gene of A. cerana as homologous to the HTR2A gene and SLC17A7 gene of A. mellifera. These DEGs are annotated in the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway, the glutamatergic synaptic pathway, and the calcium signaling pathway. Moreover, CCKAR, TpnC47D, HTR2A, and SLC17A7 may be closely related to the auto-grooming behavior of A. mellifera, conferring resistance against Varroa infestation. Our results further explain the relationship between honeybee grooming behavior and brain function at the molecular level and provide a reference basis for further studies of the mechanism of honeybee grooming behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Liao
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (K.W.); (Y.L.); (W.O.); (L.Z.); (L.M.)
| | - Kunlin Wan
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (K.W.); (Y.L.); (W.O.); (L.Z.); (L.M.)
| | - Yang Lü
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (K.W.); (Y.L.); (W.O.); (L.Z.); (L.M.)
- Mudanjiang Branch of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Mudanjiang 157000, China
| | - Wenyao Ouyang
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (K.W.); (Y.L.); (W.O.); (L.Z.); (L.M.)
| | - Jingnan Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China;
| | - Liyuan Zheng
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (K.W.); (Y.L.); (W.O.); (L.Z.); (L.M.)
| | - Liuchang Miao
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (K.W.); (Y.L.); (W.O.); (L.Z.); (L.M.)
| | - Songkun Su
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (K.W.); (Y.L.); (W.O.); (L.Z.); (L.M.)
- Academy of Bee Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (J.L.); (K.W.); (Y.L.); (W.O.); (L.Z.); (L.M.)
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3
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Oikawa I, Kondo S, Hashimoto K, Yoshida A, Hamajima M, Tanimoto H, Furukubo-Tokunaga K, Honjo K. A descending inhibitory mechanism of nociception mediated by an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide system in Drosophila. eLife 2023; 12:RP85760. [PMID: 37310871 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85760] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nociception is a neural process that animals have developed to avoid potentially tissue-damaging stimuli. While nociception is triggered in the peripheral nervous system, its modulation by the central nervous system is a critical process in mammals, whose dysfunction has been extensively implicated in chronic pain pathogenesis. The peripheral mechanisms of nociception are largely conserved across the animal kingdom. However, it is unclear whether the brain-mediated modulation is also conserved in non-mammalian species. Here, we show that Drosophila has a descending inhibitory mechanism of nociception from the brain, mediated by the neuropeptide Drosulfakinin (DSK), a homolog of cholecystokinin (CCK) that plays an important role in the descending control of nociception in mammals. We found that mutants lacking dsk or its receptors are hypersensitive to noxious heat. Through a combination of genetic, behavioral, histological, and Ca2+ imaging analyses, we subsequently revealed neurons involved in DSK-mediated nociceptive regulation at a single-cell resolution and identified a DSKergic descending neuronal pathway that inhibits nociception. This study provides the first evidence for a descending modulatory mechanism of nociception from the brain in a non-mammalian species that is mediated by the evolutionarily conserved CCK system, raising the possibility that the descending inhibition is an ancient mechanism to regulate nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Oikawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shu Kondo
- Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kao Hashimoto
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akiho Yoshida
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Megumi Hamajima
- Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Hiromu Tanimoto
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | | | - Ken Honjo
- Center for Development of Advanced Medicine for Dementia, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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4
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Liu B, Fu D, Ning H, Tang M, Chen H. Identification and functional characterization of the sulfakinin and sulfakinin receptor in the Chinese white pine beetle Dendroctonus armandi. Front Physiol 2022; 13:927890. [PMID: 36035480 PMCID: PMC9417412 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.927890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The sulfakinin (SK) is an important signal molecule. As a neuromodulator, it mediates a variety of behavioral processes and physiological functions in invertebrates through the interaction with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, there is no report on the functional role of SK in the Chinese white pine beetle, Dendroctonus armandi. We have cloned and characterized SK and SKR genes in the D. armandi and carried out bioinformatics predictions on the basis of the deduced amino acid sequences, which are very similar to those from Dendroctonus ponderosa. The expression levels of the two genes were different between male and female adults, and there were significant changes in different developmental stages, tissues, and between starvation and following re-feeding states. Additionally, RNA-interference (RNAi) using double-stranded RNA to knock down SK and SKR reduced the transcription levels of the target genes and increased their body weight. In parallel, injection of SK caused a significant reduction in body weight and increase in mortality of D. armandi and also led to an increase in trehalose and a decrease in glycogen and free fatty acid. The results show that the SK signal pathway plays a positive and significant role in feeding regulation and provides a potential molecular target for the control of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Danyang Fu
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Hang Ning
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Ming Tang
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Tang, ; Hui Chen,
| | - Hui Chen
- College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Guangdong Key Laboratory for Innovative Development and Utilization of Forest Plant Germplasm, College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ming Tang, ; Hui Chen,
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5
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Abstract
Modulation of nociception allows animals to optimize chances of survival by adapting their behaviour in different contexts. In mammals, this is executed by neurons from the brain and is referred to as the descending control of nociception. Whether insects have such control, or the neural circuits allowing it, has rarely been explored. Based on behavioural, neuroscientific and molecular evidence, we argue that insects probably have descending controls for nociception. Behavioural work shows that insects can modulate nocifensive behaviour. Such modulation is at least in part controlled by the central nervous system since the information mediating such prioritization is processed by the brain. Central nervous system control of nociception is further supported by neuroanatomical and neurobiological evidence showing that the insect brain can facilitate or suppress nocifensive behaviour, and by molecular studies revealing pathways involved in the inhibition of nocifensive behaviour both peripherally and centrally. Insects lack the endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors that contribute to mammalian descending nociception controls, so we discuss likely alternative molecular mechanisms for the insect descending nociception controls. We discuss what the existence of descending control of nociception in insects may reveal about pain perception in insects and finally consider the ethical implications of these novel findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilda Gibbons
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Sajedeh Sarlak
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, 31587-77871, Karaj, Iran
| | - Lars Chittka
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Endocrine cybernetics: neuropeptides as molecular switches in behavioural decisions. Open Biol 2022; 12:220174. [PMID: 35892199 PMCID: PMC9326288 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity in animal behaviour relies on the ability to integrate external and internal cues from the changing environment and hence modulate activity in synaptic circuits of the brain. This context-dependent neuromodulation is largely based on non-synaptic signalling with neuropeptides. Here, we describe select peptidergic systems in the Drosophila brain that act at different levels of a hierarchy to modulate behaviour and associated physiology. These systems modulate circuits in brain regions, such as the central complex and the mushroom bodies, which supervise specific behaviours. At the top level of the hierarchy there are small numbers of large peptidergic neurons that arborize widely in multiple areas of the brain to orchestrate or modulate global activity in a state and context-dependent manner. At the bottom level local peptidergic neurons provide executive neuromodulation of sensory gain and intrinsically in restricted parts of specific neuronal circuits. The orchestrating neurons receive interoceptive signals that mediate energy and sleep homeostasis, metabolic state and circadian timing, as well as external cues that affect food search, aggression or mating. Some of these cues can be triggers of conflicting behaviours such as mating versus aggression, or sleep versus feeding, and peptidergic neurons participate in circuits, enabling behaviour choices and switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland Würzburg 97074, Germany
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7
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Nässel DR, Wu SF. Cholecystokinin/sulfakinin peptide signaling: conserved roles at the intersection between feeding, mating and aggression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:188. [PMID: 35286508 PMCID: PMC8921109 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04214-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are the most diverse messenger molecules in metazoans and are involved in regulation of daily physiology and a wide array of behaviors. Some neuropeptides and their cognate receptors are structurally and functionally well conserved over evolution in bilaterian animals. Among these are peptides related to gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK). In mammals, CCK is produced by intestinal endocrine cells and brain neurons, and regulates gall bladder contractions, pancreatic enzyme secretion, gut functions, satiety and food intake. Additionally, CCK plays important roles in neuromodulation in several brain circuits that regulate reward, anxiety, aggression and sexual behavior. In invertebrates, CCK-type peptides (sulfakinins, SKs) are, with a few exceptions, produced by brain neurons only. Common among invertebrates is that SKs mediate satiety and regulate food ingestion by a variety of mechanisms. Also regulation of secretion of digestive enzymes has been reported. Studies of the genetically tractable fly Drosophila have advanced our understanding of SK signaling mechanisms in regulation of satiety and feeding, but also in gustatory sensitivity, locomotor activity, aggression and reproductive behavior. A set of eight SK-expressing brain neurons plays important roles in regulation of these competing behaviors. In males, they integrate internal state and external stimuli to diminish sex drive and increase aggression. The same neurons also diminish sugar gustation, induce satiety and reduce feeding. Although several functional roles of CCK/SK signaling appear conserved between Drosophila and mammals, available data suggest that the underlying mechanisms differ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Shun-Fan Wu
- College of Plant Protection/Laboratory of Bio-Interactions and Crop Health, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
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8
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Li Y, Gao H, Yu R, Zhang Y, Feng F, Tang J, Li B. Identification and characterization of G protein-coupled receptors in Spodoptera frugiperda (Insecta: Lepidoptera). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 317:113976. [PMID: 35016911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.113976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Spodoptera frugiperda (Insecta: Lepidoptera) is a destructive invasive pest feeding on various plants and causing serious damage to several economically-important crops. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cellular receptors that coordinate diverse signaling processes, associated with many physiological processes and disease states. However, less information about GPCRs had been reported in S. frugiperda, limiting the recognition of signaling system and in-depth studies of this pest. Here, a total of 167 GPCRs were identified in S. frugiperda. Compared with other insects, the GPCRs of S. frugiperda were significantly expanded. A large of tandem duplication and segmental duplication events were observed, which may be the key factor to increase the size of GPCR family. In detail, these expansion events mainly concentrate on biogenic amine receptors, neuropeptide and protein hormone receptors, which may be involved in feeding, reproduction, life span, and tolerance of S. frugiperda. Additionally, 17 Mth/Mthl members were identified in S. frugiperda, which may be similar to the evolutionary pattern of 16 Mth/Mthl members in Drosophila. Moreover, the expression patterns across different developmental stages of all GPCR genes were also analyzed. Among these, most of the GPCR genes are poorly expressed in S. frugiperda and some highly expressed GPCR genes help S. frugiperda adapt to the environment better, such as Rh6 and AkhR. In this study, all GPCRs in S. frugiperda were identified for the first time, which provided a basis for further revealing the role of these receptors in the physiological and behavioral regulation of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Han Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Runnan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yonglei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fan Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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9
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Tinoco AB, Barreiro-Iglesias A, Yañez Guerra LA, Delroisse J, Zhang Y, Gunner EF, Zampronio CG, Jones AM, Egertová M, Elphick MR. Ancient role of sulfakinin/cholecystokinin-type signalling in inhibitory regulation of feeding processes revealed in an echinoderm. eLife 2021; 10:e65667. [PMID: 34488941 PMCID: PMC8428848 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Sulfakinin (SK)/cholecystokinin (CCK)-type neuropeptides regulate feeding and digestion in protostomes (e.g. insects) and chordates. Here, we characterised SK/CCK-type signalling for the first time in a non-chordate deuterostome - the starfish Asterias rubens (phylum Echinodermata). In this species, two neuropeptides (ArSK/CCK1, ArSK/CCK2) derived from the precursor protein ArSK/CCKP act as ligands for an SK/CCK-type receptor (ArSK/CCKR) and these peptides/proteins are expressed in the nervous system, digestive system, tube feet, and body wall. Furthermore, ArSK/CCK1 and ArSK/CCK2 cause dose-dependent contraction of cardiac stomach, tube foot, and apical muscle preparations in vitro, and injection of these neuropeptides in vivo triggers cardiac stomach retraction and inhibition of the onset of feeding in A. rubens. Thus, an evolutionarily ancient role of SK/CCK-type neuropeptides as inhibitory regulators of feeding-related processes in the Bilateria has been conserved in the unusual and unique context of the extra-oral feeding behaviour and pentaradial body plan of an echinoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana B Tinoco
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Antón Barreiro-Iglesias
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Jérôme Delroisse
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Ya Zhang
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth F Gunner
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Cleidiane G Zampronio
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics, Research Technology Platform, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Alexandra M Jones
- School of Life Sciences and Proteomics, Research Technology Platform, University of WarwickCoventryUnited Kingdom
| | - Michaela Egertová
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- Queen Mary University of London, School of Biological & Behavioural SciencesLondonUnited Kingdom
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10
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Guo D, Zhang YJ, Zhang S, Li J, Guo C, Pan YF, Zhang N, Liu CX, Jia YL, Li CY, Ma JY, Nässel DR, Gao CF, Wu SF. Cholecystokinin-like peptide mediates satiety by inhibiting sugar attraction. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009724. [PMID: 34398892 PMCID: PMC8366971 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Feeding is essential for animal survival and reproduction and is regulated by both internal states and external stimuli. However, little is known about how internal states influence the perception of external sensory cues that regulate feeding behavior. Here, we investigated the neuronal and molecular mechanisms behind nutritional state-mediated regulation of gustatory perception in control of feeding behavior in the brown planthopper and Drosophila. We found that feeding increases the expression of the cholecystokinin-like peptide, sulfakinin (SK), and the activity of a set of SK-expressing neurons. Starvation elevates the transcription of the sugar receptor Gr64f and SK negatively regulates the expression of Gr64f in both insects. Interestingly, we found that one of the two known SK receptors, CCKLR-17D3, is expressed by some of Gr64f-expressing neurons in the proboscis and proleg tarsi. Thus, we have identified SK as a neuropeptide signal in a neuronal circuitry that responds to food intake, and regulates feeding behavior by diminishing gustatory receptor gene expression and activity of sweet sensing GRNs. Our findings demonstrate one nutritional state-dependent pathway that modulates sweet perception and thereby feeding behavior, but our experiments cannot exclude further parallel pathways. Importantly, we show that the underlying mechanisms are conserved in the two distantly related insect species. Food intake is critical for animal survival and reproduction and is regulated both by internal states that signal appetite or satiety, and by external sensory stimuli. It is well known that the internal nutritional state influences the strength of the chemosensory perception of food signals. Thus, both gustatory and olfactory signals of preferred food are strengthened in hungry animals. However, the molecular mechanisms behind satiety-mediated modulation of taste are still not known. We show here that cholecystokinin-like (SK) peptide in brown planthopper and Drosophila signals satiety and inhibits sugar attraction by lowering the activity of sweet-sensing gustatory neurons and transcription of a sugar receptor gene, Gr64f. We show that SK peptide signaling reflects the nutritional state and inhibits feeding behavior. Re-feeding after starvation increases SK peptide expression and spontaneous activity of SK producing neurons. Interestingly, we found that SK peptide negatively regulates the expression of the sweet gustatory receptor and that activation of SK producing neurons inhibits the activity of sweet-sensing gustatory neurons (GRNs). Furthermore, we found that one of the two known SK peptide receptors is expressed in some sweet-sensing GRNs in the proboscis and proleg tarsi. In summary, our findings provide a mechanism that is conserved in distantly related insects and which explains how feeding state modulates sweet perception to regulate feeding behavior. Thus, we have identified a neuropeptide signal and its neuronal circuitry that respond to satiety, and that regulate feeding behavior by inhibiting gustatory receptor gene expression and activity of sweet sensing GRNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Guo
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi-Jie Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Su Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Li
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Feng Pan
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Institute of Life Sciences, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen-Xi Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Long Jia
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen-Yu Li
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Yu Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cong-Fen Gao
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shun-Fan Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China/State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
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11
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Słocińska M, Chowański S, Marciniak P. Identification of sulfakinin receptors (SKR) in Tenebrio molitor beetle and the influence of sulfakinins on carbohydrates metabolism. J Comp Physiol B 2020; 190:669-679. [PMID: 32749519 PMCID: PMC7441086 DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sulfakinins (SKs) are pleiotropic neuropeptides commonly found in insects, structurally and functionally homologous to the mammalian gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK) neuropeptides. SKs together with sulfakinin receptors (SKRs) are involved in sulfakinin signaling responsible for variety of biological functions, including food intake or fatty acid metabolism. In the present study, we determined the distribution of SKRs in Tenebrio molitor larvae and characterized the impact of nonsulfated and sulfated SKs on carbohydrates and insulin-like peptides (ILPs) level in beetle hemolymph. Our results indicate the presence of both sulfakinin receptors, SKR1 and SKR2, in the nervous system of T. molitor. The distribution of SKR2 in peripheral tissues was more widespread than SKR1, and their transcripts have been found in fat body, gut and hemolymph. This is also the first evidence for SKRs presence in insect hemocytes indicating immunotropic activity of SKs. Moreover, in the present study, we have demonstrated that SKs regulate ILPs and carbohydrates level in insect hemolymph, and that sulfation is not crucial for peptides activity. Our study confirms the role of SKs in maintaining energy homeostasis in beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Słocińska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland.
| | - S Chowański
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
| | - P Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, ul. Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 6, 61-614, Poznan, Poland
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Agrawal P, Kao D, Chung P, Looger LL. The neuropeptide Drosulfakinin regulates social isolation-induced aggression in Drosophila. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb207407. [PMID: 31900346 PMCID: PMC7033730 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.207407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation strongly modulates behavior across the animal kingdom. We utilized the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster to study social isolation-driven changes in animal behavior and gene expression in the brain. RNA-seq identified several head-expressed genes strongly responding to social isolation or enrichment. Of particular interest, social isolation downregulated expression of the gene encoding the neuropeptide Drosulfakinin (Dsk), the homologue of vertebrate cholecystokinin (CCK), which is critical for many mammalian social behaviors. Dsk knockdown significantly increased social isolation-induced aggression. Genetic activation or silencing of Dsk neurons each similarly increased isolation-driven aggression. Our results suggest a U-shaped dependence of social isolation-induced aggressive behavior on Dsk signaling, similar to the actions of many neuromodulators in other contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Agrawal
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Damian Kao
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Phuong Chung
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Loren L Looger
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
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13
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Identification, Functional Characterization, and Pharmacological Analysis of Two Sulfakinin Receptors in the Medically-Important Insect Rhodnius prolixus. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13437. [PMID: 31530854 PMCID: PMC6748952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49790-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The chordate gastrin/cholecystokinin and ecdysozoan sulfakinin (SK)-signaling systems are functionally and structurally homologous. In the present study, we isolated the cDNA sequences encoding the SK receptors in Rhodnius prolixus (Rhopr-SKR-1 and Rhopr-SKR-2). The Rhopr-SKRs have been functionally characterized and their intracellular signaling pathways analysed via a functional receptor assay. Both Rhopr-SKRs are exclusively activated via the two native R. prolixus sulfakinins, Rhopr-SK-1 and Rhopr-SK-2, but not via nonsulfated Rhopr-SK-1. The Rhopr-SKRs are each linked to the intracellular Ca2+ second messenger pathway, and not to the cyclic AMP pathway. Spatial transcript expression analyses revealed that each Rhopr-SKR is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system with lower expression throughout peripheral tissues. The critical importance of the SK-signaling pathway in the blood-feeding behaviour of R. prolixus was demonstrated by knockdown of the transcripts for Rhopr-SKs and Rhopr-SKRs, which results in an increase in the mass of blood meal taken. The parasite causing Chagas disease is transmitted to the host after R. prolixus has taken a blood meal, and characterization of the SKRs provides further understanding of the coordination of feeding and satiation, and ultimately the transmission of the parasite.
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14
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Slocinska M, Kuczer M, Gołębiowski M. Sulfakinin Signalling Influences Fatty Acid Levels and Composition in Tenebrio Molitor Beetle. Protein Pept Lett 2019; 26:949-958. [PMID: 31518216 DOI: 10.2174/0929866526666190913142115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sulfakinins are arthropod neuropeptides that are structurally and functionally similar to vertebrate gastrin-cholecystokinin. Sulfakinins with sulfated tyrosine (sSK) or nonsulfated tyrosine (nSK) in the C-terminated heptapeptide XY(SO3H)GHMRFamide display different biological functions, including myotropic activity, inhibition of food intake, stimulation of digestive enzymes and regulation of carbohydrate and lipid content. OBJECTIVE To reveal the mechanisms by which sulfakinin signalling modulates lipid homeostasis, we analysed the changes in the level and composition of fatty acids and organic compounds in the fat body and haemolymph of Tenebrio molitor larvae after nSK and sSK treatment. METHODS Fatty acids in fat body and haemolymph of insects were analysed using Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS The direction of the changes observed for major fatty acids, 18:1 and 18:2, and the less abundant fatty acids, 16:0, 18:0, 16:1 and 14:0, was the same for unsaturated (UFAs) and saturated (SFAs) fatty acids, and elevated after nSK application in both analysed tissues. However, the action of sSK in fat body tissue evoked distinct effects and induced either significant decreases in individual fatty acids or UFAs and SFAs. Administration of nSK and sSK significantly increased the level of total organic compounds in the haemolymph, contrary to the effect of sSK in fat body, where the level of total organic compounds decreased, although changes differ between individual chemicals. CONCLUSION Sulfakinins are engaged in the precise modulation of fatty acid levels and composition, but their action depends on the presence of sulfate group on the tyrosyl residue of the peptide what determines the different roles of these peptides in insect physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariola Kuczer
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marek Gołębiowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdańsk, ul Wita Stwosza 63, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
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15
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Recent advances in neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila, from genes to physiology and behavior. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 179:101607. [PMID: 30905728 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on neuropeptides and peptide hormones, the largest and most diverse class of neuroactive substances, known in Drosophila and other animals to play roles in almost all aspects of daily life, as w;1;ell as in developmental processes. We provide an update on novel neuropeptides and receptors identified in the last decade, and highlight progress in analysis of neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila. Especially exciting is the huge amount of work published on novel functions of neuropeptides and peptide hormones in Drosophila, largely due to the rapid developments of powerful genetic methods, imaging techniques and innovative assays. We critically discuss the roles of peptides in olfaction, taste, foraging, feeding, clock function/sleep, aggression, mating/reproduction, learning and other behaviors, as well as in regulation of development, growth, metabolic and water homeostasis, stress responses, fecundity, and lifespan. We furthermore provide novel information on neuropeptide distribution and organization of peptidergic systems, as well as the phylogenetic relations between Drosophila neuropeptides and those of other phyla, including mammals. As will be shown, neuropeptide signaling is phylogenetically ancient, and not only are the structures of the peptides, precursors and receptors conserved over evolution, but also many functions of neuropeptide signaling in physiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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16
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Semmens DC, Mirabeau O, Moghul I, Pancholi MR, Wurm Y, Elphick MR. Transcriptomic identification of starfish neuropeptide precursors yields new insights into neuropeptide evolution. Open Biol 2016; 6:150224. [PMID: 26865025 PMCID: PMC4772807 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.150224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are evolutionarily ancient mediators of neuronal signalling in nervous systems. With recent advances in genomics/transcriptomics, an increasingly wide range of species has become accessible for molecular analysis. The deuterostomian invertebrates are of particular interest in this regard because they occupy an ‘intermediate' position in animal phylogeny, bridging the gap between the well-studied model protostomian invertebrates (e.g. Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans) and the vertebrates. Here we have identified 40 neuropeptide precursors in the starfish Asterias rubens, a deuterostomian invertebrate from the phylum Echinodermata. Importantly, these include kisspeptin-type and melanin-concentrating hormone-type precursors, which are the first to be discovered in a non-chordate species. Starfish tachykinin-type, somatostatin-type, pigment-dispersing factor-type and corticotropin-releasing hormone-type precursors are the first to be discovered in the echinoderm/ambulacrarian clade of the animal kingdom. Other precursors identified include vasopressin/oxytocin-type, gonadotropin-releasing hormone-type, thyrotropin-releasing hormone-type, calcitonin-type, cholecystokinin/gastrin-type, orexin-type, luqin-type, pedal peptide/orcokinin-type, glycoprotein hormone-type, bursicon-type, relaxin-type and insulin-like growth factor-type precursors. This is the most comprehensive identification of neuropeptide precursor proteins in an echinoderm to date, yielding new insights into the evolution of neuropeptide signalling systems. Furthermore, these data provide a basis for experimental analysis of neuropeptide function in the unique context of the decentralized, pentaradial echinoderm bauplan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean C Semmens
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Olivier Mirabeau
- Institut Curie, Genetics and Biology of Cancers Unit, INSERM U830, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Ismail Moghul
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Mahesh R Pancholi
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Yannick Wurm
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Maurice R Elphick
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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Leander M, Heimonen J, Brocke T, Rasmussen M, Bass C, Palmer G, Egle J, Mispelon M, Berry K, Nichols R. The 5-amino acid N-terminal extension of non-sulfated drosulfakinin II is a unique target to generate novel agonists. Peptides 2016; 83:49-56. [PMID: 27397853 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Revised: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability to design agonists that target peptide signaling is a strategy to delineate underlying mechanisms and influence biology. A sequence that uniquely characterizes a peptide provides a distinct site to generate novel agonists. Drosophila melanogaster sulfakinin encodes non-sulfated drosulfakinin I (nsDSK I; FDDYGHMRF-NH2) and nsDSK II (GGDDQFDDYGHMRF-NH2). Drosulfakinin is typical of sulfakinin precursors, which are conserved throughout invertebrates. Non-sulfated DSK II is structurally related to DSK I, however, it contains a unique 5-residue N-terminal extension; drosulfakinins signal through G-protein coupled receptors, DSK-R1 and DSK-R2. Drosulfakinin II distinctly influences adult and larval gut motility and larval locomotion; yet, its structure-activity relationship was unreported. We hypothesized substitution of an N-terminal extension residue may alter nsDSK II activity. By targeting the extension we identified, not unexpectedly, analogs mimicking nsDSK II, yet, surprisingly, we also discovered novel agonists with increased (super) and opposite (protean) effects. We determined [A3] nsDSK II increased larval gut contractility rather than, like nsDSK II, decrease it. [N4] nsDSK II impacted larval locomotion, although nsDSK II was inactive. In adult gut, [A1] nsDSK II, [A2] nsDSKII, and [A3] nsDSK II mimicked nsDSK II, and [A4] nsDSK II and [A5] nsDSK II were more potent; [N3] nsDSK II and [N4] nsDSK II mimicked nsDSK II. This study reports nsDSK II signals through DSK-R2 to influence gut motility and locomotion, identifying a novel role for the N-terminal extension in sulfakinin biology and receptor activation; it also led to the discovery of nsDSK II structural analogs that act as super and protean agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Leander
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - J Heimonen
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - T Brocke
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - M Rasmussen
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - C Bass
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - G Palmer
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - J Egle
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - M Mispelon
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - K Berry
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - R Nichols
- Biological Chemistry Department, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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18
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Mohammad F, Aryal S, Ho J, Stewart JC, Norman NA, Tan TL, Eisaka A, Claridge-Chang A. Ancient Anxiety Pathways Influence Drosophila Defense Behaviors. Curr Biol 2016; 26:981-6. [PMID: 27020741 PMCID: PMC4826436 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.02.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety helps us anticipate and assess potential danger in ambiguous situations [1, 2, 3]; however, the anxiety disorders are the most prevalent class of psychiatric illness [4, 5, 6]. Emotional states are shared between humans and other animals [7], as observed by behavioral manifestations [8], physiological responses [9], and gene conservation [10]. Anxiety research makes wide use of three rodent behavioral assays—elevated plus maze, open field, and light/dark box—that present a choice between sheltered and exposed regions [11]. Exposure avoidance in anxiety-related defense behaviors was confirmed to be a correlate of rodent anxiety by treatment with known anxiety-altering agents [12, 13, 14] and is now used to characterize anxiety systems. Modeling anxiety with a small neurogenetic animal would further aid the elucidation of its neuronal and molecular bases. Drosophila neurogenetics research has elucidated the mechanisms of fundamental behaviors and implicated genes that are often orthologous across species. In an enclosed arena, flies stay close to the walls during spontaneous locomotion [15, 16], a behavior proposed to be related to anxiety [17]. We tested this hypothesis with manipulations of the GABA receptor, serotonin signaling, and stress. The effects of these interventions were strikingly concordant with rodent anxiety, verifying that these behaviors report on an anxiety-like state. Application of this method was able to identify several new fly anxiety genes. The presence of conserved neurogenetic pathways in the insect brain identifies Drosophila as an attractive genetic model for the study of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders, complementing existing rodent systems. Drosophila orthologs of anxiety genes affect fly wall following Conserved anxiety genes influence fly defense behaviors similarly to mouse anxiety New candidate anxiety genes are identified from fly defense behavior screen Drosophila identified as a new neurogenetic tool for anxiety research
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhan Mohammad
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Sameer Aryal
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Joses Ho
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - James Charles Stewart
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Nurul Ayuni Norman
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Teng Li Tan
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Agnese Eisaka
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore
| | - Adam Claridge-Chang
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science Technology and Research, Singapore 138673, Singapore; Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138673, Singapore.
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19
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Slocinska M, Czubak T, Marciniak P, Jarmuszkiewicz W, Rosinski G. The activity of the nonsulfated sulfakinin Zopat-SK-1 in the neck-ligated larvae of the beetle Zophobas atratus. Peptides 2015; 69:127-32. [PMID: 25959538 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Insect sulfakinins (SKs) are multifunctional neuropeptides structurally and functionally homologous to the mammalian gastrin/cholecystokinin (CCK). It has been proposed that SKs play a role in modulating energy management in insects by interacting with adipokinetic hormone (AKH), the principle hormone controlling insect intermediary metabolism. To exclude head factors (including AKH) that influence the activity of the nonsulfated sulfakinin Zopat-SK-1 in the larvae of the beetle Zophobas atratus, ligature and in vitro bioassays were used. Our study showed that in the neck-ligated larvae, Zopat-SK-1 evoked a much more pronounced glycogenolytic effect in fat body tissue and a significantly higher hypertrahelosemic effect in hemolymph than in larvae without ligation. We found that the concentration of the sugar trehalose increased under hormonal treatment but no changes in glucose levels were observed. Under in vitro conditions, the maximal glycogenolytic effect of Zopat-SK-1 in fat body was observed at 10 pmol of hormone. Ligature and in vitro bioassays indicated that Zopat-SK-1 activity in the Z. atratus larvae is modulated by head signals and/or factors from the gastrointestinal tract. Our data indicate the existence of a brain-gastrointestinal axis that has a role in controlling of energy (carbohydrate) metabolism in the insect body. Moreover, these results, together with immunological evidence of a cholecystokinin-like (sulfakinin) receptor in the Z. atratus fat body, help us to better understand the SK signaling pathways and its physiological role in insect biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Slocinska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.
| | - T Czubak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - P Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - W Jarmuszkiewicz
- Department of Bioenergetics, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - G Rosinski
- Department of Animal Physiology and Development, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Zels S, Dillen S, Crabbé K, Spit J, Nachman RJ, Vanden Broeck J. Sulfakinin is an important regulator of digestive processes in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 61:8-16. [PMID: 25846060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Sulfakinin (SK) is a sulfated insect neuropeptide that is best known for its function as a satiety factor. It displays structural and functional similarities with the vertebrate peptides gastrin and cholecystokinin. Peptidomic studies in multiple insects, crustaceans and arachnids have revealed the widespread occurrence of SK in the arthropod phylum. Multiple studies in hemi- and holometabolous insects revealed the pleiotropic nature of this neuropeptide: in addition to its activity as a satiety factor, SK was also reported to affect muscle contraction, digestive enzyme release, odor preference, aggression and metabolism. However, the main site of action seems to be the digestive system of insects. In this study, we have investigated whether SK can intervene in the control of nutrient uptake and digestion in the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). We provide evidence that sulfakinin reduces food uptake in this species. Furthermore, we discovered that SK has very pronounced effects on the main digestive enzyme secreting parts of the locust gut. It effectively reduced digestive enzyme secretion from both the midgut and gastric caeca. SK injection also elicited a reduction in absorbance and proteolytic activity of the gastric caeca contents. The characteristic sulfation of the tyrosine residue is crucial for the observed effects on digestive enzyme secretion. In an attempt to provide potential leads for the development of peptidomimetic compounds based on SK, we also tested two mimetic analogs of the natural peptide ligand in the digestive enzyme secretion assay. These analogs were able to mimic the effect of the natural SK, but their effects were milder. The results of this study provide new insights into the action of SK on the digestive system in (hemimetabolous) insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Zels
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
| | - Senne Dillen
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
| | - Katleen Crabbé
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
| | - Jornt Spit
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
| | - Ronald J Nachman
- Areawide Pest Management Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium.
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21
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De Haes W, Van Sinay E, Detienne G, Temmerman L, Schoofs L, Boonen K. Functional neuropeptidomics in invertebrates. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2014; 1854:812-26. [PMID: 25528324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2014.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are key messengers in almost all physiological processes. They originate from larger precursors and are extensively processed to become bioactive. Neuropeptidomics aims to comprehensively identify the collection of neuropeptides in an organism, organ, tissue or cell. The neuropeptidome of several invertebrates is thoroughly explored since they are important model organisms (and models for human diseases), disease vectors and pest species. The charting of the neuropeptidome is the first step towards understanding peptidergic signaling. This review will first discuss the latest developments in exploring the neuropeptidome. The physiological roles and modes of action of neuropeptides can be explored in two ways, which are largely orthogonal and therefore complementary. The first way consists of inferring the functions of neuropeptides by a forward approach where neuropeptide profiles are compared under different physiological conditions. Second is the reverse approach were neuropeptide collections are used to screen for receptor-binding. This is followed by localization studies and functional tests. This review will focus on how these different functional screening methods contributed to the field of invertebrate neuropeptidomics and expanded our knowledge of peptidergic signaling. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Neuroproteomics: Applications in Neuroscience and Neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter De Haes
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elien Van Sinay
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Giel Detienne
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbet Temmerman
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kurt Boonen
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Yu N, Smagghe G. CCK(-like) and receptors: structure and phylogeny in a comparative perspective. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 209:74-81. [PMID: 24842717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cholecystokinin (CCK) and gastrin are regulatory peptides in vertebrates. Their homologues are widely present in metazoan animals, in form of cionin in tunicates, neuropeptide-like protein 12 in nematodes and sulfakinin (SK) in arthropods. CCK(-like) peptides exert diverse physiological effects through binding their corresponding receptors, which are important members of the hormone-binding G-protein-coupled receptors. In this paper, CCK(-like) peptides and receptors are reviewed in a comparative way at levels of molecular structure, physiological functions and phylogeny. CCK signalling system is widely involved in the regulation of satiety, gastric acid secretion, pancreatic secretion, anxiety and memory processes in vertebrates. Its counterpart SK in arthropods is also found with similar functions on regulation of satiety and gastrointestinal motility. Co-evolution of peptide and receptor has been recognized through metazoans. The CCK(-like) receptors seem to be evolved from a common ancestor based on the phylogenetic analysis, with species-specific events in arthropods. In addition, tetraploidization has been brought up to study the evolution of receptors. There are 2 receptors in chordates and nematodes, whereas, the number of sulfakinin receptor varies in arthropods from 0 to 2. We discussed here that the presence or absence of the SK signalling system is likely to be related to feeding behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yu
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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23
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Williams MJ, Goergen P, Rajendran J, Zheleznyakova G, Hägglund MG, Perland E, Bagchi S, Kalogeropoulou A, Khan Z, Fredriksson R, Schiöth HB. Obesity-linked homologues TfAP-2 and Twz establish meal frequency in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004499. [PMID: 25187989 PMCID: PMC4154645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In all animals managing the size of individual meals and frequency of feeding is crucial for metabolic homeostasis. In the current study we demonstrate that the noradrenalin analogue octopamine and the cholecystokinin (CCK) homologue Drosulfakinin (Dsk) function downstream of TfAP-2 and Tiwaz (Twz) to control the number of meals in adult flies. Loss of TfAP-2 or Twz in octopaminergic neurons increased the size of individual meals, while overexpression of TfAP-2 significantly decreased meal size and increased feeding frequency. Of note, our study reveals that TfAP-2 and Twz regulate octopamine signaling to initiate feeding; then octopamine, in a negative feedback loop, induces expression of Dsk to inhibit consummatory behavior. Intriguingly, we found that the mouse TfAP-2 and Twz homologues, AP-2β and Kctd15, co-localize in areas of the brain known to regulate feeding behavior and reward, and a proximity ligation assay (PLA) demonstrated that AP-2β and Kctd15 interact directly in a mouse hypothalamus-derived cell line. Finally, we show that in this mouse hypothalamic cell line AP-2β and Kctd15 directly interact with Ube2i, a mouse sumoylation enzyme, and that AP-2β may itself be sumoylated. Our study reveals how two obesity-linked homologues regulate metabolic homeostasis by modulating consummatory behavior. The size of individual meals and feeding frequency are important for homeostatic control. Due to the complex neuroendocrine system regulating human food intake it is difficult to uncover the mechanisms underlying eating disorders. The genetically tractable model system Drosophila melanogaster has a comparatively simple brain; yet, similar to humans, its eating behavior can adapt to respond to nutritional needs. Our study describes how the obesity-linked homologues TfAP-2 (human TFAP2B) and Tiwaz (human KCTD15) regulate a unique feedback system involving noradrenalin-like octopamine and the CCK homolog Dsk, that exert positive and negative effects on Drosophila feeding behavior. Our findings provide insight into how two conserved obesity-linked genes regulate feeding behavior in order to maintain metabolic balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Williams
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Philip Goergen
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jayasimman Rajendran
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Galina Zheleznyakova
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria G. Hägglund
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emelie Perland
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sonchita Bagchi
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Argyro Kalogeropoulou
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zaid Khan
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Fredriksson
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi B. Schiöth
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Zels S, Verlinden H, Dillen S, Vleugels R, Nachman RJ, Broeck JV. Signaling Properties and Pharmacological Analysis of Two Sulfakinin Receptors from the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94502. [PMID: 24718573 PMCID: PMC3981819 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sulfakinin is an insect neuropeptide that constitutes an important component of the complex network of hormonal and neural factors that regulate feeding and digestion. The key modulating functions of sulfakinin are mediated by binding and signaling via G-protein coupled receptors. Although a substantial amount of functional data have already been reported on sulfakinins in different insect species, only little information is known regarding the properties of their respective receptors. In this study, we report on the molecular cloning, functional expression and characterization of two sulfakinin receptors in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Both receptor open reading frames show extensive sequence similarity with annotated sulfakinin receptors from other insects. Comparison of the sulfakinin receptor sequences with homologous vertebrate cholecystokinin receptors reveals crucial conserved regions for ligand binding and receptor activation. Quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR shows that transcripts of both receptors are primarily expressed in the central nervous system of the beetle. Pharmacological characterization using 29 different peptide ligands clarified the essential requirements for efficient activation of these sulfakinin receptors. Analysis of the signaling pathway in multiple cell lines disclosed that the sulfakinin receptors of T. castaneum can stimulate both the Ca2+ and cyclic AMP second messenger pathways. This in depth characterization of two insect sulfakinin receptors may provide useful leads for the further development of receptor ligands with a potential applicability in pest control and crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Zels
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
| | - Senne Dillen
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
| | - Rut Vleugels
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
| | - Ronald J. Nachman
- Areawide Pest Management Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, USDA, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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25
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Yu N, Smagghe G. Characterization of sulfakinin receptor 2 and its role in food intake in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Peptides 2014; 53:232-7. [PMID: 24373934 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2013] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Insects acquire essential nutrients from their food to support a diverse range of biological processes such as development and reproduction. An important role in the food intake regulation is attributed to the neurohormone sulfakinin signaling pathway. Sulfakinins (SKs) elicit satiety together with sulfakinin receptors (SKRs). In this project, the gene coding a second putative SKR, namely skr2, was cloned, characterized and functionally studied in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, with the purpose to understand its role in food intake regulation. The gene skr2 encoded a seven-transmembrane SKR2 protein with 420 amino acids and is evolutionarily close to the two SKRs in Drosophila. A distribution analysis by means of quantitative real-time PCR revealed a tissue- and stage-specific expression pattern with skr2 being dominantly expressed in head, and in the pupal and adult stages. Besides, its expression in gut was notable. With use of dsRNA of skr2, larval food intake was stimulated in an injection RNAi assay. Based on the data obtained, skr2 is considered as an indispensable component in the regulation of food intake in T. castaneum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yu
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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26
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Nässel DR, Williams MJ. Cholecystokinin-Like Peptide (DSK) in Drosophila, Not Only for Satiety Signaling. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:219. [PMID: 25566191 PMCID: PMC4270250 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholecystokinin (CCK) signaling appears well conserved over evolution. In Drosophila, the CCK-like sulfakinins (DSKs) regulate aspects of gut function, satiety and food ingestion, hyperactivity and aggression, as well as escape-related locomotion and synaptic plasticity during neuromuscular junction development. Activity in the DSK-producing neurons is regulated by octopamine. We discuss mechanisms behind CCK function in satiety, aggression, and locomotion in some detail and highlight similarities to mammalian CCK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence:
| | - Michael J. Williams
- Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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27
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Regulation of aggression by obesity-linked genes TfAP-2 and Twz through octopamine signaling in Drosophila. Genetics 2013; 196:349-62. [PMID: 24142897 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.113.158402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila, the monoamine octopamine, through mechanisms that are not completely understood, regulates both aggression and mating behavior. Interestingly, our study demonstrates that the Drosophila obesity-linked homologs Transcription factor AP-2 (TfAP-2; TFAP2B in humans) and Tiwaz (Twz; KCTD15 in humans) interact to modify male behavior by controlling the expression of Tyramine β-hydroxylase and Vesicular monanime transporter, genes necessary for octopamine production and secretion. Furthermore, we reveal that octopamine in turn regulates aggression through the Drosophila cholecystokinin satiation hormone homolog Drosulfakinin (Dsk). Finally, we establish that TfAP-2 is expressed in octopaminergic neurons known to control aggressive behavior and that TfAP-2 requires functional Twz for its activity. We conclude that genetically manipulating the obesity-linked homologs TfAP-2 and Twz is sufficient to affect octopamine signaling, which in turn modulates Drosophila male behavior through the regulation of the satiation hormone Dsk.
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28
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Agrawal T, Sadaf S, Hasan G. A genetic RNAi screen for IP₃/Ca²⁺ coupled GPCRs in Drosophila identifies the PdfR as a regulator of insect flight. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003849. [PMID: 24098151 PMCID: PMC3789835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 08/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect flight is regulated by various sensory inputs and neuromodulatory circuits which function in synchrony to control and fine-tune the final behavioral outcome. The cellular and molecular bases of flight neuromodulatory circuits are not well defined. In Drosophila melanogaster, it is known that neuronal IP3 receptor mediated Ca2+ signaling and store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) are required for air-puff stimulated adult flight. However, G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that activate intracellular Ca2+ signaling in the context of flight are unknown in Drosophila. We performed a genetic RNAi screen to identify GPCRs that regulate flight by activating the IP3 receptor. Among the 108 GPCRs screened, we discovered 5 IP3/Ca2+ linked GPCRs that are necessary for maintenance of air-puff stimulated flight. Analysis of their temporal requirement established that while some GPCRs are required only during flight circuit development, others are required both in pupal development as well as during adult flight. Interestingly, our study identified the Pigment Dispersing Factor Receptor (PdfR) as a regulator of flight circuit development and as a modulator of acute flight. From the analysis of PdfR expressing neurons relevant for flight and its well-defined roles in other behavioral paradigms, we propose that PdfR signaling functions systemically to integrate multiple sensory inputs and modulate downstream motor behavior. A majority of behavioral patterns in flying insects depend upon their ability to modulate flight. In Drosophila melanogaster, mutations in the IP3 receptor gene lead to loss of voluntary flight in response to a natural stimulus like a gentle air-puff. From previous genetic and cellular studies it is known that the IP3R in Drosophila is activated by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, GPCRs that act upstream of the IP3R in the context of flight are not known. Therefore, we performed a genetic RNAi screen to identify GPCRs which regulate flight. This screen was followed by a secondary suppressor screen that assessed the role of each identified GPCR in activating IP3/Ca2+ signaling. We found 5 such GPCRs. Our results demonstrate that these GPCRs are required during flight circuit development and during adult flight. One flight-regulating receptor identified was the Pigment Dispersing Factor Receptor (PdfR). This receptor is known to regulate behaviors such as circadian rhythms, geotaxis and reproduction. A spatio-temporal analysis of PdfR flight function indicates that it regulates both flight circuit development and acute flight through multiple neurons. We postulate that PdfR signaling could modulate and integrate multiple behavioral inputs in Drosophila and other flying insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarjani Agrawal
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Sufia Sadaf
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Gaiti Hasan
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail:
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29
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Kiss B, Szlanka T, Zvara Á, Žurovec M, Sery M, Kakaš Š, Ramasz B, Hegedűs Z, Lukacsovich T, Puskás L, Fónagy A, Kiss I. Selective elimination/RNAi silencing of FMRF-related peptides and their receptors decreases the locomotor activity in Drosophila melanogaster. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 191:137-45. [PMID: 23770020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Five neuropeptide genes are classified in the FMRF-related (FaRP) group: the Fmrf, dromyosuppressin (Dms), drosulfakinin (Dsk), neuropeptide F (npf) and short neuropeptide F (sNPF) genes coding for 8, 1, 2, 1 and 4 peptides, respectively. In order to compare their effects on the locomotor activity of Drosophila adults, we made RNAi knockdown of the peptides and their specific receptor genes. In addition, we constructed Gal4 drivers with three distinct parts of the Fmrf gene's 5' regulatory sequence (RS8-Gal4, RS11-Gal4, RS17-Gal4), and used them to ablate FMRF-positive neurons inducing apoptosis by expressing the reaper (rpr) gene. We examined the locomotor activity of flies by measuring the mean velocity of movement (MVM) following repeated air-puffs. Locomotor activity was decreased by RNAi knockdown induced in the CNS by the elav-Gal4 driver. According to the MVM curve profiles, RNAi knockdown most effectively decreased the velocity when the DmsR-1 and DmsR-2 genes were silenced together (DmsR-1-RNAi/elav-Gal4; DmsR-2-RNAi/+). Similar effect was observed in Dsk-RNAi/ elav-Gal4; DskR-2-RNAi/+, while moderate effects were found in three other combinations (Fmrf-RNAi/elav-Gal4; FR-RNAi/+, Dms-RNAi/ elav-Gal4;DmsR-2-RNAi/+, CCKLR-17D1-RNAi/elav-Gal4; CCKLR-17D3-RNAi/+), and weak effect in DmsR-2-RNAi/elav-Gal4; DmsR-1-RNAi/+. Male and female flies were not different in this respect. In the cell ablation experiment, the MVM profiles of the female flies were different from the controls when the UAS-rpr transgene was driven by RS8-Gal4 or RS17-Gal4. The RS11-Gal4 and Fmrf-Gal4 drivers were ineffective. In the males only the RS17-Gal4 showed a weak effect. RNAi silencing of the FaRP and FaRP-receptor genes effectively decreased the startle-induced locomotor activity of flies. Ablation of FMRF-positive neurons by the RS8-Gal4 and/or RS17-Gal4 drivers also decreased the flies' activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitta Kiss
- Institute of Genetics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary
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Caers J, Verlinden H, Zels S, Vandersmissen HP, Vuerinckx K, Schoofs L. More than two decades of research on insect neuropeptide GPCRs: an overview. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:151. [PMID: 23226142 PMCID: PMC3510462 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the state of the art on neuropeptide receptors in insects. Most of these receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and are involved in the regulation of virtually all physiological processes during an insect's life. More than 20 years ago a milestone in invertebrate endocrinology was achieved with the characterization of the first insect neuropeptide receptor, i.e., the Drosophila tachykinin-like receptor. However, it took until the release of the Drosophila genome in 2000 that research on neuropeptide receptors boosted. In the last decade a plethora of genomic information of other insect species also became available, leading to a better insight in the functions and evolution of the neuropeptide signaling systems and their intracellular pathways. It became clear that some of these systems are conserved among all insect species, indicating that they fulfill crucial roles in their physiological processes. Meanwhile, other signaling systems seem to be lost in several insect orders or species, suggesting that their actions were superfluous in those insects, or that other neuropeptides have taken over their functions. It is striking that the deorphanization of neuropeptide GPCRs gets much attention, but the subsequent unraveling of the intracellular pathways they elicit, or their physiological functions are often hardly examined. Especially in insects besides Drosophila this information is scarce if not absent. And although great progress made in characterizing neuropeptide signaling systems, even in Drosophila several predicted neuropeptide receptors remain orphan, awaiting for their endogenous ligand to be determined. The present review gives a précis of the insect neuropeptide receptor research of the last two decades. But it has to be emphasized that the work done so far is only the tip of the iceberg and our comprehensive understanding of these important signaling systems will still increase substantially in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Liliane Schoofs
- *Correspondence: Liliane Schoofs, Department of Biology, Research Group of Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Naamsestraat 59, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. e-mail:
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