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Chen K, Lu S, Song J, Dou X, Wei X, Wang X, Liu X, Feng C. The selective regulation of immune responses by matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 in Ostrinia furnacalis. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1622-1636. [PMID: 37209089 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial for tissue remodeling and immune responses in insects, yet it remains unclear how MMPs affect the various immune processes against pathogenic infections and whether the responses vary among insects. In this study, we used the lepidopteran pest Ostrinia furnacalis larvae to address these questions by examining the changes of immune-related gene expression and antimicrobial activity after the knockdown of MMP14 and bacterial infections. We identified MMP14 in O. furnacalis using the rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends (RACE), and found that it was conserved and belonged to the MMP1 subfamily. Our functional investigations revealed that MMP14 is an infection-responsive gene, and its knockdown reduces phenoloxidase (PO) activity and Cecropin expression, while the expressions of Lysozyme, Attacin, Gloverin, and Moricin are enhanced after MMP14 knockdown. Further PO and lysozyme activity determinations showed consistent results with gene expression of these immune-related genes. Finally, the knockdown of MMP14 decreased larvae survival to bacterial infections. Taken together, our data indicate that MMP14 selectively regulates the immune responses, and is required to defend against bacterial infections in O. furnacalis larvae. Conserved MMPs may serve as a potential target for pest control using a combination of double-stranded RNA and bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiahui Song
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoyi Dou
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Xiangyi Wei
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyan Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Zhang Y, Yan Y, Smagghe G, Yang H, Dai RH, Yang WJ. Identification and immune analysis of antimicrobial peptides from the cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne). INSECT SCIENCE 2023. [PMID: 37984503 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in insects are endogenous peptides that are effector components of the innate defense system of the insect. AMPs may serve as antimicrobial agents because of their small molecular weight and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, we performed transcriptome analysis of cigarette beetle (Lasioderma serricorne) larvae, parasitized by the ectoparasitic wasp, Anisopteromalus calandrae. Several AMP genes were significantly upregulated following A. calandrae parasitism, postulating the hypothesis that the parasitization enhanced the host's resistance against pathogenic microorganisms through the regulation of host AMP genes. Specifically, 3 AMP genes (LsDef1, LsDef2, and LsCole) were significantly upregulated and we studied their immune function in L. serricorne. Immune challenge and functional analysis showed that LsCole was responsible for the immune response against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, while LsDef1 and LsDef2 were involved in insect defense against Gram-positive bacteria. Purified recombinant LsCole exhibited antimicrobial activities against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. LsDef2 showed an antibacterial effect against S. aureus. LsCole and LsDef2 exhibited antibiofilm activity against S. aureus. The 2 AMPs disrupted cell membranes and caused leakage of S. aureus cell contents. The results indicated that the 3 AMPs in L. serricorne are involved in the innate immunity of this pest insect. These AMPs may have potential as antimicrobial agents for bacterial infection chemotherapy. Hence, data are discussed in relation to new control strategies with greater biosafety against pest insects with use of microbial biocontrol agents in combination with RNA interference against the insect's defensive AMP genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yi Yan
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ren-Huai Dai
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wen-Jia Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, College of Biology and Environmental Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
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Zhang S, Feng T, Ji J, Wang L, An C. Serine protease SP7 cleaves prophenoloxidase and is regulated by two serpins in Ostrinia furnacalis melanization. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 141:103699. [PMID: 34920078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanization is an innate immune response in insects to defend against the invading pathogens and parasites. During melanization, prophenoloxidase (PPO) requires proteolytic activation by its upstream prophenoloxidase-activating protease (PAP). We here cloned a full-length cDNA for a serine protease, named as SP7, from Ostrinia furnacalis. The open reading frame of SP7 encodes 421-amino acid residue protein with a 19-residue signal peptide. qRT-PCR analysis showed that SP7 mRNA levels were significantly upregulated upon exposure to microbial infection. Recombinant SP7 zymogen was activated by serine protease SP2. The active SP7 could cleave O. furnacalis PPOs including PPO2, PPO1b and PPO3. Additionally, active SP7 could form covalent complexes with serine protease inhibitor serpin-3 and serpin-4. The activity of SP7 in cleaving a colorimetric substrate IEARpNA or O. furnacalis PPOs was efficiently blocked by either serpin-3 or serpin-4. Our work thus revealed that SP7 and SP2 partially constituted a PPO activation cascade in which SP7 was activated by SP2 and then likely worked as a PAP. SP7 was effectively regulated by serpin-3 and serpin-4. The results would allow further advances in the understanding of melanization mechanisms in O. furnacalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Ting Feng
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Jiayue Ji
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, PR China.
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Radwan MH, Alaidaroos BA, Jastaniah SD, Abu el-naga MN, El-Gohary EGE, Barakat EM, ElShafie AM, Abdou MA, Mostafa NG, El-Saadony MT, Momen SA. Evaluation of antibacterial activity induced by Staphylococcus aureus and Ent A in the hemolymph of Spodoptera littoralis. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:2892-2903. [PMID: 35531219 PMCID: PMC9073143 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2022.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The problem of antibiotic resistance considers one of the most dangerous challenges facing the medical field. So, it is necessary to find substitutions to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a bio-functional derivative that have been observed as one of the important solutions to such upcoming crisis. Owing to their role as the first line of defense against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This study was conducted to induce the immune response of Spodoptera littoralis larvae by inoculation of sub lethal doses of Staphylococcus aureus and its enterotoxin. Since Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) considers the major causative agents of Staphylococcal food poisoning, our study oriented to purify and characterize this toxin to provoke its role in yielding AMPs with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. A great fluctuation was recorded in the biochemical properties of immunized hemolymph not only in the total protein content but also protein banding pattern. Protein bands of ∼22 kDa (attacin-like) and ∼15 kDa (lysozyme-like) were found to be common between the AMPs induced as a result of both treatments. While protein bands of molecular weight ∼70 kDa (phenoloxidase-like) and ∼14 kDa (gloverin-like) were found specific for SEA treatment. Chromatographic analysis using HPLC for the induced AMPs showed different types of amino acids appeared with differences in their quantities and velocities. These peptides exhibited noticeable antimicrobial activity against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. In conclusion, the antimicrobial potential of the antimicrobial peptides (AMP) induced in the larval hemolymph of S. littoralis will be a promising molecule for the development of new therapeutic alternatives.
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Eleftherianos I, Zhang W, Heryanto C, Mohamed A, Contreras G, Tettamanti G, Wink M, Bassal T. Diversity of insect antimicrobial peptides and proteins - A functional perspective: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 191:277-287. [PMID: 34543628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The innate immune response of insects provides a robust line of defense against pathogenic microbes and eukaryotic parasites. It consists of two types of overlapping immune responses, named humoral and cellular, which share protective molecules and regulatory mechanisms that closely coordinate to prevent the spread and replication of pathogens within the compromised insect hemocoel. The major feature of the humoral part of the insect immune system involves the production and secretion of antimicrobial peptides from the fat body, which is considered analogous to adipose tissue and liver in vertebrates. Previous research has identified and characterized the nature of antimicrobial peptides that are directed against various targets during the different stages of infection. Here we review this information focusing mostly on the diversity and mode of action of these host defense components, and their critical contribution to maintaining host homeostasis. Extending this knowledge is paramount for understanding the evolution of innate immune function and the physiological balance required to provide sufficient protection to the host against external enemies while avoiding overactivation signaling events that would severely undermine physiological stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Eleftherianos
- Infection and Innate Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Christa Heryanto
- Infection and Innate Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Amr Mohamed
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Gabriela Contreras
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Via J. H. Dunant, 3, Varese 21100, Italy; BAT Center - Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-environmental Technology, University of Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, Portici 80055, Italy
| | - Michael Wink
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Taha Bassal
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt.
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Chen K, Chen J, Tang T, Jiang H, Han Z, Wang L, Alradi MF, Lu S, Wei X, Liu X, Wei Y, Feng C. Characterization and functional analysis of a Relish gene from the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 108:e21841. [PMID: 34468040 PMCID: PMC8453101 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Pathogen-induced host immune responses reduce the efficacy of pathogens used to control pests. However, compared to the well-deciphered immunity system of Drosophila melanogaster, the immunity system of agricultural pests is largely unconfirmed through functional analysis. Beginning to unveil mechanisms of transcription regulation of immune genes in the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, we cloned the complementary DNA (cDNA) of a transcription factor Relish by rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The 3164 bp cDNA, designated Of-Relish, encodes a 956-residue protein. Bioinformatic analysis showed that Of-Relish had a Rel homology domain, a predicted cleavage site between Q409 and L410 , six ankyrin repeats, and a death domain. The response of Of-Relish expression to the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa was sooner and stronger than to the Gram-positive Micrococcus luteus. The antimicrobial peptide genes Attacin and Gloverin had similar expression patterns in response to the infections. Knockdown of Of-Relish led to a decrease in Attacin and Gloverin messenger RNA levels, suggesting that Attacin and Gloverin were regulated by Of-Relish. Together, the results suggested that Of-Relish is a key component of the IMD pathway in O. furnacalis, involved in defense against P. aeruginosa through activation of Attacin and Gloverin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangkang Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Jiaqian Chen
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Tai Tang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Haobo Jiang
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Zhaoyang Han
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Libao Wang
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Mohamed F. Alradi
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Shiqi Lu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xiangyi Wei
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Youheng Wei
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
| | - Congjing Feng
- Department of Plant Protection, College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
- Corresponding author Congjing Feng,
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Su L, Meng JY, Yang H, Zhang CY. Molecular Characterization and Expression of OfJNK and Ofp38 in Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) Under Different Environmental Stressors. Front Physiol 2020; 11:125. [PMID: 32158401 PMCID: PMC7052289 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ostrinia furnacalis, an important pest of corn, has substantial detrimental effects on corn production. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in an insect’s resistance to environmental stress. The expression levels of JNK and p38 have been well recorded in several insects under different environmental stressors, at different developmental stages, and in various tissue types; however, there is limited information on JNK and p38 in agricultural insects. To clarify the mechanism whereby O. furnacalis responds to environmental stress, we cloned JNK and p38 from O. furnacalis and subsequently named them OfJNK and Ofp38, respectively. Further, we examined the expression levels of OfJNK and Ofp38 under different environmental stressors. In this study, we obtained full-length sequences of OfJNK and Ofp38, and RT-qPCR results showed that these genes were expressed at all developmental stages, in various tissues (head, chest, abdomen, leg, wing, antennae, compound eye, midgut, and ovary) and under different environmental stressors (4°C and ultraviolet A treatment for 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min). The expression levels of OfJNK and Ofp38 were relatively higher in eggs and 3-day-old adult females than in other developmental stages. Moreover, the expression level of OfJNK was higher in the wings than in other tissues, whereas that of Ofp38 was significantly higher in the ovaries than in other tissues. OfJNK and Ofp38 showed high expression 90 min after being subjected to treatment at 4°C and ultraviolet A irradiation; the expression of Ofp38 peaked at 30 min, whereas that of OfJNK peaked at 60 min. These results indicate that O. furnacalis differs in terms of its response under different environmental stressors. In summary, our results will provide a foundation for additional research needed to determine the role of the MAPK signaling pathway and the underlying mechanisms by which it shows resistance to environmental stresses in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Su
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jian-Yu Meng
- Guizhou Tobacco Science Research Institute, Guiyang, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chang-Yu Zhang
- Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of Mountainous Regions, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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Bullard R, Sharma SR, Das PK, Morgan SE, Karim S. Repurposing of Glycine-Rich Proteins in Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in the Lone-Star Tick ( Amblyomma americanum). Front Physiol 2019; 10:744. [PMID: 31275163 PMCID: PMC6591454 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick feeding requires the secretion of a huge number of pharmacologically dynamic proteins and other molecules which are vital for the formation of the cement cone, the establishment of the blood pool and to counter against the host immune response. Glycine-rich proteins (GRP) are found in many organisms and can function in a variety of cellular processes and structures. The functional characterization of the GRPs in the tick salivary glands has not been elucidated. GRPs have been found to play a role in the formation of the cement cone; however, new evidence suggests repurposing of GRPs in the tick physiology. In this study, an RNA interference approach was utilized to silence two glycine-rich protein genes expressed in early phase of tick feeding to determine their functional role in tick hematophagy, cement cone structure, and microbial homeostasis within the tick host. Additionally, the transcriptional regulation of GRPs was determined after exposure to biotic and abiotic stresses including cold and hot temperature, injury, and oxidative stress. This caused a significant up-regulation of AamerSigP-34358, Aam-40766, AamerSigP-39259, and Aam-36909. Our results suggest ticks repurpose these proteins and further functional characterization of GRPs may help to design novel molecular strategies to disrupt the homeostasis and the pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Bullard
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States.,Department of Pathobiological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Surendra Raj Sharma
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Pradipta Kumar Das
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Sarah E Morgan
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Shahid Karim
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
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Shin HS, Park SI. Novel attacin from Hermetia illucens: cDNA cloning, characterization, and antibacterial properties. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2019; 49:279-285. [PMID: 30767702 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2018.1541807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we report a novel member of the attacin family from Hermetia illucens. The cDNA clone encoding the attacin-like protein was isolated by screening a cDNA library prepared from immunized fat body. The complete 510 bp cDNA of HI-attacin was predicted to encode a protein of 169 amino acids with a molecular weight of 17.7 kDa. The putative mature protein of H. illucens attacin (HI-attacin) had 50% identity with that of Bactrocera dorsalis attacin B. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the HI-attacin was separated from the other dipteran attacins with a high bootstrap percentage. Compared to that in the other dipteran attacins, the G1 domain of HI-attacin was shorter and the sequence of the G2 domain of HI-attacin was more conserved than that of the G1 domain. We produced the recombinant attacin (rHI-attacin) protein using a prokaryotic expression system to confirm its antibacterial character. The rHI-attacin was produced as inclusion bodies and refolded by on-column refolding. rHI-attacin exhibited antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Using real-time PCR, the expression of HI-attacin was was barely detected before the immunization, but was mostly evident in the fat body after immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hak Sup Shin
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Dankook University , Cheonan , Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Ik Park
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Dankook University , Cheonan , Republic of Korea
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Shen D, Wang L, Ji J, Liu Q, An C. Identification and Characterization of C-type Lectins in Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2018; 18:4924850. [PMID: 29718486 PMCID: PMC5842395 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iey011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) are a large family of calcium-dependent carbohydrate-binding proteins. They function primarily in cell adhesion and immunity by recognizing various glycoconjugates. We identified 14 transcripts encoding proteins with one or two CTL domains from the transcriptome from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Among them, five (OfCTL-S1 through S5) only contain one CTL domain, the remaining nine (OfIML-1 through 9) have two tandem CTL domains. Five CTL-Ss and six OfIMLs have a signal peptide are likely extracellular while another two OfIMLs might be cytoplasmic. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that OfCTL-Ss had 1:1 orthologs in Lepidoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera species, but OfIMLs only clustered with immulectins (IMLs) from Lepidopteran. Structural modeling revealed that the 22 CTL domains adopt a similar double-loop fold consisting of β-sheets and α-helices. The key residues for calcium-dependent or independent binding of specific carbohydrates by CTL domains were predicted with homology modeling. Expression profiles assay showed distinct expression pattern of 14 CTLs: the expression and induction were related to the developmental stages and infected microorganisms. Overall, our work including the gene identification, sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, structural modeling, and expression profile assay would provide a valuable basis for the further functional studies of O. furnacalis CTLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxu Shen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jiayue Ji
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Qizhi Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Chunju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, P.R. China
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Patiño-Márquez IA, Patiño-González E, Hernández-Villa L, Ortíz-Reyes B, Manrique-Moreno M. Identification and evaluation of Galleria mellonella peptides with antileishmanial activity. Anal Biochem 2018; 546:35-42. [PMID: 29409865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Leishmaniasis is a neglected disease, World Health Organization (WHO) declared it as high priority worldwide. Colombia is one of the 98 countries in which the disease caused more than 17.000 cases per year. There is a need to explore novel therapies to reduce the side effects of the current treatments. For this reason, this study was aimed to evaluate Galleria mellonella hemolymph for potential peptides with anti-parasitic activity. Larvae were challenged with Leishmania (V) panamensis promastigotes and hemolymph was analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), reversed-phase chromatography (RP-HPLC), two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC/MS). The immunological response of Galleria mellonella was followed by SDS-PAGE, immunized hemolymph was fractionated by RP-HPLC where fractions 5 and 11 showed the highest antileishmanial activity. From these fractions 15 spots were isolated by 2D gel electrophoresis and evaluated by LC/MS to identify the peptides present in the spots. After the analysis Moricin-B, Moricin-C4, Cecropin-D and Anionic Peptide 2 were identified due to the immune challenge with Leishmania promastigotes. Anionic peptide 2 and Cecropin-D were synthesized and evaluated for antileishmanial activity. The results showed that Anionic peptide 2 presented more anti-parasitic activity. This study showed for the first time the anti-parasitic potential of peptides derived from hemolymph of Galleria mellonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel A Patiño-Márquez
- Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Edwin Patiño-González
- Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Laura Hernández-Villa
- Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Blanca Ortíz-Reyes
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Marcela Manrique-Moreno
- Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, University of Antioquia, A.A. 1226, Medellin, Colombia.
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Serine protease SP105 activates prophenoloxidase in Asian corn borer melanization, and is regulated by serpin-3. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45256. [PMID: 28358031 PMCID: PMC5372168 DOI: 10.1038/srep45256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanization reaction, resulting from the activation of prophenoloxidase, is a vital immune response in insects for encapsulating and killing the invasive organisms. Prophenoloxidase needs to be proteolytically activated by its upstream prophenoloxidase-activating protease (PAP) in melanization. Identification and characterization of PAPs facilitates the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in insect immunity. We here cloned a full-length cDNA for a serine protease, named as SP105, from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée). The open reading frame of SP105 encodes 424-amino acid residue protein with a 19-residue signal peptide. Sequence comparison indicates that SP105 is most similar to Manduca sexta PAP3, a defined prophenoloxidase-activating protease. qRT-PCR analysis showed that SP105 mRNA levels increased significantly after a bacterial injection. Recombinant SP105 directly cleaved and activated Asian corn borer prophenoloxidase and therefore acted as the prophenoloxidase-activating protease. Additionally, SP105 formed SDS-stable complexes with a serine protease inhibitor, serpin-3, and its activity in activating prophenoloxidase was efficiently inhibited by serpin-3. Our work thus illustrated a prophenoloxidase-activating protease and revealed its regulation by serpin-3. The results would allow further advances in the understanding of the melanization in Asian corn borer and other insects.
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Cloning, Expression, and Characterization of Prophenoloxidases from Asian Corn Borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Gunée). J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:1781803. [PMID: 28078308 PMCID: PMC5203920 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1781803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect phenoloxidase (PO) belongs to the type 3 copper protein family and possesses oxidoreductase activities. PO is typically synthesized as a zymogen called prophenoloxidase (PPO) and requires the proteolytic activation to function. We here cloned full-length cDNA for 3 previously unidentified PPOs, which we named OfPPO1a, OfPPO1b, and OfPPO3, from Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis (Gunée), in addition to the previously known OfPPO2. These conceptual PPOs and OfPPO2 all contain two common copper-binding regions, two potential proteolytic activation sites, a plausible thiol-ester site, and a conserved C-terminal region but lack a secretion signal peptide sequence at the N-terminus. O. furnacalis PPOs were highly similar to other insect PPOs (42% to 79% identity) and clustered well with other lepidopteran PPOs. RT-PCR assay showed the transcripts of the 4 OfPPOs were all detected at the highest level in hemocytes and at the increased amounts after exposure to infection by bacteria and fungi. Additionally, we established an Escherichia coli (E. coli) expression system to produce recombinant O. furnacalis PPO proteins for future use in investigating their functions. These insights could provide valuable information for better understanding the activation and functioning mechanisms of O. furnacalis PPOs.
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Zhang T, He K, Wang Z. Transcriptome Comparison Analysis of Ostrinia furnacalis in Four Developmental Stages. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35008. [PMID: 27713521 PMCID: PMC5054526 DOI: 10.1038/srep35008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, is one of the most destructive pests of maize and causes huge losses in maize yield each year. In order to characterize the different developmental stages, a high-throughput sequencing platform was employed to perform de novo transcriptome assembly and gene expression analysis for the egg, larva, pupa and adult stages. Approximately 185 million reads were obtained, trimmed, and assembled into 42,638 unigenes with an average length of 801.94 bp and an N50 length of 1,152 bp. These unigene sequences were annotated and classified by performing Gene Ontology (GO), Cluster of Orthologous Groups (KOG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional classifications. Comparison of the gene expression profiles of the two transitional stages revealed dramatic differences. Some differentially expressed genes are associated with digestion, cuticularization olfactory recognition and wing formation as well as growth and development. In total, 12 putative insect development-related genes were identified. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) results and sequencing based on relative expression levels of randomly selected genes confirmed these expression patterns. These data represent the most comprehensive transcriptomic resource currently available for O. furnacalis and will facilitate the study of developmental pathways, cuticularization, wing formation and olfactory recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for the Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Kanglai He
- State Key Laboratory for the Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhenying Wang
- State Key Laboratory for the Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 2 West Yuanmingyuan Road, Beijing 100193, China
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15
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Rocha IF, Maller A, de Cássia Garcia Simão R, Kadowaki MK, Angeli Alves LF, Huergo LF, da Conceição Silva JL. Proteomic profile of hemolymph and detection of induced antimicrobial peptides in response to microbial challenge in Diatraea saccharalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 473:511-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.03.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Venom of Parasitoid Pteromalus puparum Impairs Host Humoral Antimicrobial Activity by Decreasing Host Cecropin and Lysozyme Gene Expression. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:52. [PMID: 26907346 PMCID: PMC4773805 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8020052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect host/parasitoid interactions are co-evolved systems in which host defenses are balanced by parasitoid mechanisms to disable or hide from host immune effectors. Here, we report that Pteromalus puparum venom impairs the antimicrobial activity of its host Pieris rapae. Inhibition zone results showed that bead injection induced the antimicrobial activity of the host hemolymph but that venom inhibited it. The cDNAs encoding cecropin and lysozyme were screened. Relative quantitative PCR results indicated that all of the microorganisms and bead injections up-regulated the transcript levels of the two genes but that venom down-regulated them. At 8 h post bead challenge, there was a peak in the transcript level of the cecropin gene, whereas the peak of lysozyme gene occurred at 24 h. The transcripts levels of the two genes were higher in the granulocytes and fat body than in other tissues. RNA interference decreased the transcript levels of the two genes and the antimicrobial activity of the pupal hemolymph. Venom injections similarly silenced the expression of the two genes during the first 8 h post-treatment in time- and dose-dependent manners, after which the silence effects abated. Additionally, recombinant cecropin and lysozyme had no significant effect on the emergence rate of pupae that were parasitized by P. puparum females. These findings suggest one mechanism of impairing host antimicrobial activity by parasitoid venom.
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Zhang S, Shen Z, Li Z, Wu F, Zhang B, Liu Y, Zhang Q, Liu X. Identification of a thioredoxin peroxidase gene involved in resistance to nucleopolyhedrovirus infection in Helicoverpa armigera with RNA interference. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 82:17-27. [PMID: 26238928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Thioredoxin peroxidases (Tpxs) play a crucial role in protection against oxidative damage in several insect species. However, studies on the characteristics and functions of Tpxs in Helicoverpa armigera are lacking. In this study, a novel 2-Cys Tpx gene from H. armigera (HaTpx) was identified. Sequence analysis revealed that HaTpx is highly conserved and shares two catalysis regions (VCP) with other insect species. HaTpx mRNA was found to be expressed in an age-dependent manner and was ubiquitous in all tissues examined. Hormone treatment showed that the expression of HaTpx is clearly induced by 20-hydroxyecdysone but repressed by Juvenile hormone. Additionally, extreme temperature, ultraviolet light, mechanical injury, Escherichia coli, Metarhizium anisopliae, nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV) infection, and H2O2 treatment markedly induced HaTpx gene expression. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in hemocytes and MDA concentrations in the hemolymph after NPV infection were evaluated, and the results indicated that NPV infection causes excessive ROS generation. After knockdown of HaTpx by RNA interference, the expression of three antioxidant genes (Cu/ZnSOD, Trx, and TrxR) was increased, whereas two antioxidant genes (CAT and GPX) showed decreased expression. Moreover, the susceptibility of H. armigera to NPV infection increased after HaTpx knockdown. These results indicated that HaTpx contributes to the susceptibility of H. armigera to NPV, and the results also provide a theoretical basis for a novel strategy for developing new chemicals and microbial pesticides that target HaTpx gene for controlling H. armigera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songdou Zhang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhongjian Shen
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Fengming Wu
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Boyu Zhang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
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Sequence analysis, expression profiles and function of thioredoxin 2 and thioredoxin reductase 1 in resistance to nucleopolyhedrovirus in Helicoverpa armigera. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15531. [PMID: 26502992 PMCID: PMC4621414 DOI: 10.1038/srep15531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The thioredoxin system, including NADPH, thioredoxin (Trx), and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), plays significant roles in maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis and protecting organisms against oxidative damage. In this study, the characteristics and functions of H. armigera HaTrx2 and HaTrxR1 were identified. Sequence analysis showed that HaTrx2 and HaTrxR1 were both highly conserved and shared high sequence identity with other insect counterparts. The mRNA of HaTrx2 was expressed the highest in 5th instar 96 h and was mainly detected in heads and epidermis. The expression of HaTrxR1 was highly concentrated in 5th instar 72 h and 96 h, and higher in malpighian tube, midgut and hemocyte than other examined tissues. HaTrx2 and HaTrxR1 were markedly induced by various types of stress. HaTrx2- or HaTrxR1-knockdown increased ROS production in hemocytes and also increased the lipid damage in NPV infected H. armigera larvae. Furthermore, interference with expression of HaTrx2 or HaTrxR1 transcripts in H. armigera larvae resulted in increased sensitivity to NPV infection and shortened LT50 values. Our findings indicated that HaTrx2 and HaTrxR1 contribute to the susceptibility of H. armigera to NPV and also provided the theoretical basis for the in-depth study of insect thioredoxin system.
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Liao YY, Zuo YH, Tsai CL, Hsu CM, Chen ME. cDNA CLONING AND TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION OF THE CECROPIN AND ATTACIN FROM THE ORIENTAL FRUIT FLY, Bactrocera dorsalis (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 89:111-126. [PMID: 25781309 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We described the cDNA cloning of two antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), cecropin (BdCec), and attacin C (BdAttC), from the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), a serious insect pest of fruit trees. Using rapid amplification of cDNA ends, fragments encompassing the entire open reading frames of BdCec and BdAttC were cloned and sequenced. The complete 425 bp cDNA of BdCec encodes a protein of 64 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 6.84 kDa. The 931 bp cDNA of BdAttC encodes a protein of 239 residues with a predicted molecular weight of 24.97 kDa. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR demonstrated that the developmental transcription profiles of BdCec and BdAttC were similar in each larvae, pupae, and adults. The constitutive expression levels of both AMPs were high in the first-instar and late third-instar larvae, suggesting that their antimicrobial activity is active in the newly hatched larvae and just before pupation. The basal expression levels were not significant different in adult fat bodies. The expression of BdCec and BdAttC was upregulated after bacterial challenge in adult fat bodies. The ratio of inducible expression to constitutive expression was lower in males compared to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Yin Liao
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Zuo
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Lung Tsai
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ming Hsu
- Bachelor Program of Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Er Chen
- Department of Entomology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
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