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Wulff JP, Hickner PV, Watson DW, Denning SS, Belikoff EJ, Scott MJ. Antennal transcriptome analysis reveals sensory receptors potentially associated with host detection in the livestock pest Lucilia cuprina. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:308. [PMID: 39026238 PMCID: PMC11256703 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06391-6] [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: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) is the main causative agent of flystrike of sheep in Australia and New Zealand. Female flies lay eggs in an open wound or natural orifice, and the developing larvae eat the host's tissues, a condition called myiasis. To improve our understanding of host-seeking behavior, we quantified gene expression in male and female antennae based on their behavior. METHODS A spatial olfactometer was used to evaluate the olfactory response of L. cuprina mated males and gravid females to fresh or rotting beef. Antennal RNA-Seq analysis was used to identify sensory receptors differentially expressed between groups. RESULTS Lucilia cuprina females were more attracted to rotten compared to fresh beef (> fivefold increase). However, males and some females did not respond to either type of beef. RNA-Seq analysis was performed on antennae dissected from attracted females, non-attracted females and males. Transcripts encoding sensory receptors from 11 gene families were identified above a threshold (≥ 5 transcript per million) including 49 ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABCs), two ammonium transporters (AMTs), 37 odorant receptors (ORs), 16 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 5 gustatory receptors (GRs), 22 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), 9 CD36-sensory neuron membrane proteins (CD36/SNMPs), 4 chemosensory proteins (CSPs), 4 myeloid lipid-recognition (ML) and Niemann-Pick C2 disease proteins (ML/NPC2), 2 pickpocket receptors (PPKs) and 3 transient receptor potential channels (TRPs). Differential expression analyses identified sex-biased sensory receptors. CONCLUSIONS We identified sensory receptors that were differentially expressed between the antennae of both sexes and hence may be associated with host detection by female flies. The most promising for future investigations were as follows: an odorant receptor (LcupOR46) which is female-biased in L. cuprina and Cochliomyia hominivorax Coquerel, 1858; an ABC transporter (ABC G23.1) that was the sole sensory receptor upregulated in the antennae of females attracted to rotting beef compared to non-attracted females; a female-biased ammonia transporter (AMT_Rh50), which was previously associated with ammonium detection in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830. This is the first report suggesting a possible role for ABC transporters in L. cuprina olfaction and potentially in other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Wulff
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Paul V Hickner
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX, 78028-9184, USA
| | - David W Watson
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Steven S Denning
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Esther J Belikoff
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Maxwell J Scott
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
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Liu M, Qu Y, Luo Y, Jallow BJJ, Ma Y, Luciano A, Huang J, Cai J, Meng F. HOFE: an interactive forensic entomological database. Database (Oxford) 2024; 2024:baae058. [PMID: 39001614 PMCID: PMC11245407 DOI: 10.1093/database/baae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
The significance of entomological evidence in inferring the time, location and cause of death has been demonstrated both theoretically and practically. With the advancement of sequencing technologies, reports have emerged on necrophagous insects' nuclear genomes, transcriptomes, proteomes and mitochondrial genomes. However, within the field of forensic entomology, there is currently no available database that can integrate, store and share the resources of necrophagous insects. The absence of a database poses an inconvenience to the application of entomological evidence in judicial practice and hampers the development of the forensic entomology discipline. Given this, we have developed the Home Of Forensic Entomology database, encompassing 10 core functional modules: Home, Browse, Mitochondria, Proteome, JBrowse, Search, BLAST, Tools, Case base and Maps. Notably, the 'Tools' module enables multiple sequence alignment analysis (Muscle), homologous protein prediction (Genewise), primer design (Primer), large-scale genomic analysis (Lastz), Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, as well as expression profiling (PCA Analysis, Hcluster and Correlation Heatmap). In addition, the present database also works as an interactive platform for researchers by sharing forensic entomological case reports and uploading data and material. This database provides potential visitors with a comprehensive function for multi-omics data analysis, offers substantial references to researchers and criminal scene investigators and facilitates the utilization of entomological evidence in court. Database URL: http://ihofe.com/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandie Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yihong Qu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yifei Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Binta J J Jallow
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yuting Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Afito Luciano
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
| | - Fanming Meng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Endemic Diseases, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830017, China
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Wang JJ, Ma C, Yue Y, Yang J, Chen LX, Wang YT, Zhao CC, Gao X, Chen HS, Ma WH, Zhou Z. Identification of candidate chemosensory genes in Bactrocera cucurbitae based on antennal transcriptome analysis. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1354530. [PMID: 38440345 PMCID: PMC10910661 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1354530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Tephritidae: Diptera), is an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to agriculture in Africa and other regions. Flies are known to use their olfactory systems to recognise environmental chemical cues. However, the molecular components of the chemosensory system of B. cucurbitae are poorly characterised. To address this knowledge gap, we have used next-generation sequencing to analyse the antenna transcriptomes of sexually immature B. cucurbitae adults. The results have identified 160 potential chemosensory genes, including 35 odourant-binding proteins (OBPs), one chemosensory protein (CSP), three sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 70 odourant receptors (ORs), 30 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and 21 gustatory receptors (GRs). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the results by assessing the expression profiles of 25 ORs and 15 OBPs. Notably, high expression levels for BcucOBP5/9/10/18/21/23/26 were observed in both the female and male antennae. Furthermore, BcucOROrco/6/7/9/13/15/25/27/28/42/62 exhibited biased expression in the male antennae, whereas BcucOR55 showed biased expression in the female antennae. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into insect olfaction at the molecular level and will, thus, help to facilitate the development of enhanced pest management strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Yang Yue
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Jingfang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Li Xiang Chen
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | - Yi Ting Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
| | | | - Xuyuan Gao
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Biology of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Hong Song Chen
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory for Biology of Crop Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanning, China
| | - Wei Hua Ma
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- National Nanfan Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, China
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Shao S, Yang L, Hu G, Li L, Wang Y, Tao L. Application of omics techniques in forensic entomology research. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106985. [PMID: 37473953 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of the post-genome era, omics technologies have developed rapidly and are widely used, including in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome research. These omics techniques are often based on comprehensive and systematic analysis of biological samples using high-throughput analysis methods and bioinformatics, to provide new insights into biological phenomena. Currently, omics techniques are gradually being applied to forensic entomology research and are useful in species identification, phylogenetics, screening for developmentally relevant differentially expressed genes, and the interpretation of behavioral characteristics of forensic-related species at the genetic level. These all provide valuable information for estimating the postmortem interval (PMI). This review mainly discusses the available omics techniques, summarizes the application of omics techniques in forensic entomology, and their future in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Shao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijun Yang
- Criminal Police Branch, Suzhou Public Security Bureau, Renmin Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Gengwang Hu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Liangliang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China.
| | - Luyang Tao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Ganjiang East Road, Suzhou, China
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Lizana P, Mutis A, Quiroz A, Venthur H. Insights Into Chemosensory Proteins From Non-Model Insects: Advances and Perspectives in the Context of Pest Management. Front Physiol 2022; 13:924750. [PMID: 36072856 PMCID: PMC9441497 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.924750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, insect chemosensation represents a key aspect of integrated pest management in the Anthropocene epoch. Olfaction-related proteins have been the focus of studies due to their function in vital processes, such ashost finding and reproduction behavior. Hence, most research has been based on the study of model insects, namely Drosophila melanogaster, Bombyx mori or Tribolium castaneum. Over the passage of time and the advance of new molecular techniques, insects considered non-models have been studied, contributing greatly to the knowledge of insect olfactory systems and enhanced pest control methods. In this review, a reference point for non-model insects is proposed and the concept of model and non-model insects is discussed. Likewise, it summarizes and discusses the progress and contribution in the olfaction field of both model and non-model insects considered pests in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Lizana
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Laboratorio de Química Ecológica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ana Mutis
- Laboratorio de Química Ecológica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Andrés Quiroz
- Laboratorio de Química Ecológica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Herbert Venthur
- Laboratorio de Química Ecológica, Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
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Meng F, Han H, Wang M, Jiang Y, Pi Z, Qu Y, Liu Z, Cai J. Characterized Gene Repertoires and Functional Gene Reference for Forensic Entomology: Genomic and Developmental Transcriptomic Analysis of Aldrichina grahami (Diptera: Calliphoridae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:810-819. [PMID: 35139213 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many flies of Diptera are common entomological evidence employed in forensic investigation. Exploring the existence of inter- and intra-species genomic differences of forensically relevant insects is of great importance. Aldrichina grahami is a common blow fly species of forensic importance. The present study characterized the gene repertoires of A. grahami, and provides insights into issues related to forensic entomology, such as necrophagous behavior, gene family features, and developmental patterns. Gene families were clustered and classified according to their function in different aspects of the necrophagous lifestyle, generating several gene repertoires. The genes under positive selection pressure and evolutionary changes were screen and identified. Moreover, genes that exhibited potential prediction value in the post mortem interval (PMI) estimation and development of immature stages were subjected to analysis based on the developmental transcriptome. Related insect species were compared at the genomic level to reveal the genes associated with necrophagous behaviors. The expression of selected genes in separated repositories was verified using qPCR. This work was conducted using a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of A. grahami and its developmental transcriptome. The findings will facilitate future research on A. grahami and the other forensically important species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanming Meng
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Han Han
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mo Wang
- Key Laboratory for Conserving Wildlife with Small Populations in Yunnan, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming, China
| | - Yangshuai Jiang
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiyun Pi
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yihong Qu
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuoying Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jifeng Cai
- School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Hildebrand CS, Cervenka VJ, Moon RD, Thomson RE. Calliphoridae (Diptera) on Decomposing Pig Carcasses and Human Cadavers in the Upper Midwest of North America. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:129-134. [PMID: 34564729 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The geographic ranges of forensically informative taxa on decomposing remains vary across regions. To determine which calliphorid flies would be expected to occur in Minnesota and the upper Midwest, individual freshly killed pig carcasses (Sus scrofa L.) were placed in the field in St. Paul, MN, at monthly intervals from May to October 2017 and May to September 2018. Aerial nets, forceps, and pitfall traps were used to collect and preserve associated adult and immature insects. Sixty-four forensically informative insect taxa were recorded, representing three insect orders and 14 families. Ten informative calliphorid species were recorded on carcasses, adding four new Minnesota records. Comparison of species lists from 26 human forensic cases indicated agreement between the two lists, except for Lucilia coeruleiviridis Macquart, Calliphora vomitoria (L.), and Cynomya cadaverina Robineau-Desvoidy, which occurred on pig carcasses but not human remains, and Calliphora livida Hall, which occurred on human remains, but not carcasses. The composite fauna list from cadavers agreed largely with the 2-yr list from pig carcasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Correy S Hildebrand
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Avenue, 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | | | - Roger D Moon
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Avenue, 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Robin E Thomson
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, 1980 Folwell Avenue, 219 Hodson Hall, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
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Kaczmarek A, Boguś M. The metabolism and role of free fatty acids in key physiological processes in insects of medical, veterinary and forensic importance. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12563. [PMID: 35036124 PMCID: PMC8710053 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are the most widespread group of organisms and more than one million species have been described. These animals have significant ecological functions, for example they are pollinators of many types of plants. However, they also have direct influence on human life in different manners. They have high medical and veterinary significance, stemming from their role as vectors of disease and infection of wounds and necrotic tissue; they are also plant pests, parasitoids and predators whose activities can influence agriculture. In addition, their use in medical treatments, such as maggot therapy of gangrene and wounds, has grown considerably. They also have many uses in forensic science to determine the minimum post-mortem interval and provide valuable information about the movement of the body, cause of the death, drug use, or poisoning. It has also been proposed that they may be used as model organisms to replace mammal systems in research. The present review describes the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in key physiological processes in insects. By focusing on insects of medical, veterinary significance, we have limited our description of the physiological processes to those most important from the point of view of insect control; the study examines their effects on insect reproduction and resistance to the adverse effects of abiotic (low temperature) and biotic (pathogens) factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieczysława Boguś
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Biomibo, Warsaw, Poland
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