The Repellent Capacity against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and In Vitro Inhibition of the Acetylcholinesterase Enzyme of 11 Essential Oils from Six Plants of the Caribbean Region of Colombia

The repellent capacity against Sitophilus zeamais and the in vitro inhibition on AChE of 11 essential oils, isolated from six plants of the northern region of Colombia, were assessed using a modified tunnel-type device and the Ellman colorimetric method, respectively. The results were as follows: (i) the degree of repellency (DR) of the EOs against S. zeamais was 20-68% (2 h) and 28-74% (4 h); (ii) the IC50 values on AChE were 5-36 µg/mL; likewise, the %inh. on AChE (1 µg/cm3 per EO) did not show any effect in 91% of the EO tested; (iii) six EOs (Bursera graveolens-bark, B. graveolens-leaves, B. simaruba-bark, Peperomia pellucida-leaves, Piper holtonii (1b*)-leaves, and P. reticulatum-leaves) exhibited a DR (53-74%) ≥ C+ (chlorpyrifos-61%), while all EOs were less active (8-60-fold) on AChE compared to chlorpyrifos (IC50 of 0.59 µg/mL). Based on the ANOVA/linear regression and multivariate analysis of data, some differences/similarities could be established, as well as identifying the most active EOs (five: B. simaruba-bark, Pep. Pellucida-leaves, P. holtonii (1b*)-leaves, B. graveolens-bark, and B. graveolens-leaves). Finally, these EOs were constituted by spathulenol (24%)/β-selinene (18%)/caryophyllene oxide (10%)-B. simaruba; carotol (44%)/dillapiole (21%)-Pep. pellucida; dillapiole (81% confirmed by 1H-/13C-NMR)-P. holtonii; mint furanone derivative (14%)/mint furanone (14%)-B. graveolens-bark; limonene (17%)/carvone (10%)-B. graveolens-leaves.

Intergenerational Transmission of Resistance of Callosobruchus maculatus to Essential Oil Treatment

Due to the rise of numerous legal restrictions as well as the increasing emergence of resistant populations, the number of available pesticides is decreasing significantly. One of the potential alternatives often described in the literature are essential oils (EOs). However, there is a lack of research addressing the potential emergence of resistance to this group of substances. In this paper, we investigated the multi-generational effects of sublethal concentrations of rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) on physiological and biochemical parameters of the cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus) such as egg laying, hatchability, oxygen consumption and acetylcholinesterase activity. Imago, which as larvae were exposed to EO at concentrations equivalent to LC₂₅, showed significantly lower mortality. The results obtained indicate the potential development of resistance in insects exposed to EO in concentrations corresponding to LC₂₅. In addition, in the case of the group treated with an EO concentration corresponding to LC_3.12, a stimulation effect of the above-mentioned parameters was observed, which may indicate the occurrence of a hormesis effect. The obtained results may be an important reference for the development of future guidelines and EO-based insecticides.

Isolation and expression of five genes in the mevalonate pathway of the Chinese white pine beetle, Dendroctonus armandi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae)

The Chinese white pine beetle Dendroctonus armandi (Tsai and Li) is a significant pest of the Qinling and Bashan Mountains pine forests of China. The Chinese white pine beetle can overcome the defences of Chinese white pine Pinus armandi (Franch) through pheromone-assisted aggregation that results in a mass attack of host trees. We isolated five full-length complementary DNAs encoding mevalonate pathway-related enzyme genes from the Chinese white pine beetle (D. armandi), which are acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (AACT), geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS), mevalonate kinase (MK), mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MPDC), and phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK). Bioinformatic analyses were performed on the full-length deduced amino acid sequences. Differential expression of these five genes was observed between sexes, and within these significant differences among topically applied juvenile hormone III (JH III), fed on phloem of P. armandi, tissue distribution, and development stage. Mevalonate pathway genes expression were induced by JH III and feeding.

Cytochromes P450: terpene detoxification and pheromone production in bark beetles

Bark beetles (family: Curculionidae; subfamily: Scolytinae) in the Dendroctonus and Ips genera are the most destructive forest pests in the Northern hemisphere. They use cytochromes P450 (P450s) to detoxify tree-produced terpenes to produce pheromones, in de novo pheromone production and to oxidize odorants on antennae. Many Dendroctonus spp. use trans-verbenol as an aggregation pheromone, and it is formed from host-tree produced α-pinene hydroxylated by CYP6DE1 during larval stages, stored as verbenyl ester of fatty acids, and then released when the female begins feeding on a new host tree. Ips spp. hydroxylate de novo produced myrcene to form ipsdienol. Subsequent steps form the appropriate enantiomeric composition of ipsdienol and convert ipsdienol to ipsenol. In this article we review recent progress in elucidating the functions of P450s in Ips and Dendroctonus species and in doing so provide insights into the role of these enzymes in host phytochemical detoxification and pheromone production.

Evaluation of hydrolytic enzyme activities from digestive fluids of Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis, is a major pest of cotton crops in South America. In this work, partial biochemical characterizations of (hemi) cellulases and pectinases activities in the digestive system (head- and gut- extracts) of A. grandis were evaluated. Gut extract section from third instar larvae exhibited endoglucanase, xylanase, β-glucosidase, and pectinase activities. The endoglucanase and xylanase activities were localized in the foregut, whereas β-glucosidase activity was mainly detected in the hindgut. In addition, no difference in pectinase activity was observed across the gut sections. Thus, A. grandis digestive system is a potentially interesting reservoir for further lignocellulolytic enzymes research.

The Differential Expression of Mevalonate Pathway Genes in the Gut of the Bark Beetle Dendroctonus rhizophagus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) Is Unrelated to the de Novo Synthesis of Terpenoid Pheromones

Bark beetles commonly produce de novo terpenoid pheromones using precursors synthesized through the mevalonate pathway. This process is regulated by Juvenile Hormone III (JH III). In this work, the expression levels of mevalonate pathway genes were quantified after phloem feeding-to induce the endogenous synthesis of JH III-and after the topical application of a JH III solution. The mevalonate pathway genes from D. rhizophagus were cloned, molecularly characterized, and their expression levels were quantified. Also, the terpenoid compounds produced in the gut were identified and quantified by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The feeding treatment produced an evident upregulation, mainly in acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (AACT), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGS), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK), and isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IPPI) genes, and males reached higher expression levels compared to females. In contrast, the JH III treatment did not present a clear pattern of upregulation in any sex or time. Notably, the genes responsible for the synthesis of frontalin and ipsdienol precursors (geranyl diphosphate synthase/farnesyl diphosphate synthase (GPPS/FPPS) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS)) were not clearly upregulated, nor were these compounds further identified. Furthermore, trans-verbenol and myrtenol were the most abundant compounds in the gut, which are derived from an α-pinene transformation rather than de novo synthesis. Hence, the expression of mevalonate pathway genes in D. rhizophagus gut is not directed to the production of terpenoid pheromones, regardless of their frequent occurrence in the genus Dendroctonus.

Nuclease activity decreases the RNAi response in the sweetpotato weevil Cylas puncticollis

RNA interference (RNAi) refers to the process of suppression of gene expression in eukaryotes, which has a great potential for the control of pest and diseases. Unfortunately, the efficacy of this technology is limited or at best variable in some insects. In the African sweet potato weevil (SPW) Cylas puncticollis, a devastating pest that affects the sweet potato production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the RNAi response was highly efficient when dsRNA was delivered by injection, but it showed a reduced response by oral feeding. In the present study, the role of nucleases in the reduced RNAi efficiency in C. puncticollis is investigated. Several putative dsRNases were first identified in the transcriptome of the SPW through homology search and were subsequently further characterized. Two of these dsRNases were specifically expressed in the gut tissue of the insect and we could demonstrate through RNAi experiments that these affected dsRNA stability in the gut. Furthermore, RNAi-of-RNAi studies, using snf7 as a reporter gene, demonstrated that silencing one of these nucleases, Cp-dsRNase-3, clearly increases RNAi efficacy. After silencing this nuclease, significantly higher mortality was observed in dssnf7-treated insects 14 days post-feeding as compared to control treatments, and the gene downregulation was confirmed at the transcript level via qPCR analysis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the RNAi efficiency is certainly impaired by nuclease activity in the gut environment of the SPW Cylas puncticollis.

Time-Course of CYP450 Genes Expression From Dendroctonus rhizophagus (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) During Early Hours of Drilling Bark and Settling Into the Host Tree

Dendroctonus bark beetles (Scolytinae) are one of the most important disturbance agents of coniferous forests in North and Central America. These beetles spend their lives almost entirely under the tree bark, and their survival and reproductive success depend on their ability to overcome the toxic effect of the trees' oleoresin. The cytochromes P450 (CYPs) are associated with the detoxification process of xenobiotics, as well as other physiological processes. Different cytochromes (families 4, 6, and 9) in the Dendroctonus species have been expressed under several experimental conditions; nevertheless, the expression time-course of these genes is unknown. To explore the induction speed of CYPs, we evaluated the relative expression of the CYP6BW5, CYP6DG1, CYP6DJ2, CYP9Z18, and CYP9Z20 genes at the early hours of drilling and settling into a tree (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18 h) both in females and males, solitary or paired, of the bark beetle Dendroctonus rhizophagus Thomas and Bright. Our findings show that the five genes were rapidly overexpressed in the early hours (1 to 6 h) in both sexes and in solitary and paired conditions, suggesting their participation in the detoxification process. Additionally, the CYPs expression shows up- and down-regulation patterns through these short times, suggesting their probable participation in other physiological processes as the biosynthesis of hormones, pheromones or compounds related to reproduction.

Isolation of CarE genes from the Chinese white pine beetle Dendroctonus armandi (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and their response to host chemical defense

BACKGROUND

Bark beetles rely on detoxifying enzymes to resist the defensive terpenoids of their host trees. Research on carboxylesterases (CarEs) has focused on their multiple functions in the metabolic detoxification of pesticides and plant allelochemicals, drug resistance, and juvenile hormone and pheromone degradation.

RESULT

We identified eight new CarE genes in the Chinese white pine beetle (Dendroctonus armandi) and carried out bioinformatics analysis on the deduced full-length amino acid sequences. Differential transcript levels of CarE genes were observed between sexes; within these levels, significant differences were found among the different development stages, and between insects fed on the phloem of Pinus armandi and exposed to five stimuli [(-)-α-pinene, (-)-β-pinene, (+)-3-carene, limonene and turpentine] at 8 and 24 h.

CONCLUSION

Transcription levels of CarE genes suggest some relationship with the detoxification of terpenoids released by host trees. The functions of bark beetle esterase are mainly in hydrolyzing the host chemical defense and degrading odorant molecules during host selection and colonization. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Transcriptome profiling reveals differential gene expression of detoxification enzymes in Sitophilus zeamais responding to terpinen-4-ol fumigation

Plant essential oils with high bioactivity provide environmental friendly alternatives for synthetic pesticides. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil and its main constituent terpinen-4-ol have high insecticidal activity to Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky. Terpinen-4-ol may be metabolized by human and insect cytochrome P450s. However, little is known about how insects systemically respond to terpinen-4-ol. In this study, we used an RNA-seq approach to evaluate the global gene expression of S. zeamais after terpinen-4-ol fumigation. Duplicates of fumigated and control groups, for a total of four libraries, were collected for sequencing. A total of 36,117 unigenes with an average length of 1036 bp were generated in the de novo assembled transcriptome. Comparative analysis of S. zeamais libraries identified 592 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 308 and 284 genes were up- and down-regulated in response to terpinen-4-ol fumigation, respectively. GO and KEGG functional analyses were performed for up and downregulated DEGs separately, showing these DEGs were enriched for terms related to catalytic activity, carbohydrate metabolism, and xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism. DEGs encoding enzymes for detoxification were detected, including sixteen cytochrome P450s (P450s), eight glutathione S-transferase (GSTs), fourteen esterase (ESTs), ten UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGTs), and two ATP-binding cassette transporter (ABC transporter) genes. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed that ten P450s, three GSTs and one EST were up-regulated dramatically after exposure to terpinen-4-ol at different concentrations and over a time course. The results provided a transcriptional overview of the changes in a stored-grain pest in response to terpinen-4-ol fumigation. The analysis revealed the expression levels of detoxification genes were altered, especially for P450s, and provided candidate genes for understanding systemic metabolic responses to terpinen-4-ol in insects.

Identification and expression profiling of novel plant cell wall degrading enzymes from a destructive pest of palm trees, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus

Plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs) from insects were recently identified as a multigene family of proteins that consist primarily of glycoside hydrolases (GHs) and carbohydrate esterases (CEs) and play essential roles in the degradation of the cellulose/hemicellulose/pectin network in the invaded host plant. Here we applied transcriptomic and degenerate PCR approaches to identify the PCWDEs from a destructive pest of palm trees, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, followed by a gut-specific and stage-specific differential expression analysis. We identified a total of 27 transcripts encoding GH family members and three transcripts of the CE family with cellulase, hemicellulase and pectinase activities. We also identified two GH9 candidates, which have not previously been reported from Curculionidae. The gut-specific quantitative expression analysis identified key cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases from R. ferrugineus. The expression analysis revealed a pectin methylesterase, RferCE8u02, and a cellulase, GH45c34485, which showed the highest gut enriched expression. Comparison of PCWDE expression patterns revealed that cellulases and pectinases are significantly upregulated in the adult stages, and we observed specific high expression of the hemicellulase RferGH16c4170. Overall, our study revealed the potential of PCWDEs from R. ferrugineus, which may be useful in biotechnological applications and may represent new tools in R. ferrugineus pest management strategies.

Insecticidal Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia Essential Oil and RNA-Seq Analysis of Sitophilus zeamais Transcriptome in Response to Oil Fumigation

BACKGROUND

The cereal weevil, Sitophilus zeamais is one of the most destructive pests of stored cereals worldwide. Frequent use of fumigants for managing stored-product insects has led to the development of resistance in insects. Essential oils from aromatic plants including the tea oil plant, Melaleuca alternifolia may provide environmentally friendly alternatives to currently used pest control agents. However, little is known about molecular events involved in stored-product insects in response to plant essential oil fumigation.

RESULTS

M. alternifolia essential oil was shown to possess the fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais. The constituent, terpinen-4-ol was the most effective compound for fumigant toxicity. M. alternifolia essential oil significantly inhibited the activity of three enzymes in S. zeamais, including two detoxifying enzymes, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and carboxylesterase (CarE), as well as a nerve conduction enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Comparative transcriptome analysis of S. zeamais through RNA-Seq identified a total of 3,562 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 2,836 and 726 were up-regulated and down-regulated in response to M. alternifolia essential oil fumigation, respectively. Based on gene ontology (GO) analysis, the majority of DEGs were involved in insecticide detoxification and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, an abundance of DEGs mapped into the metabolism pathway in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database were associated with respiration and metabolism of xenobiotics, including cytochrome P450s, CarEs, GSTs, and ATP-binding cassette transporters (ABC transporters). Some DEGs mapped into the proteasome and phagosome pathway were found to be significantly enriched. These results led us to propose a model of insecticide action that M. alternifolia essential oil likely directly affects the hydrogen carrier to block the electron flow and interfere energy synthesis in mitochondrial respiratory chain.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to perform a comparative transcriptome analysis of S. zeamais in response to M. alternifolia essential oil fumigation. Our results provide new insights into the insecticidal mechanism of M. alternifolia essential oil fumigation against S. zeamais and eventually contribute to the management of this important agricultural pest.

Spinosad Induces Antioxidative Response and Ultrastructure Changes in Males of Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae)

The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, is of great concern worldwide, especially in the Middle East, where dates are a strategic crop. Despite their ecological hazard, insecticides remain the most effective means of control. A bioinsecticide of bacterial origin, spinosad is effective against several pests, and its efficacy against male R. ferrugineus was assessed in the present study. The antioxidative responses of key enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) to spinosad were investigated in the midgut and testes, and the effects of this insecticide on the cell ultrastructure of the midgut, Malpighian tubules, and testes were also determined. The lethal concentration 50 of spinosad was measured at 58.8 ppm, and the insecticide inhibited the activities of CAT, SOD, and GST in the midgut. However, no significant changes in the activities of these enzymes were observed in the testes. Spinosad treatment resulted in concentration-dependent changes in the cellular organelles of the midgut, Malpighian tubules, and testes of R. ferrugineus, and some of these effects were similar to those exerted by other xenobiotics. However, specific changes were observed as a result of spinosad treatment, including an increase in the number and size of concretions in Malpighian tubule cells and the occasional absence of the central pair of microtubules in the axonemes of sperm tails. This study introduces spinosad for potential use as an insecticide within an integrated control program against male red palm weevils. Additionally, the study provides biochemical and ultrastructural evidence for use in the development of bioindicators.

Mitochondrial DNA Variation Among Populations of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) From Pakistan

The Red Palm Weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) is a voracious pest of palm species. In recent decades its range has expanded greatly, particularly impacting the date palm industry in the Middle East. This has led to conjecture regarding the origins of invasive RPW populations. For example, in parts of the Middle East, RPW is commonly referred to as the "Pakistani weevil" in the belief that it originated there. We sought evidence to support or refute this belief. First reports of RPW in Pakistan were from the Punjab region in 1918, but it is unknown whether it is native or invasive there. We estimated genetic variation across five populations of RPW from two provinces of Pakistan, using sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Four haplotypes were detected; two (H1 and H5) were abundant, accounting for 88% of specimens across the sampled populations, and were previously known from the Middle East. The remaining haplotypes (H51 and H52) were newly detected (in global terms) and there was no geographic overlap in their distribution within Pakistan. Levels of haplotype diversity were much lower than those previously recorded in accepted parts of the native range of RPW, suggesting that the weevil may be invasive in Pakistan. The affinity of Pakistani haplotypes to those reported from India (and the geographical proximity of the two countries), make the latter a likely "native" source. With regards the validity of the name "Pakistani weevil", we found little genetic evidence to justify it.

How the rice weevil breaks down the pectin network: Enzymatic synergism and sub-functionalization

Pectin is the most complex polysaccharide in nature and highly abundant in plant cell walls and middle lamellae, where it functions in plant growth and development. Phytopathogens utilize plant pectin as an energy source through enzyme-mediated degradation. These pectolytic enzymes include polygalacturonases (PGs) of the GH28 family and pectin methylesterases (PMEs) of the CE8 family. Recently, PGs were also identified in herbivorous insects of the distantly related plant bug, stick insect and Phytophaga beetle lineages. Unlike all other insects, weevils possess PMEs in addition to PGs. To investigate pectin digestion in insects and the role of PMEs in weevils, all PME and PG family members of the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae were heterologously expressed and functionally characterized. Enzymatically active and inactive PG and PME family members were identified. The loss of activity can be explained by a lack of substrate binding correlating with substitutions of functionally important amino acid residues. We found subfunctionalization in both enzyme families, supported by expression pattern and substrate specificities as well as evidence for synergistic pectin breakdown. Our data suggest that the rice weevil might be able to use pectin as an energy source, and illustrates the potential of both PG and PME enzyme families to functionally diversify after horizontal gene transfer.

Comparison of orthologous cytochrome P450 genes relative expression patterns in the bark beetles Dendroctonus rhizophagus and Dendroctonus valens (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) during host colonization

Bark beetles of the genus Dendroctonus are important components of coniferous forests. During host colonization, they must overcome the chemical defences of their host trees, which are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP or P450) enzymes to compounds that are readily excreted. In this study, we report the relative expression (quantitative real-time PCR) of four orthologous cytochrome P450 genes (CYP6BW5, CYP6DG1, CYP6DJ2 and CYP9Z20) in Dendroctonus rhizophagus and Dendroctonus valens forced to attack host trees at 8 and 24 h following forced attack and in four stages during natural colonization [solitary females boring the bark (T1); both male and female members of couples before oviposition (T2); both male and female members of couples during oviposition (T3), and solitary females inside the gallery containing eggs (T4)]. For both species gene expression was different compared with that observed in insects exposed to single monoterpenes in the laboratory, and the expression patterns were significantly different amongst species, sex, gut region and exposure time or natural colonization stage. The induction of genes (CYP6BW5v1, CYP6DJ2v1 and CYP9Z20v1 from D. rhizophagus, as well as CYP6DG1v3 from D. valens) correlated with colonization stage as well as with the increase in oxygenated monoterpenes in the gut of both species throughout the colonization of the host. Our results point to different functions of these orthologous genes in both species.

Pectinases from Sphenophorus levis Vaurie, 1978 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae): putative accessory digestive enzymes

The cell wall in plants offers protection against invading organisms and is mainly composed of the polysaccharides pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which can be degraded by plant cell wall degrading enzymes (PCWDEs). Such enzymes are often synthesized by free living microorganisms or endosymbionts that live in the gut of some animals, including certain phytophagous insects. Thus, the ability of an insect to degrade the cell wall was once thought to be related to endosymbiont enzyme activity. However, recent studies have revealed that some phytophagous insects are able to synthesize their own PCWDEs by endogenous genes, although questions regarding the origin of these genes remain unclear. This study describes two pectinases from the sugarcane weevil, Sphenophorus levis Vaurie, 1978 (Sl-pectinases), which is considered one of the most serious agricultural pests in Brazil. Two cDNA sequences identified in a cDNA library of the insect larvae coding for a pectin methylesterase (PME) and an endo-polygalacturonase (endo-PG)-denominated Sl-PME and Sl-endoPG, respectively-were isolated and characterized. The quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction expression profile for both Sl-pectinases showed mRNA production mainly in the insect feeding stages and exclusively in midgut tissue of the larvae. This analysis, together Western blotting data, suggests that Sl-pectinases have a digestive role. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Sl-PME and Sl-endoPG sequences are closely related to bacteria and fungi, respectively. Moreover, the partial genomic sequences of the pectinases were amplified from insect fat body DNA, which was certified to be free of endosymbiotic DNA. The analysis of genomic sequences revealed the existence of two small introns with 53 and 166 bp in Sl-endoPG, which is similar to the common pattern in fungal introns. In contrast, no intron was identified in the Sl-PME genomic sequence, as generally observed in bacteria. These data support the theory of horizontal gene transfer proposed for the origin of insect pectinases, reinforcing the acquisition of PME genes from bacteria and endo-PG genes from fungi.

Cloning and characterization of a basic cysteine-like protease (cathepsin L1) expressed in the gut of larval Diaprepes abbreviatus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Diaprepes abbreviatus is an important pest that causes extensive damage to citrus in the USA. Analysis of an expressed sequence tag (EST) library from the digestive tract of larvae and adult D. abbreviatus identified cathepsins as major putative digestive enzymes. One class, sharing amino acid sequence identity with cathepsin L's, was the most abundant in the EST dataset representing 14.4% and 3.6% of the total sequences in feeding larvae and adults, respectively. The predominant cathepsin (Da-CTSL1) among this class was further studied. Three dimensional modeling of the protein sequence showed that the mature Da-CTSL1 protein folds into an expected cathepsin L structure producing a substrate binding pocket with appropriate positioning of conserved amino acid residues. A full-length cDNA was obtained and the proCTSL1 encoding sequence was expressed in Rosetta™ Escherichia coli cells engineered to express tRNAs specific for eukaryotic codon usage. The Da-CTSL1 was expressed as a fusion protein with GST and His6 tags and purified in the presence of 1% Triton X-100 by Ni-NTA affinity and size exclusion chromatography. Recombinant mature Da-CTSL1 (23 KDa) exhibits optimal activity at pH 8, rather than at acidic pH that was shown of all previously characterized cathepsins L. Substrate specificity supports the hypothesis that Da-CTSL1 is a unique basic cathepsin L and protease inhibitor studies also suggest unique activity, unlike other characterized acidic cathepsin Ls. This paper describes for the first time a prokaryotic expression system for the production of a functional eukaryotic cathepsin L1 from larval gut of D. abbreviatus.

A novel β-fructofuranosidase in Coleoptera: Characterization of a β-fructofuranosidase from the sugarcane weevil, Sphenophorus levis

β-fructofuranosidases or invertases (EC 3.2.1.26) catalyze the hydrolysis of sucrose into fructose and glucose. β-fructofuranosidases have been widely described in microorganisms, but were not known in the animal kingdom until very recently. There are studies reporting lepidopteran β-fructofuranosidases, but no β-fructofuranosidase gene sequence or encoding transcript has previously been identified in beetles. Considering the scarcity of functional studies on insect β-fructofuranosidases and their apparent non-occurrence among coleopterans, the aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence and characterize a β-fructofuranosidase transcript identified in a cDNA library from the sugarcane weevil, Sphenophorus levis (Curculionidae). To validate that the β-fructofuranosidase sequence (herein denominated Sl-β-fruct) is indeed encoded by the S. levis genome, PCRs were performed using genomic DNA extracted from the larval fat body as well as DNA from the midgut with microbial content. Amplification of Sl-β-fruct gene using larval fat body DNA indicated its presence in the insect's genomic DNA. The Sl-β-fruct gene was cloned in Pichia pastoris to produce the recombinant enzyme (rSl-β-fruct). Molecular weight of the recombinant protein was about 64 kDa, indicating possible glycosylation, since the theoretical weight was 54.8 kDa. The substrate specificity test revealed that rSl-β-fruct hydrolyzes sucrose and raffinose, but not melibiose or maltose, thereby confirming invertase activity. The pH curve revealed greatest activity at pH 5.0, demonstrating rSl-β-fruct to be an acidic β-fructofuranosidase. Quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses indicated that the production of mRNA only occurs in the midgut and reaches the greatest expression level in 30-day-old larvae, which is the expected pattern for digestive enzymes. Chromatography of glycosidases from S. levis midguts showed two enzymes acting as β-fructofuranosidase, indicating the presence of a Sl-β-fruct isoform or a β-fructofuranosidase from insect intestinal microbiota. Moreover, it was found that α-glucosidases do not act on sucrose hydrolysis. Phylogenetic analyses indicated this enzyme to be similar to enzymes found in other coleopteran and lepidopteran β-fructofuranosidases, but also closely similar to bacterial enzymes, suggesting potential horizontal gene transfer. Despite this, the enzyme seems to be restricted to different groups of bacteria, which suggests distinct origin events. The present study expands the concept of the occurrence of β-fructofuranosidase in insects. Despite the few descriptions of this gene in the animal kingdom, it is possible to state that β-fructofuranosidase is crucial to the establishment of some insects throughout their evolutionary history, especially members of the Lepidoptera and Coleoptera clades.

Molecular Cloning of a Cysteine Proteinase cDNA from the Cotton Boll WeevilAnthonomus grandis(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) causes severe cotton crop losses in North and South America. This report describes the presence of cysteine proteinase activity in the cotton boll weevil. Cysteine proteinase inhibitors from different sources were assayed against total A. grandis proteinases but, unexpectedly, no inhibitor tested was particularly effective. In order to screen for active inhibitors against the boll weevil, a cysteine proteinase cDNA (Agcys1) was isolated from A. grandis larvae using degenerate primers and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. Sequence analysis showed significant homologies with other insect cysteine proteinases. Northern blot analysis indicated that the mRNA encoding the proteinase was transcribed mainly in the gut of larvae. No mRNA was detected in neonatal larvae, pupae, or in the gut of the adult insect, suggesting that Agcys1 is an important cysteine proteinase for larvae digestion. The isolated gene will facilitate the search for highly active inhibitors towards boll weevil larvae that may provide a new opportunity to control this important insect pest.

Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the pectin methylesterase from the sugar cane weevil Sphenophorus levis

Pectin methylesterase removes the methyl groups from the main chain of pectin, the major component of the middle lamella of the plant cell wall. The enzyme is involved in plant cell-wall development, is part of the enzymatic arsenal used by microorganisms to attack plants and also has a wide range of applications in the industrial sector. Therefore, there is a considerable interest in studies of the structure and function of this enzyme. In this work, the pectin methylesterase from Sphenophorus levis was produced in Pichia pastoris and purified. Crystals belonging to the monoclinic space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 122.181, b = 82.213, c = 41.176 Å, β = 97.48°, were obtained by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method and an X-ray diffraction data set was collected to 2.1 Å resolution. Structure refinement and model building are in progress.

Effect of allyl isothiocyanate on ultra-structure and the activities of four enzymes in adult Sitophilus zeamais

Rarefaction and vacuolization of the mitochondrial matrix of AITC-treated (allyl isothiocyanate-treated) adult Sitophilus zeamais were evident according to the ultra-structural by TEM. Four important enzymes in adult S. zeamais were further studied after fumigation treatment with allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) extracted from Armoracia rusticana roots and shoots. The enzymes were glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), cytochrome c oxidase, and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The results indicated that the activities of the four enzymes were strongly time and dose depended. With prolonged exposure time, treatment with 0.74μg/mL AITC inhibited the activities of cytochrome c oxidase, AChE, and CAT, but induced the activity of GST. The activities of cytochrome c oxidase, AChE, and CAT were remarkably induced at a low AITC dosage (0.25μg/mL), but were restrained with increased AITC dosage. The activity of GST was inhibited at a low AITC dosage (0.5μg/mL), but was induced at a high AITC dosage (1.5μg/mL). According to the results of TEM, toxic symptoms and enzymes activities, it suggested that mitochondrial maybe the one site of action of AITC against the adult S. zeamais and it also suggested that cytochrome c oxidase maybe one target protein of AITC against the adult S. zeamais, which need to further confirmed by protein function tested.

Effects of the aspartic protease inhibitor from Lupinus bogotensis seeds on the growth and development of Hypothenemus hampei: an inhibitor showing high homology with storage proteins

The coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei is a pest that causes great economic damage to coffee grains worldwide. Because the proteins consumed are digested by aspartic proteases in the insect's midgut, the inhibition of these proteases by transferring a gene encoding an aspartic protease inhibitor from Lupinus bogotensis Benth. to coffee plants could provide a promising strategy to control this pest. Five aspartic protease inhibitors from L. bogotensis (LbAPI) were accordingly purified and characterized. The gene encoding the L. bogotensis aspartic protease inhibitor (LbAPI), with the highest inhibitory activity against H. hampei, was expressed in Escherichia coli and the purified recombinant protein (rLbAPI), with a molecular mass of 15 kDa, was subsequently assessed for its ability to inhibit the aspartic protease activity present in the H. hampei midgut in vitro, as well as its effects on the growth and development of H. hampei in vivo. The in vitro experiments showed that rLbAPI was highly effective against aspartic proteases from H. hampei guts, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.9 μg. The in vivo experiments showed that the concentration of rLbAPI (w/w) in the artificial diet necessary to cause 50% mortality (LD50) of the larvae was 0.91%. The amino acid sequence of LbAPI had high homology (52-80%) to the seed storage proteins, vicilin and β-conglutin, suggesting that this protein was generated by evolutionary events from a β-conglutin precursor. Based on these results, LbAPI may have a dual function as storage protein, and as defense protein against H. hampei. These results provide a promising alternative to obtain a coffee plant resistant to H. hampei.

Does cypermethrin affect enzyme activity, respiration rate and walking behavior of the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais)?

Insecticides cause a range of sub-lethal effects on targeted insects, which are frequently detrimental to them. However, targeted insects are able to cope with insecticides within sub-lethal ranges, which vary with their susceptibility. Here we assessed the response of three strains of the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to sub-lethal exposure to the pyrethoid insecticide cypermethrin. We expected enzyme induction associated with cypermethrin resistance since it would aid the resistant insects in surviving such exposure. Lower respiration rate and lower activity were also expected in insecticide-resistant insects since these traits are also likely to favor survivorship under insecticide exposure. Curiously though, cypermethrin did not affect activity of digestive and energy metabolism enzymes, and even reduced the activity of some enzymes (particularly for cellulase and cysteine-proteinase activity in this case). There was strain variation in response, which may be (partially) related to insecticide resistance in some strains. Sub-lethal exposure to cypermethrin depressed proteolytic and mainly cellulolytic activity in the exposed insects, which is likely to impair their fitness. However, such exposure did not affect respiration rate and walking behavior of the insects (except for the susceptible strain where walking activity was reduced). Walking activity varies with strain and may minimize insecticide exposure, which should be a concern, particularly if associated with (physiological) insecticide resistance.

Recombinant expression, localization and in vitro inhibition of midgut cysteine peptidase (Sl-CathL) from sugarcane weevil, Sphenophorus levis

A cDNA coding for a digestive cathepsin L, denominated Sl-CathL, was isolated from a cDNA library of Sphenophorus levis larvae, representing the most abundant EST (10.49%) responsible for proteolysis in the midgut. The open reading frame of 972 bp encodes a preproenzyme similar to midgut cathepsin L-like enzymes in other coleopterans. Recombinant Sl-CathL was expressed in Pichia pastoris, with molecular mass of about 42 kDa. The recombinant protein was catalytically activated at low pH and the mature enzyme of 39 kDa displayed thermal instability and maximal activity at 37°C and pH 6.0. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed Sl-CathL production in the midgut epithelium and secretion from vesicles containing the enzyme into the gut lumen, confirming an important role for this enzyme in the digestion of the insect larvae. The expression profile identified by RT-PCR through the biological cycle indicates that Sl-CathL is mainly produced in larval stages, with peak expression in 30-day-old larvae. At this stage, the enzyme is 1250-fold more expressed than in the pupal fase, in which the lowest expression level is detected. This enzyme is also produced in the adult stage, albeit in lesser abundance, assuming the presence of a different array of enzymes in the digestive system of adults. Tissue-specific analysis revealed that Sl-CathL mRNA synthesis occurs fundamentally in the larval midgut, thereby confirming its function as a digestive enzyme, as detected in immunolocalization assays. The catalytic efficiency of the purified recombinant enzyme was calculated using different substrates (Z-Leu-Arg-AMC, Z-Arg-Arg-AMC and Z-Phe-Arg-AMC) and rSl-CathL exhibited hydrolysis preference for Z-Leu-Arg-AMC (k(cat)/K(m)=37.53 mMS(-1)), which is similar to other insect cathepsin L-like enzymes. rSl-CathL activity inhibition assays were performed using four recombinant sugarcane cystatins. rSl-CathL was strongly inhibited by recombinant cystatin CaneCPI-4 (K(i)=0.196 nM), indicating that this protease is a potential target for pest control.

Consequences of habitat fragmentation for the prairie-endemic weevil Haplorhynchites aeneus

Widespread destruction of tallgrass prairies in the midwestern United States has fragmented plant communities with the result that populations of endemic animal species have become geographically isolated from one another. The goal of the research summarized here was to evaluate the potential for conserving endemic prairie species of herbivorous insects by managing their host plants. Our study species was the weevil Haplorhynchites aeneus (Boehman), adults of which feed on pollen of plants in the genus Silphium (Asteraceae: Heliantheae). The female weevils clip the peduncles of flower heads and oviposit into the heads, where the larvae feed on the ovules. The research was conducted in 12 prairie sites in eastern Illinois. An allozyme analysis revealed that most populations of H. aeneus at the various prairie sites were genetically differentiated from one another, but the degree of differentiation was not associated with geographic distance between sites. Adult H. aeneus fed and oviposited on the plant species Silphium laciniatum L., S. integrifolium Michx., and S. terebinthinaceum Jacq, which differ in bloom phenology. There was no evidence of genetic differentiation of weevil populations with respect to host plant species, and adult weevils strongly preferred S. terebinthinaceum. We conclude that the oligophagous nature of the weevil assures its survival in small prairie remnants even where some of the host plant species are absent. Although H. aeneus can have a significant impact on reproduction of host plants by clipping flower heads, the perennial nature of Silphium species prevents their local extinction.

Digestive physiology and characterization of digestive cathepsin L-like proteinase from the sugarcane weevil Sphenophorus levis

Sugarcane is an important crop that has recently become subject to attacks from the weevil Sphenophorus levis, which is not efficiently controlled with chemical insecticides. This demands the development of new control devices for which digestive physiology data are needed. In the present study, ion-exchange chromatography of S. levis whole midgut homogenates, together with enzyme assays with natural and synthetic substrates and specific inhibitors, demonstrated that a cysteine proteinase is a major proteinase, trypsin is a minor one and chymotrypsin is probably negligible. Amylase, maltase and the cysteine proteinase occur in the gut contents and decrease throughout the midgut; trypsin is constant in the entire midgut, whereas a membrane-bound aminopeptidase predominates in the posterior midgut. The cysteine proteinase was purified to homogeneity through ion-exchange chromatography. The purified enzyme had a mass of 37 kDa and was able to hydrolyze Z-Phe-Arg-MCA and Z-Leu-Arg-MCA with k(cat)/K(m) values of 20.0±1.1 μM(-1)s(-1) and 30.0±0.5 μM(-1)s(-1), respectively, but not Z-Arg-Arg-MCA. The combined results suggest that protein digestion starts in the anterior midgut under the action of a cathepsin L-like proteinase and ends on the surface of posterior midgut cells. All starch digestion takes place in anterior midgut. These data will be instrumental to developing S. levis-resistant sugarcane.

Molecular and biochemical characterisation of a dual proteolytic system in vine weevil larvae (Otiorhynchus sulcatus Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The ability of phytophagous insects to utilise the relatively low nitrogen content of plant tissues is typically the limiting factor in their nutritional uptake. In the larval stage, the vine weevil feeds predominantly on root tissues of plants. The root tissue as a whole has low levels of free amino acids, and thus effective hydrolysis of dietary proteins is essential for survival. In contrast to previous reports the present study demonstrates through both molecular and biochemical studies the presence of proteolytic enzymes from two mechanistic classes, cysteine and serine proteases, in the gut of larval vine weevil; with the latter being the predominant form. cDNA clones encoding cathepsin B-like and serine-like sequences were isolated from a gut specific cDNA library; the cathepsin B-like clone has the Cys-His-Asn catalytic triad. However, the sequence showed the replacement of the conserved His-His sequence in the "occluding loop" region of the enzyme with Asp-His. This may result in a change to the substrate specificity. Two trypsin precursors contained evidence of a signal peptide, activation peptide, and conserved N-termini (IVGG). Other structural features included typical His, Asp, and Ser residues of the catalytic amino acid triad indicative of serine proteases, characteristic residues in the substrate-binding pocket, and four pairs of cysteine residues for disulfide bridges. The apparent abundance of the trypsin-like cDNA clones compared to the cathepsin B clones suggests that serine proteases are the predominant form, thus supporting data from the biochemical studies.

Modified alpha-amylase activity among insecticide-resistant and -susceptible strains of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais

Fitness cost is usually associated with insecticide resistance and may be mitigated by increased energy accumulation and mobilization. Preliminary evidence in the maize weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) suggested possible involvement of amylases in such phenomenon. Therefore, alpha-amylases were purified from an insecticide-susceptible and two insecticide-resistant strains (one with fitness cost [resistant cost strain], and the other without it [resistant no-cost strain]). The main alpha-amylase of each strain was purified by glycogen precipitation and ion-exchange chromatography (>or=70-fold purification, <or=19% yield). Single alpha-amylase bands with the same molecular mass (53.7kDa) were revealed for each insect strain. Higher activity was obtained at 35-40 degrees C and at pH 5.0-7.0 for all of the strains. The alpha-amylase from the resistant no-cost strain exhibited higher activity towards starch and lower inhibition by acarbose and wheat amylase inhibitors. Opposite results were observed for the alpha-amylase from the resistant cost strain. Although the alpha-amylase from the resistant cost strain exhibited higher affinity to starch (i.e., lower K(m)), its V(max)-value was the lowest among the strains, particularly the resistant no-cost strain. Such results provide support for the hypothesis that enhanced alpha-amylase activity may be playing a major role in mitigating fitness costs associated with insecticide resistance.

Host-mediated induction of alpha-amylases by larvae of the Mexican bean weevil Zabrotes subfasciatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) is irreversible and observed from the initiation of the feeding period

Larvae of Zabrotes subfasciatus secrete alpha-amylases that are insensitive to the alpha-amylase inhibitor found in seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris. By analyzing amylase activities during larval development on P. vulgaris, we detected activity of the constitutive amylase and the two inducible amylase isoforms at all stages. When larvae were transferred from the non alpha-amylase inhibitor containing seeds of Vigna unguiculata to P. vulgaris, the inducible alpha-amylases were expressed at the same level as in control larvae fed on P. vulgaris. Interestingly, when larvae were transferred from seeds of P. vulgaris to those of V. unguiculata, inducible alpha-amylases continued to be expressed at a level similar to that found in control larvae fed P. vulgaris continuously. When 10-day-old larvae were removed from seeds of V. unguiculata and transferred into capsules containing flour of P. vulgaris cotyledons, and thus maintained until completing 17 days (age when the larvae stopped feeding), we could detect higher activity of the inducible alpha-amylases. However, when larvae of the same age were transferred from P. vulgaris into capsules containing flour of V. unguiculata, the inducible alpha-amylases remained up-regulated. These results suggest that the larvae of Z. subfasciatus have the ability to induce insensitive amylases early in their development. A short period of feeding on P. vulgaris cotyledon flour was sufficient to irreversibly induce the inducible alpha-amylase isoforms. Incubations of brush border membrane vesicles with the alpha-amylase inhibitor 1 from P. vulgaris suggest that the inhibitor is recognized by putative receptors found in the midgut microvillar membranes.

Isolation and characterization of farnesyl diphosphate synthase from the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis

Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS) catalyzes the consecutive condensation of two molecules of isopentenyl diphosphate with dimethylallyl diphosphate to form farnesyl diphosphate (FPP). In insects, FPP is used for the synthesis of ubiquinones, dolicols, protein prenyl groups, and juvenile hormone. A full-length cDNA of FPPS was cloned from the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis (AgFPPS). AgFPPS cDNA consists of 1,835 nucleotides and encodes a protein of 438 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence has high similarity to previously isolated insect FPPSs and other known FPPSs. Recombinant AgFPPS expressed in E. coli converted labeled isopentenyl diphosphate in the presence of dimethylallyl diphosphate to FPP. Southern blot analysis indicated the presence of a single copy gene. Using molecular modeling, the three-dimensional structure of coleopteran FPPS was determined and compared to the X-ray crystal structure of avian FPPS. The alpha-helical fold is conserved in AgFPPS and the size of the active site cavity is consistent with the enzyme being a FPPS.

Pyrethroid resistance mediated by enzyme detoxification in Listronotus maculicollis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Connecticut

In 2009, pyrethroid resistance was confirmed for seven "annual bluegrass weevil" Listronotus maculicollis Kirby (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adult populations from southern New England. The mechanisms responsible for conferring this resistance were unknown. In this study, topical application bioassays with bifenthrin and bifenthrin combined with synergists affecting three detoxification systems were conducted on four field-collected adult populations of L. maculicollis from Connecticut to determined whether cytochrome P450 monooxgenases (P450s), glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and/or carboxyl-esterases (COEs) mediated metabolic detoxification. Because a susceptible L. maculicollis laboratory strain does not exist, the most susceptible field-collected population (New Haven) provided a baseline against which all other populations were compared. In the population with the lowest resistance (Norwich), only detoxification by P450s was significant. Detoxification in the population with the second highest level of resistance (Stamford) involved both P450s and GSTs. Detoxification in the population with the highest level of resistance (Hartford) involved P450s, GSTs, and COEs. This study suggests that enzyme-mediated metabolic detoxification plays an important role in annual bluegrass weevil pyrethroid resistance.

Purification and biochemical characterization of a specific beta-glucosidase from the digestive fluid of larvae of the palm weevil, Rhynchophorus palmarum

A beta-glucosidase was purified from the digestive fluid of the palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by chromatography on anion-exchange, gel filtration, and hydrophobic interaction columns. The preparation was shown to be homogeneous on polyacrylamide gels, beta-glucosidase is a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of 58 kDa based on its mobility in SDS-PAGE and 60 kDa based on gel filtration. Maximal beta-glucosidase activity occurred at 55 degrees C and pH 5.0. The purified beta-glucosidase was stable at 37 degrees C and its pH stability was in the range of 5.0-6.0. The enzyme readily hydrolyzed p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucoside, cellobiose, cellodextrins and required strictly beta-gluco configuration for activity. It cleaved glucose-glucose beta-(1-4) linkages better than beta-(1-2), beta-(1-3) and beta-(1-6) linkages. The catalytic efficiency (K(cat)/K(M)) values for p-nitrophenyl-beta-D-glucoside and cellobiose were respectively 240.48 mM(-1)s(-1) and 134.80 mM(-1)s(-1). Beta-glucosidase was capable of catalysing transglucosylation reactions. The yield of glucosylation of 2-phenylethanol (20 %), catalysed by the beta-glucosidase in the presence of cellobiose as glucosyl donor, is lower than those reported previously with conventional sources of beta-glucosidases. In addition, the optimum pH is different for the hydrolysis (pH 5.0) and transglucosylation reactions (pH 6.6).

Molecular and structural characterization of a trypsin highly expressed in larval stage of Zabrotes subfasciatus

The Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus, feeds on several seeds such as Vigna unguiculata, Phaseolus vulgaris, and Pisum sativum, causing severe crop losses. This ability to obtain essential compounds from different diets could possibly be explained due to a wide variability of digestive proteinases present in the weevil's midgut. These may improve digestion of many different dietary proteins. Coleopteran serine-like proteinases have not been thoroughly characterized at the molecular level. In this report, a full-length cDNA encoding a trypsin-like protein, named ZsTRYP, was isolated from Z. subfasciatus larvae using RT-PCR, 5' and 3' RACE techniques. The quantitative real-time PCR analysis strongly correlated the Zstryp transcript accumulation to the major feeding developmental larval stage. Zstryp cDNA was subcloned into pET101 vector and expressed in a Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) strain. Nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) affinity chromatography was used to purify a 29.0-kDa recombinant enzyme. The purified ZsTRYP was then assayed with several synthetic peptide substrates and also challenged with different inhibitors. The biochemical data allowed us to classify ZsTRYP as a trypsin. Moreover, homology modeling analysis indicated a typical trypsin structural core and a conserved catalytic triad (His(41), Asp(86), and Ser(182)).

[Effect of extrusion on protein and starch bioavailability in corn and lima bean flour blends]

Extrusion is used to produce crunchy expanded foods, such as snacks. The nutritional impact of this process has not been studied sufficiently. In this study, in vitro and in vivo protein and starch bioavailability was evaluated in both raw and extruded corn (Zea mays)(C) and lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus)(B) flour blends, prepared in 75C/25B and 50C/ 50B (p/p) proportions. These were processed with a Brabender extruder at 160 degrees C, 100 rpm and 15.5% moisture content. Proximate composition showed that in the extruded products protein and ash contents increased whereas the fat level decreased. In vitro protein digestibility was higher in the extrudates (82%) than in the raw flours (77%). Potentially available starch and resistant starch contents decreased with extrusion. The in vitro assays indicated that extrusion improved protein and starch availability in the studied blends. In vivo bioavailability was evaluated using the rice weevil (Sithophilus oryzae) as a biological model. The most descriptive biomarkers of the changes suggested by the in vivo tests were body protein content (increased by extrusion) and intestinal a-amylase activity (decreased by processing). Overall, results suggest that extrusion notably increases the nutritional quality of corn and lima bean flour blends.

Identification of an alpha-amylase inhibitor from Pterodon pubescens with ability to inhibit cowpea weevil digestive enzymes

Cowpea seeds (Vigna ungiculata) are widely cultivated by poor farmers in Latin America and Africa and are often severely damaged by the cowpea weevil Callosobruchus maculatus. A proteinaceous inhibitor of cowpea weevil digestive enzymes, PpAI, was purified from white sucupira seeds (Pterodon pubescens) and biochemically characterized in this study. Proteins were extracted from seeds and precipitated with ammonium sulfate at 100% saturation. This fraction was applied onto a Red-sepharose CL-6B column, and the retained peak showed 70% inhibitory activity toward larval C. maculatus digestive alpha-amylases. The retained peak was then purified using an analytical reversed-phase HPLC column. Purified PpAI showed 65% inhibitory activity against larval C. maculatus enzymes. Enzymatic assays also showed that the purified P. pubescens inhibitor was unable to reduce the activity of mammalian alpha-amylases, suggesting specificity toward insect enzymes. Moreover, artificial seeds containing PpAI were able to reduce larval weight by 36% and cause 55% mortality. Mass spectrometry and SDS-PAGE analyses indicated that PpAI showed a molecular mass of approximately 5.0 kDa. This alpha-amylase inhibitor, coming from a native Cerrado plant, could be used to construct a genetically engineered cowpea with enhanced resistance against weevil pests.

Genetic diversity of Brazilian natural populations of Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the major cotton pest in the New World

Twenty-five RAPD loci and 6 isozyme loci were studied to characterize the genetic variability of natural populations of Anthonomus grandis from two agroecosystems of Brazil. The random-amplified polymorphic DNA data disclosed a polymorphism that varied from 52 to 84% and a heterozygosity of 0.189 to 0.347. The index of genetic differentiation (GST) among the six populations was 0.258. The analysis of isozymes showed a polymorphism and a heterozygosity ranging from 25 to 100% and 0.174 to 0.277, respectively. The genetic differentiation (FST) among the populations obtained by isozyme data was 0.544. It was possible to observe rare alleles in the populations from the Northeast region. The markers examined allowed us to distinguish populations from large-scale, intensive farming region (cotton belts) versus populations from areas of small-scale farming

Effect of trypsin inhibitor from Crotalaria pallida seeds on Callosobruchus maculatus (cowpea weevil) and Ceratitis capitata (fruit fly)

A proteinaceous trypsin inhibitor was purified from Crotalaria pallida seeds by ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity chromatography on immobilized trypsin-Sepharose and TCA precipitation. The trypsin inhibitor, named CpaTI, had M(r) of 32.5 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE and was composed of two subunits with 27.7 and 5.6 kDa linked by disulfide bridges. CpaTI was stable at 50 degrees C and lost 40% of activity at 100 degrees C. CpaTI was also stable from pH 2 to 12 at 37 degrees C. CpaTI weakly inhibited chymotrypsin and elastase and its inhibition of papain, a cysteine proteinase, were indicative of its bi-functionality. CpaTI inhibited, in different degrees, digestive enzymes from Spodoptera frugiperda, Alabama argillacea, Plodiainterpunctella, Anthonomus grandis and Zabrotes subfasciatus guts. In vitro and in vivo susceptibility of Callosobruchus maculatus and Ceratitis capitata to CpaTI was evaluated. C. maculatus and C. capitata enzymes were strongly susceptible, 74.4+/-15.8% and 100.0+/-7.3%, respectively, to CpaTI. When CpaTI was added to artificial diets and offered to both insect larvae, the results showed that C. maculatus was more susceptible to CpaTI with an LD(50) of 3.0 and ED(50) of 2.17%. C. capitata larvae were more resistant to CpaTI, in disagreement with the in vitro effects. The larvae were more affected at lower concentrations, causing 27% mortality and 44.4% mass decrease. The action was constant at 2-4% (w/w) with 15% mortality and 38% mass decrease.

Purification of a 6.5 kDa protease inhibitor from Amazon Inga umbratica seeds effective against serine proteases of the boll weevil Anthonomus grandis

A 6.5 kDa serine protease inhibitor was purified by anion-exchange chromatography from the crude extract of the Inga umbratica seeds, containing inhibitor isoforms ranging from 6.3 to 6.7 kDa and protease inhibitors of approximately 19 kDa. The purified protein was characterized as a potent inhibitor against trypsin and chymotrypsin and it was named I. umbratica trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor (IUTCI). MALDI-TOF spectra of the IUTCI, in the presence of DTT, showed six disulfide bonds content, suggesting that this inhibitor belongs to Bowman-Birk family. The circular dichroism spectroscopy indicates that IUTCI is predominantly formed by unordered and beta-sheet secondary structure. It was also characterized, by fluorescence spectroscopy, as a stable protein at range of pH from 5.0 to 7.0. Moreover, this inhibitor at concentration of 75 microM presented a remarkable inhibitory activity (60%) against digestive serine proteases from boll weevil Anthonomus grandis, an important economical cotton pest.

Characterization of two Acanthoscelides obtectus alpha-amylases and their inactivation by wheat inhibitors

Wheat alpha-amylase inhibitors represent an important tool in engineering crop plants against bean bruchids. Because Acanthoscelides obtectus is a devastating storage bean insect-pest, we attempted to purify and characterize its gut alpha-amylases, to study their interaction with active proteinaceous inhibitors. Two digestives alpha-amylases (AoA1 and AoA2) were purified from gut larvae, showing molecular masses of 30 and 45 kDa for each one, respectively. The stoichiometry interaction between these alpha-amylases with two wheat inhibitors (0.19 and 0.53) showed a binding complex of 1:1 enzyme:inhibitor. In vivo activities of these inhibitors against A. obtectus were also evaluated using a rich ammonium sulfate inhibitor fraction (F(20)(-)(40)) and purified inhibitors after reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography columns. Incorporation of three different inhibitor concentrations (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0% w/w) into artificial seeds showed that addition of the purified 0.19 inhibitor at the highest concentration (1.0%) reduced the larval weight by 80%. Similar data were observed when 0.53 inhibitor was incorporated at 0.5%. When the concentration of purified 0.53 was enhanced to 1.0%, no larvae or adult emergence were observed. Our data suggest that these alpha-amylase inhibitors present great potential for use in Phaseolus genetic improvement programs.

Toxicity to cotton boll weevil Anthonomus grandis of a trypsin inhibitor from chickpea seeds

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is an important agricultural commodity, which is attacked by several pests such as the cotton boll weevil Anthonomus grandis. Adult A. grandis feed on fruits and leaf petioles, reducing drastically the crop production. The predominance of boll weevil digestive serine proteinases has motivated inhibitor screenings in order to discover new ones with the capability to reduce the digestion process. The present study describes a novel proteinase inhibitor from chickpea seeds (Cicer arietinum L.) and its effects against A. grandis. This inhibitor, named CaTI, was purified by using affinity Red-Sepharose Cl-6B chromatography, followed by reversed-phase HPLC (Vydac C18-TP). SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF analyses, showed a unique monomeric protein with a mass of 12,877 Da. Purified CaTI showed significant inhibitory activity against larval cotton boll weevil serine proteinases (78%) and against bovine pancreatic trypsin (73%), when analyzed by fluorimetric assays. Although the molecular mass of CaTI corresponded to alpha-amylase/trypsin bifunctional inhibitors masses, no inhibitory activity against insect and mammalian alpha-amylases was observed. In order to observe CaTI in vivo effects, an inhibitor rich fraction was added to an artificial diet at different concentrations. At 1.5% (w/w), CaTI caused severe development delay, several deformities and a mortality rate of approximately 45%. These results suggested that CaTI could be useful in the production of transgenic cotton plants with enhanced resistance toward cotton boll weevil.

Pectinmethylesterase from the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae: cDNA isolation and sequencing, genetic origin, and expression of the recombinant enzyme

A cDNA clone encoding pectinmethylesterase of the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) has been isolated and sequenced. The cDNA clone was expressed in cultured insect cells and active pectinmethylesterase was purified from the culture medium, thus confirming that the cDNA encodes pectinmethylesterase. In situ hybridization indicated that the enzyme's transcript was present in the midgut. Weevils treated with tetracycline so that they lack genes of known symbiotic organisms still contained the pectinmethylesterase gene, indicating that the gene is encoded by the rice weevil genome. The rice weevil enzyme is most similar in sequence to bacterial pectinmethylesterases. Given this and the enzyme's apparently rather general absence from animal species, we suggest the possibility that this gene was transferred horizontally to an ancient weevil, possibly from a bacterial symbiont, and exists in Sitophilus species now as a result of that ancestral horizontal transfer.

Soyacystatin N inhibits proteolysis of wheat alpha-amylase inhibitor and potentiates toxicity against cowpea weevil

Genetic engineering may be used to introduce multiple insect resistance genes with different modes of action into crop plants. We explored the possible interactions of two differing gene products fed in the diet of cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculates (F.), a stored grain pest. The soybean cysteine protease inhibitor soyacystatin N (scN) and alpha-amylase inhibitor (alphaAI) from wheat have defensive function against this coleopteran. When artificial seeds containing both scN and alpha(AI) were infested with eggs of C. maculatus, the delays in larval development were longer than was predicted by summing the developmental delays seen when larvae were fed a diet containing the individual proteins, indicating that the effects of scN and alpha(AI) are synergistic. Alpha(AI) was readily hydrolyzed when incubated with insect gut extract. This proteolytic degradation was inhibited by scN, but not by Kunitz inhibitor (a serine protease inhibitor). Thus, degradation of alpha(AI) was due to proteolysis by insect digestive cysteine proteases. These data suggest that C. maculatus uses digestive enzymes not only to function in food protein digestion but also to defend the insects themselves by helping reduce the concentration of a toxic dietary protein.

A diverse family of serine proteinase genes expressed in cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis): implications for the design of pest-resistant transgenic cotton plants

Fourteen different cDNA fragments encoding serine proteinases were isolated by reverse transcription-PCR from cotton boll weevil (Anthonomus grandis) larvae. A large diversity between the sequences was observed, with a mean pairwise identity of 22% in the amino acid sequence. The cDNAs encompassed 11 trypsin-like sequences classifiable into three families and three chymotrypsin-like sequences belonging to a single family. Using a combination of 5' and 3' RACE, the full-length sequence was obtained for five of the cDNAs, named Agser2, Agser5, Agser6, Agser10 and Agser21. The encoded proteins included amino acid sequence motifs of serine proteinase active sites, conserved cysteine residues, and both zymogen activation and signal peptides. Southern blotting analysis suggested that one or two copies of these serine proteinase genes exist in the A. grandis genome. Northern blotting analysis of Agser2 and Agser5 showed that for both genes, expression is induced upon feeding and is concentrated in the gut of larvae and adult insects. Reverse northern analysis of the 14 cDNA fragments showed that only two trypsin-like and two chymotrypsin-like were expressed at detectable levels. Under the effect of the serine proteinase inhibitors soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor and black-eyed pea trypsin/chymotrypsin inhibitor, expression of one of the trypsin-like sequences was upregulated while expression of the two chymotrypsin-like sequences was downregulated.

Polygalacturonase from Sitophilus oryzae: possible horizontal transfer of a pectinase gene from fungi to weevils

Endo-polygalacturonase, one of the group of enzymes known collectively as pectinases, is widely distributed in bacteria, plants and fungi. The enzyme has also been found in several weevil species and a few other insects, such as aphids, but not in Drosophila melanogaster, Anopheles gambiae, or Caenorhabditis elegans or, as far as is known, in any more primitive animal species. What, then, is the genetic origin of the polygalacturonases in weevils? Since some weevil species harbor symbiotic microorganisms, it has been suggested, reasonably, that the symbionts' genomes of both aphids and weevils, rather than the insects' genomes, could encode polygalacturonase. We report here the cloning of a cDNA that encodes endo-polygalacturonase in the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), and investigations based on the cloned cDNA. Our results, which include analysis of genes in antibiotic-treated rice weevils, indicate that the enzyme is, in fact, encoded by the insect genome. Given the apparent absence of the gene in much of the rest of the animal kingdom, it is therefore likely that the rice weevil polygalacturonase gene was incorporated into the weevil's genome by horizontal transfer, possibly from a fungus.