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Idowu OK, Oremosu AA, Dosumu OO, Mohammed AA. Ribose-cysteine and levodopa abrogate Parkinsonism via the regulation of neurochemical and redox activities in alpha-synuclein transgenic Drosophila melanogaster models. Fly (Austin) 2024; 18:2306687. [PMID: 38286464 PMCID: PMC10826630 DOI: 10.1080/19336934.2024.2306687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), the most prevalent type of parkinsonism, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition marked by several non-motor and motor symptoms. PD is thought to have a complex aetiology that includes a combination of age, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors. Increased expression of α-synuclein (α-Syn) protein is central to the evolvement of neuropathology in this devastating disorder, but the potential of ribose-cysteine and levodopa in abating pathophysiologic changes in PD model is unknown. Crosses were set up between flies conditionally expressing a pathological variant of human α-Syn (UAS-α-Syn) and those expressing GAL4 in neurons (elav-GAL4) to generate offspring referred to as PD flies. Flies were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 40) from the total population of flies, with each group having five replicates. Groups of PD flies were treated with either 500 mg/kg ribose-cysteine diet, 250 mg/kg levodopa diet, or a combination of the two compounds for 21 days, whereas the control group (w1118) and the PD group were exposed to a diet without ribose-cysteine or levodopa. In addition to various biochemical and neurochemical assays, longevity, larval motility, and gravitaxis assays were carried out. Locomotive capability, lifespan, fecundity, antioxidant state, and neurotransmitter systems were all significantly (p < 0.05) compromised by overexpression of α-Syn. However, flies treated both ribose cysteine and levodopa showed an overall marked improvement in motor functions, lifespan, fecundity, antioxidant status, and neurotransmitter system functions. In conclusion, ribose-cysteine and levodopa, both singly and in combination, potentiated a therapeutic effect on alpha-synuclein transgenic Drosophila melanogaster models of Parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olumayowa K. Idowu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
- Department of Anatomy, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Ademola A. Oremosu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olufunke O. Dosumu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Abdullahi A. Mohammed
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Rwanda
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Nanda S, Ganguly A, Mandi M, Das K, Ghanty S, Biswas G, Rajak P. Chronic sub-lethal exposure to clothianidin triggers organismal and sub-organismal-level health hazards in a non-target organism, Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Total Environ 2024; 932:172783. [PMID: 38679102 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are among the most widely used systemic pesticides across the world. These chemicals have gathered significant attention for their potential adverse impacts on non-target organisms. Clothianidin is a novel neonicotinoid pesticide, employed globally to control sucking and chewing types of pests. In nature, various non-target organisms can be exposed to this chemical through contaminated food, water, and air. Nonetheless, extensive investigations demonstrating the sub-lethal impacts of clothianidin on non-target entities are limited. Hence, the present study was aimed to unravel the chronic sub-lethal impacts (LC50 0.74 μg/mL) of clothianidin on a non-target organism, Drosophila melanogaster. The study parameters involved multiple tiers of life ranging from organismal level to the sub-cellular level. 1st instar larvae were exposed to the six sub-lethal concentrations viz. 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, and 0.1 μg/mL of clothianidin till their 3rd larval instar. Investigations involving organismal level have revealed clothianidin-induced significant reduction in the developmental duration, life span, phototaxis, and physical activities of the treated individuals. Interestingly, the tested compound has also altered the compound eye morphology of treated flies. Study was extended to the tissue and cellular levels where reduced cell viability in gut, brain, and fat body was apparent. Additionally, increased ROS production, nuclear disorganization, and higher lipid deposition were evident in gut of exposed individuals. Study was further extended to the sub-cellular level where chronic exposure to clothianidin up-regulated the major oxidative stress markers such as lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, HSP-70, SOD, catalase, GSH, and thioredoxin reductase. Furthermore, the activities of detoxifying enzymes such as CYP4501A1 and GST were also altered. Chronic exposure to clothianidin also triggered DNA fragmentation in treated larvae. In essence, results of this multi-level study depict the ROS-mediated toxicity of clothianidin on a non-target organism, D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantani Nanda
- Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Abhratanu Ganguly
- Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Moutushi Mandi
- Toxicology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Kanchana Das
- Toxicology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Siddhartha Ghanty
- Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Gopal Biswas
- Toxicology Research Unit, Department of Zoology, The University of Burdwan, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Prem Rajak
- Toxicology Research Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.
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Dos Santos Nunes RG, de Amorim LC, Bezerra IC, da Silva AJ, Dos Santos CAL, Gubert P, de Menezesa IRA, Duarte AE, Barros LM, da Silveira Andrade-da-Costa BL, Dos Santos MV, Dos Santos Correia MT, da Rosa MM. Syagrus coronata fixed oil prevents rotenone-induced movement disorders and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2024; 87:497-515. [PMID: 38619158 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2338431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
One prominent aspect of Parkinson's disease (PD) is the presence of elevated levels of free radicals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS). Syagrus coronata (S. coronata), a palm tree, exhibits antioxidant activity attributed to its phytochemical composition, containing fatty acids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. The aim of this investigation was to examine the potential neuroprotective effects of S. coronata fixed oil against rotenone-induced toxicity using Drosophila melanogaster. Young Drosophila specimens (3-4 d old) were exposed to a diet supplemented with rotenone (50 µM) for 7 d with and without the inclusion of S. coronata fixed oil (0.2 mg/g diet). Data demonstrated that rotenone exposure resulted in significant locomotor impairment and increased mortality rates in flies. Further, rotenone administration reduced total thiol levels but elevated lipid peroxidation, iron (Fe) levels, and nitric oxide (NO) levels while decreasing the reduced capacity of mitochondria. Concomitant administration of S. coronata exhibited a protective effect against rotenone, as evidenced by a return to control levels of Fe, NO, and total thiols, lowered lipid peroxidation levels, reversed locomotor impairment, and enhanced % cell viability. Molecular docking of the oil lipidic components with antioxidant enzymes showed strong binding affinity to superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) enzymes. Overall, treatment with S. coronata fixed oil was found to prevent rotenone-induced movement disorders and oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Artur José da Silva
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila Gubert
- Keizo Asami Institute, iLIKA, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Antonia Eliene Duarte
- Postgraduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Federal University of Western of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Luiz Marivando Barros
- Postgraduate Program in Pure and Applied Chemistry, Federal University of Western of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Melgarejo da Rosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Brazil
- Laboratory of Immunomodulation and New Therapeutic Approaches (LINAT), Suely-Galdino Therapeutic Innovation Research Center (NUPIT-SG), Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
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Daplan E, Turin L. Free radical production induced by visible light in live fruit flies. J Photochem Photobiol B 2024; 255:112925. [PMID: 38703451 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Visible light triggers free radical production in alive and intact Drosophila melanogaster. We exposed fruit flies to red (613-631 nm), green (515-535 nm), and blue (455-475 nm) light while we monitored changes in unpaired electron content with an electron spin resonance spectrometer (ESR/EPR). The immediate response to light is a rapid increase in spin content lasting approximately 10 s followed by a slower, linear increase for approximately 170 s. When the light is turned off, the spin population promptly decays with a similar time course, though never fully returning to baseline. The magnitude and time course of the spin production depends on the wavelength of the light. Initially, we surmised that eumelanin might be responsible for the spin change because of its documented ability for visible light absorption and its highly stable free radical content. To explore this, we utilized different fruit fly strains with varying eumelanin content and clarified the relation of melanin types with the spin response. Our findings revealed that flies with darker cuticle have at least three-fold more unpaired electrons than flies with yellow cuticle. However, to our surprise, the increase in unpaired electron population by light was not drastically different amongst the genotypes. This suggests that light-induced free radical production may not exclusively rely on the presence of black melanin, but may instead be dependent on light effects on quinone-based cuticular polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Turin
- University of Buckingham, United Kingdom
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Lu Y, Wu Z, Du Z, Lin X, Tian E, Zhang F, Chao Z. The anti-urolithiasis activity and safety of strangury-relieving herbs: A comparative study based on fruit fly kidney stone model. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117968. [PMID: 38428655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Urolithiasis is one of the oldest and most widespread urological diseases suffered globally. In the long history of Traditional Chinese Medicine, there're numerous herbs documented with strangury-relieving properties playing crucial roles in treating various urological disorders, including dysuria, hematuria, and renal colic, etc., which may be caused by urolithiasis. Exploring these herbs may reveal safer, more effective, and cost-efficient drugs and therapies for urolithiasis. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to assess the anti-urolithiasis efficacy and safety of 46 Chinese traditional and folk herbal drugs using the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) kidney stone model, in order to identify the most valuable ethnomedicinal materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS Water extract and 50% ethanol extract of each herb were prepared respectively. 0.2% (w/w) sodium oxalate was chosen as appropriate lithogenic agent through fruit fly life span study. Male fruit-flies within three days of emergence were aged for an additional three days, then were randomly divided into experimental groups, model group and control groups (n = 20). The flies in blank control group, model group and positive control group were fed with standard food, standard food containing 0.2% sodium oxalate, standard food containing 0.2% sodium oxalate and 3% (w/w) Garcinia cambogia extract, respectively. Meanwhile, flies in the experimental groups were raised on standard food containing 0.2% sodium oxalate and 3% (w/w) herbal extract. The anti-urolithiasis capability of the extracts was evaluated using stone area ratio (the stone area divided by the area of the Malpighian tubule) and stone-clearing rate. Additionally, the 7-day mortality rate was employed as an indicator of safety. RESULTS Out of the 46 herbs, 24 exhibited significant anti-urolithiasis effects in their water extracts. Among them, Herba Nephrolepidis, Herba Humuli, Herba Desmodii Styracifolii, Cortex Plumeriae Rubrae, and Herba Mimosae Pudicae showed us a low 7-day mortality rate of fruit-flies as well. However, only a limited number of herbal extracts (8 out of 46) showed obvious anti-urolithiasis activity in their 50% ethanol extracts. CONCLUSION Highly potential anti-urolithiasis candidates were discovered from strangury-relieving herbs recorded in classical Traditional Chinese Medicine works, highlighting the significant value of traditional and folk ethnopharmacological knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Faculty of Medicinal Plant and Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zeliang Wu
- Faculty of Medicinal Plant and Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhengxi Du
- Faculty of Medicinal Plant and Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Xiaozhu Lin
- Faculty of Medicinal Plant and Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Enwei Tian
- Faculty of Medicinal Plant and Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Fujian Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China; National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangzhou, 510515, China; State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, 510515, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhi Chao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, China; Faculty of Medicinal Plant and Pharmacognosy, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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Zhou H, Liu L, Pang Y, Xu Y, Wu J, Ma F, Jin P, Zhou X. Relish-mediated C2H2 zinc finger protein IMZF restores Drosophila immune homeostasis via inhibiting the transcription of Imd/Tak1. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2024:104138. [PMID: 38762126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The dysregulation of intensity and duration in innate immunity can result in detrimental effects on the body, emphasizing the crucial need for precise regulation. However, the intricate and accurate nature of innate immunity implies the existence of numerous undiscovered innate immunomodulators, particularly transcription factors. In this study, we have identified a Drosophila C2H2 zinc finger protein CG18262, named Immune-mediated Zinc Finger protein (IMZF), capable of suppressing immune responses of Imd pathway. Mechanistically, IMZF serves as a transcription factor that represses the expression of Imd and Tak1. Intriguingly, our findings also reveal that Relish, an NF-κB transcription factor, positively regulates the expression of IMZF, consequently inhibiting the activation of Imd and Tak1 to prevent an exaggerated immune response. Additionally, we have elucidated the pivotal role played by the Relish-IMZF-Imd/Tak1 axis in restoring immune homeostasis of Drosophila Imd pathway. In summary, our findings not only unveil a novel C2H2 zinc finger immunoregulatory transcription factor, IMZF, along with its specific mechanism of immune regulation, but also shed light on the dual functionality of Relish in different stages of the immune response by modulating distinct effectors. This discovery provides new insights and enlightenment into the complex regulation of Drosophila innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjian Zhou
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Yujia Pang
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Yina Xu
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Psychology, College of Victoria College, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CA, M5R 0A3
| | - Fei Ma
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, PR China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College, Taizhou 225300, China.
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Park K, Choi H, Han IJ, Asefa WR, Jeong C, Yu S, Jeong H, Choi M, Yoon SE, Kim YJ, Choi MS, Kwon JY. Molecular and cellular organization of odorant binding protein genes in Drosophila. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29358. [PMID: 38694054 PMCID: PMC11058302 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemosensation is important for the survival and reproduction of animals. The odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are thought to be involved in chemosensation together with chemosensory receptors. While OBPs were initially considered to deliver hydrophobic odorants to olfactory receptors in the aqueous lymph solution, recent studies suggest more complex roles in various organs. Here, we use GAL4 transgenes to systematically analyze the expression patterns of all 52 members of the Obp gene family and 3 related chemosensory protein genes in adult Drosophila, focusing on chemosensory organs such as the antenna, maxillary palp, pharynx, and labellum, and other organs such as the brain, ventral nerve cord, leg, wing, and intestine. The OBPs were observed to express in diverse organs and in multiple cell types, suggesting that these proteins can indeed carry out diverse functional roles. Also, we constructed 10 labellar-expressing Obp mutants, and obtained behavioral evidence that these OBPs may be involved in bitter sensing. The resources we constructed should be useful for future Drosophila OBP gene family research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keehyun Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungjun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - I Joon Han
- Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, 06351, Republic of Korea
| | - Wayessa Rahel Asefa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaiyoung Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyun Yu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanhee Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkook Choi
- Department of Oral Biology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Yoon
- Korea Drosophila Resource Center, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- Korea Drosophila Resource Center, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
- School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Sung Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Young Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
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Chen X, Tu Q, Zhao W, Lin X, Chen Z, Li B, Zhang Y. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural mediated developmental toxicity in Drosophila melanogaster. Food Chem Toxicol 2024:114738. [PMID: 38754806 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
5-hydroxymethylfurfural is a common byproduct in food. However, its effect on growth and development remains incompletely understood. This study investigated the developmental toxicity of 5-HMF to Drosophila larvae. The growth and development of Drosophila melanogaster fed with 5-50 mM 5-HMF was monitored, and its possible mechanism was explored. It was found that 5-HMF prolonged the developmental cycle of Drosophila melanogaster (25 mM and 50 mM). After 5-HMF intake, the level of reactive oxygen species in the third instar larvae increased by 1.23-1.40 fold, which increased the level of malondialdehyde and caused changes in antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 antioxidant signaling pathway and the expression of heat shock protein genes were affected. At the same time, 5-HMF disrupted the glucose and lipid metabolism in the third instar larvae, influencing the expression level of key genes in the insulin signal pathway. Furthermore, 5-HMF led to intestinal oxidative stress, and up-regulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene, consequently impacting intestinal health. In short, 5-HMF causes oxidative stress, disturbs glucose and lipid metabolism and induces intestinal damage, damaging related signaling pathways, and ultimately affecting the development of Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xunlin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qinghui Tu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Wenzheng Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Xiaorong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Zhongzheng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Bin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
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9
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Khan S, Mishra RK. Multigenerational Effect of Heat Stress on the Drosophila melanogaster Sperm Proteome. J Proteome Res 2024. [PMID: 38743012 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.4c00205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The effect of the parental environment on offspring through non-DNA sequence-based mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, chromatin modifications, noncoding RNAs, and proteins, could only be established after the conception of "epigenetics". These effects are now broadly referred to as multigenerational epigenetic effects. Despite accumulating evidence of male gamete-mediated multigenerational epigenetic inheritance, little is known about the factors that underlie heat stress-induced multigenerational epigenetic inheritance via the male germline in Drosophila. In this study, we address this gap by utilizing an established heat stress paradigm in Drosophila and investigating its multigenerational effect on the sperm proteome. Our findings indicate that multigenerational heat stress during the early embryonic stage significantly influences proteins in the sperm associated with translation, chromatin organization, microtubule-based processes, and the generation of metabolites and energy. Assessment of life-history traits revealed that reproductive fitness and stress tolerance remained unaffected by multigenerational heat stress. Our study offers initial insights into the chromatin-based epigenetic mechanisms as a plausible means of transmitting heat stress memory through the male germline in Drosophila. Furthermore, it sheds light on the repercussions of early embryonic heat stress on male reproductive potential. The data sets from this study are available at the ProteomeXchange Consortium under the identifier PXD037488.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shagufta Khan
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, India
| | - Rakesh K Mishra
- CSIR - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, India
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bengaluru-560 065, Karnataka, India
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10
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McPherson WK, Van Gorder EE, Hilovsky DL, Jamali LA, Keliinui CN, Suzawa M, Bland ML. Synchronizing Drosophila larvae with the salivary gland reporter Sgs3-GFP for discovery of phenotypes in the late third instar stage. Dev Biol 2024; 512:35-43. [PMID: 38710381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
The larval stage of the Drosophila melanogaster life cycle is characterized by rapid growth and nutrient storage that occur over three instar stages separated by molts. In the third instar, the steroid hormone ecdysone drives key developmental processes and behaviors that occur in a temporally-controlled sequence and prepare the animal to undergo metamorphosis. Accurately staging Drosophila larvae within the final third instar is critical due to the rapid developmental progress at this stage, but it is challenging because the rate of development varies widely across a population of animals even if eggs are laid within a short period of time. Moreover, many methods to stage third instar larvae are cumbersome, and inherent variability in the rate of development confounds some of these approaches. Here we demonstrate the usefulness of the Sgs3-GFP transgene, a fusion of the Salivary gland secretion 3 (Sgs3) and GFP proteins, for staging third instar larvae. Sgs3-GFP is expressed in the salivary glands in an ecdysone-dependent manner from the midpoint of the third instar, and its expression pattern changes reproducibly as larvae progress through the third instar. We show that Sgs3-GFP can easily be incorporated into experiments, that it allows collection of developmentally-equivalent individuals from a mixed population of larvae, and that its use enables precise assessment of changing levels of hormones, metabolites, and gene expression during the second half of the third instar.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Kyle McPherson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0875, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Van Gorder
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0875, USA
| | - Dalton L Hilovsky
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0875, USA
| | - Leila A Jamali
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0875, USA
| | - Cami N Keliinui
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0875, USA
| | - Miyuki Suzawa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0875, USA
| | - Michelle L Bland
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0875, USA.
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11
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Fujita Y, Kosakamoto H, Obata F. Microbiota-derived acetylcholine can promote gut motility in Drosophila melanogaster. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230075. [PMID: 38497270 PMCID: PMC10945411 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is crucial for intestinal health, including gastrointestinal (GI) motility. How commensal bacterial species influence GI motility has not been fully elucidated. A major factor of GI motility is the gut contraction promoting the propulsive movement of orally ingested materials. Here, we developed a method to monitor and quantify gut contractions in living Drosophila melanogaster larvae. We found that the culture medium of an isolated strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lsi promoted gut contraction in vivo, which was not observed in Leuconostoc sp. Leui nor Acetobacter persici Ai culture medium. To identify bacteria-derived metabolites, we performed metabolome analysis of the culture media by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Of the 66 metabolites detected, we found that some metabolites changed in a species-specific manner. Among them, acetylcholine was specifically produced by L. plantarum. Feeding exogenous acetylcholine increased the frequency of gut contractions, which was blocked by D-tubocurarine, an inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. In this study, we propose a mechanism by which the gut microbiota influences Drosophila gut motility. This article is part of the theme issue 'Sculpting the microbiome: how host factors determine and respond to microbial colonization'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Fujita
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Development, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hina Kosakamoto
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Obata
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology and Development, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
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12
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Kim T, Choi SY, Bae HW, Kim HS, Jeon H, Oh H, Ahn SH, Lee J, Suh YG, Cho YH, Kim SH. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of N 1,N 3-dialkyldioxonaphthoimidazoliums as antibacterial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116454. [PMID: 38704937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Increasing antibiotic resistance of bacterial pathogens poses a serious threat to human health worldwide. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is among the most deleterious bacterial pathogens owing to its multidrug resistance, necessitating the development of new antibacterial agents against it. We previously identified a novel dioxonaphthoimidazolium agent, c5, with moderate antibacterial activity against MRSA from an anticancer clinical candidate, YM155. In this study, we aimed to design and synthesize several novel cationic amphiphilic N1,N3-dialkyldioxonaphthoimidazolium bromides with enhanced lipophilicity of the two side chains in the imidazolium scaffold and improved antibacterial activities compared to those of c5 against gram-positive bacteria in vitro and in vivo. Our new antibacterial lead, N1,N3-n-octylbenzyldioxonaphthoimidazolium bromide (11), exhibited highly potent antibacterial activities against various gram-positive bacterial strains (MICs: 0.19-0.39 μg/mL), including MRSA, methicillin-sensitive S. aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Moreover, antibacterial mechanism of 11 against MRSA based on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated. Although compound 11 exhibited cytotoxic effects in vitro and lacked a therapeutic index against the HEK293 and HDFa mammalian cell lines, it exhibited low toxicity in the Drosophila animal model. Remarkably, 11 exhibited better in vivo antibacterial efficacy than c5 and the clinically used antibiotic, vancomycin, in SA3-infected Drosophila model. Moreover, the development of bacterial resistance to 11 was not observed after 16 consecutive passages. Therefore, rational design of antibacterial cationic amphiphiles based on ROS-generating pharmacophores with optimized lipophilicity can facilitate the identification of potent antibacterial agents against drug-resistant infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taewoo Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Yae Choi
- Program of Biopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Won Bae
- Program of Biopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Su Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoon Jeon
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Haejun Oh
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Ahn
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongkook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ger Suh
- College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 120 Haeryong-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Hee Cho
- Program of Biopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CHA University, 335 Pangyo-ro, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea.
| | - Seok-Ho Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Li C, Ren Y, Chen MY, Wang Q, He Z, Wang YF. CG9920 is necessary for mitochondrial morphogenesis and individualization during spermatogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Dev Biol 2024:S0012-1606(24)00109-X. [PMID: 38703942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal model organism for investigating spermatogenesis due to its powerful genetics, conserved genes and visible morphology of germ cells during sperm production. Our previous work revealed that ocnus (ocn) knockdown resulted in male sterility, and CG9920 was identified as a significantly downregulated protein in fly abdomen after ocn knockdown, suggesting a role of CG9920 in male reproduction. In this study, we found that CG9920 was highly expressed in fly testes. CG9920 knockdown in fly testes caused male infertility with no mature sperms in seminal vesicles. Immunofluorescence staining showed that depletion of CG9920 resulted in scattered spermatid nuclear bundles, fewer elongation cones that did not migrate to the anterior region of the testis, and almost no individualization complexes. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that CG9920 knockdown severely disrupted mitochondrial morphogenesis during spermatogenesis. Notably, we found that CG9920 might not directly interact with Ocn, but rather was inhibited by STAT92E, which itself was indirectly affected by Ocn. We propose a possible novel pathway essential for spermatogenesis in D. melanogaster, whereby Ocn indirectly induces CG9920 expression, potentially counteracting its inhibition by the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Yue Ren
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Meng-Yan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Zhen He
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetic Regulation and Integrative Biology, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China.
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14
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Hutchins M, Douglas T, Pollack L, Saltz JB. Genetic Variation in Male Aggression Is Influenced by Genotype of Prior Social Partners in Drosophila melanogaster. Am Nat 2024; 203:551-561. [PMID: 38635366 DOI: 10.1086/729463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
AbstractSocial behaviors can be influenced by the genotypes of interacting individuals through indirect genetic effects (IGEs) and can also display developmental plasticity. We investigated how developmental IGEs, which describe the effects of a prior social partner's genotype on later behavior, can influence aggression in male Drosophila melanogaster. We predicted that developmental IGEs cannot be estimated by simply extending the effects of contextual IGEs over time and instead have their own unique effects on behavior. On day 1 of the experiment, we measured aggressive behavior in 15 genotypic pairings (n = 600 males). On day 2, each of the males was paired with a new opponent, and aggressive behavior was again measured. We found contextual IGEs on day 1 of the experiment and developmental IGEs on day 2 of the experiment: the influence of the day 1 partner's genotype on the focal individual's day 2 behavior depended on the genotypic identity of both the day 1 partner and the focal male. Importantly, the developmental IGEs in our system produced fundamentally different dynamics than the contextual IGEs, as the presence of IGEs was altered over time. These findings represent some of the first empirical evidence demonstrating developmental IGEs, a first step toward incorporating developmental IGEs into our understanding of behavioral evolution.
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15
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Yoon JW, Baek SE, Yang JY, Yeom E. NUCB1 is required for proper insulin signaling to control longevity in Drosophila. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:486-492. [PMID: 38509017 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
AIM We examined the novel role of NUCB1(Nucleobindin-1) associated with longevity in Drosophila melanogaster. METHODS We measured the lifespan, metabolic phenotypes, and mRNA levels of Drosophila insulin-like peptides (Dilps), the protein level of phosphorylated AKT, and the localization of FOXO and its target gene expressions in the NUCB1 knockdown condition. RESULTS NUCB1 knockdown flies show an extended lifespan and metabolic phenotypes such as increased circulating glucose level and starvation resistance. The mRNA expression levels of Dilps and the protein level of phosphorylated AKT, a downstream component of insulin signaling, were decreased in NUCB1 knockdown flies compared with the control flies. Also, the nuclear localization of FOXO and its target gene expressions, such as d4E-BP and InR, were elevated. CONCLUSIONS The results show that NUCB1 knockdown flies exhibits an extended lifespan. These findings suggest that NUCB1 modulates longevity through insulin signaling in Drosophila. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 486-492.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Won Yoon
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Si-Eun Baek
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jae-Yoon Yang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Eunbyul Yeom
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
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16
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Kumar M, Has C, Lam-Kamath K, Ayciriex S, Dewett D, Bashir M, Poupault C, Schuhmann K, Thomas H, Knittelfelder O, Raghuraman BK, Ahrends R, Rister J, Shevchenko A. Eye proteome of Drosophila melanogaster. Proteomics 2024; 24:e2300330. [PMID: 37963819 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202300330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster is a popular model organism to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that underlie the structure and function of the eye as well as the causes of retinopathies, aging, light-induced damage, or dietary deficiencies. Large-scale screens have isolated genes whose mutation causes morphological and functional ocular defects, which led to the discovery of key components of the phototransduction cascade. However, the proteome of the Drosophila eye is poorly characterized. Here, we used GeLC-MS/MS to quantify 3516 proteins, including the absolute (molar) quantities of 43 proteins in the eye of adult male Drosophila reared on standard laboratory food. This work provides a generic and expandable resource for further genetic, pharmacological, and dietary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Canan Has
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Khanh Lam-Kamath
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Integrated Sciences Complex, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sophie Ayciriex
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Deepshe Dewett
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Integrated Sciences Complex, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mhamed Bashir
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Integrated Sciences Complex, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Clara Poupault
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Integrated Sciences Complex, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kai Schuhmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Henrik Thomas
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oskar Knittelfelder
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Robert Ahrends
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jens Rister
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, Integrated Sciences Complex, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrej Shevchenko
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
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17
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Liu Z, Ye J, Zhang R, Li Y, Guan F, Zhang T, Huang J, Min X, Zhang T. Fractionation and antioxidation activities of polysaccharides from Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim. Food Chem 2024; 439:138050. [PMID: 38029566 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.138050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Zanthoxylum bungeanum has a lengthy history of widespread use as a food ingredient in China. However, the composition of Zanthoxylum bungeanum polysaccharide remains ambiguous, and the antioxidant effect has received limited attention. This study aimed to extract water-soluble polysaccharide from the dried pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum, referred to as WZBP, which was fractionated into a neutral component (WZBP-N) and three pectic components (WZBP-A-I, WZBP-A-II, WZBP-A-III). The findings indicated that WZBP-A-III is a pectic polysaccharide "smooth region" without many side chains. All components of WZBP exhibited a notable capacity for scavenging free radicals, with WZBP-A-III demonstrating the most potent antioxidation activity, and WZBP-A-III also observed to effectively extend the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These results provide valuable insight and direction for future research on Zanthoxylum bungeanum polysaccharide as an antioxidant agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Jingyu Ye
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Renqun Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yiqing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Fanqi Guan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xun Min
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
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18
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Yang Y, Cao Y, Zhang J, Fan L, Huang Y, Tan TC, Ho LH. Artemisia argyi extract exerts antioxidant properties and extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. J Sci Food Agric 2024; 104:3926-3935. [PMID: 38252625 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chinese mugwort (Artemisia argyi) possesses extensive pharmacological activities associated with anti-tumour, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-ageing effects of A. argyi extract (AAE) on the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) ageing model by detecting antioxidant enzyme activities and the mRNA level of antioxidant genes. RESULTS AAE could significantly lengthen the mean lifespan, 50% survival days, and maximum lifespan of D. melanogaster, especially when the amount of AAE added reached 6.68 mg mL-1, the mean lifespan of both female and male flies increased by 23.74% and 22.30%, respectively, indicating the effective life extension effect of AAE. At the same time, AAE could improve the climbing ability and tolerance to hydrogen peroxide in D. melanogaster. In addition, the addition of AAE effectively increased the activities of copper-zinc-containing superoxide dismutase, manganese-containing superoxide dismutase and catalase in D. melanogaster and reduced the contents of malondialdehyde. Moreover, when reared with diets containing AAE, the expression of antioxidant-related genes SOD1, SOD2 and CAT was up-regulated in D. melanogaster and down-regulated for MTH genes. CONCLUSION The study indicates that AAE effectively enhances the antioxidant capacity of D. melanogaster and has potential applications as an antioxidant and anti-ageing agent in the nutraceutical industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Yang
- College of Tea and Food Science, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
- Food Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Yuping Cao
- College of Tea and Food Science, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- College of Tea and Food Science, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Li Fan
- College of Tea and Food Science, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Yan Huang
- College of Tea and Food Science, Wuyi University, Wuyishan, China
| | - Thuan-Chew Tan
- Food Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- Renewable Biomass Transformation Cluster, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Lee-Hoon Ho
- Department of Food Industry, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut, Malaysia
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19
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Woods E, Holmes N, Albaba S, Evans IR, Balasubramanian M. ASXL3-related disorder: Molecular phenotyping and comprehensive review providing insights into disease mechanism. Clin Genet 2024; 105:470-487. [PMID: 38420660 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ASXL3-related disorder, sometimes referred to as Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome, was first identified as a distinct neurodevelopmental disorder by Bainbridge et al. in 2013. Since then, there have been a number of case series and single case reports published worldwide. A comprehensive review of the literature was carried out. Abstracts were screened, relevant literature was analysed, and descriptions of common phenotypic features were quantified. ASXL3 variants were collated and categorised. Common phenotypic features comprised global developmental delay or intellectual disability (97%), feeding problems (76%), hypotonia (88%) and characteristic facial features (93%). The majority of genetic variants were de novo truncating variants in exon 11 or 12 of the ASXL3 gene. Several gaps in our knowledge of this disorder were identified, namely, underlying pathophysiology and disease mechanism, disease contribution of missense variants, relevance of variant location, prevalence and penetrance data. Clinical information is currently limited by patient numbers and lack of longitudinal data, which this review aims to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Woods
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Nicola Holmes
- Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Shadi Albaba
- Sheffield Diagnostic Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | - Iwan R Evans
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Meena Balasubramanian
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- The Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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20
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Matsuoka T, Yoshida H, Kasai T, Tozawa T, Iehara T, Chiyonobu T. α-Synuclein pathology in Drosophila melanogaster is exacerbated by haploinsufficiency of Rop: connecting STXBP1 encephalopathy with α-synucleinopathies. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae073. [PMID: 38692286 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Syntaxin-binding protein 1 (STXBP1) is a presynaptic protein that plays important roles in synaptic vesicle docking and fusion. STXBP1 haploinsufficiency causes STXBP1 encephalopathy (STXBP1-E), which encompasses neurological disturbances including epilepsy, neurodevelopmental disorders, and movement disorders. Most patients with STXBP1-E present with regression and movement disorders in adulthood, highlighting the importance of a deeper understanding of the neurodegenerative aspects of STXBP1-E. An in vitro study proposed an interesting new role of STXBP1 as a molecular chaperone for α-Synuclein (αSyn), a key molecule in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. However, no studies have shown αSyn pathology in model organisms or patients with STXBP1-E. In this study, we used Drosophila models to examine the effects of STXBP1 haploinsufficiency on αSyn-induced neurotoxicity in vivo. We demonstrated that haploinsufficiency of Ras opposite (Rop), the Drosophila ortholog of STXBP1, exacerbates compound eye degeneration, locomotor dysfunction, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration in αSyn-expressing flies. This phenotypic aggravation was associated with a significant increase in detergent-insoluble αSyn levels in the head. Furthermore, we tested whether trehalose, which has neuroprotective effects in various models of neurodegenerative disorders, mitigates αSyn-induced neurotoxicity exacerbated by Rop haploinsufficiency. In flies expressing αSyn and carrying a heterozygous Rop null variant, trehalose supplementation effectively alleviates neuronal phenotypes, accompanied by a decrease in detergent-insoluble αSyn in the head. In conclusion, this study revealed that Rop haploinsufficiency exacerbates αSyn-induced neurotoxicity by altering the αSyn aggregation propensity. This study not only contributes to understanding the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in STXBP1-E patients, but also provides new insights into the pathogenesis of α-synucleinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Matsuoka
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Kasai
- Department of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Takenori Tozawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tomoko Iehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Chiyonobu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
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21
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Hu J, Bi R, Luo Y, Wu K, Jin S, Liu Z, Jia Y, Mao CX. The gut microbiome promotes locomotion of Drosophila larvae via octopamine signaling. Insect Sci 2024. [PMID: 38643372 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiome is a key partner of animals, influencing various aspects of their physiology and behaviors. Among the diverse behaviors regulated by the gut microbiome, locomotion is vital for survival and reproduction, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we reveal that the gut microbiome modulates the locomotor behavior of Drosophila larvae via a specific neuronal type in the brain. The crawling speed of germ-free (GF) larvae was significantly reduced compared to the conventionally reared larvae, while feeding and excretion behaviors were unaffected. Recolonization with Acetobacter and Lactobacillus can fully and partially rescue the locomotor defects in GF larvae, respectively, probably due to the highest abundance of Acetobacter as a symbiotic bacterium in the larval gut, followed by Lactobacillus. Moreover, the gut microbiome promoted larval locomotion, not by nutrition, but rather by enhancing the brain levels of tyrosine decarboxylase 2 (Tdc2), which is an enzyme that synthesizes octopamine (OA). Overexpression of Tdc2 rescued locomotion ability in GF larvae. These findings together demonstrate that the gut microbiome specifically modulates larval locomotor behavior through the OA signaling pathway, revealing a new mechanism underlying larval locomotion regulated by the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juncheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ran Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kaihong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yicong Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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22
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Kalra S, Sachdeva H, Bhushan Pant A, Singh G. Acorus calamus Linn.: A novel neuroprotective approach for traumatic brain injury in Drosophila melanogaster. Brain Res 2024; 1836:148953. [PMID: 38643931 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes substantial mortality and morbidity globally. Current treatments only alleviate symptoms and do not halt secondary injury progression. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the neuroprotective potential of Acorus calamus Linn. (AC) in a Drosophila melanogaster model of high-impact TBI. METHODS Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) of the Oregon R + strain were administered hydroalcoholic extracts of Acorus calamus Linn. (HAEAC) at concentrations of 25 and 50 µg/mL, 24 h and continuously for 72 h, respectively, following TBI induction. Mortality rate, locomotor function, neurotransmitter levels, and oxidative stress markers were assessed at 24 and 72 h post-injury as outcomemeasures. RESULTS AC significantly reduced post-TBI mortality and improved locomotor function in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, AC increased acetylcholinesterase, gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, and dopamine levels while reducing glutamate. It also boosted antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase) and lowered markers of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde, nitrite). CONCLUSIONS AC mitigated behavioral deficits, oxidative damage, and neurotransmitter imbalance in fruit flies after TBI. These findings indicate AC may be more effective than individual drugs for TBI therapy. Further research into its neuroprotective phytochemicals is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunishtha Kalra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India.
| | - Himanshu Sachdeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India.
| | - Aditya Bhushan Pant
- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226001, India.
| | - Govind Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana 124001, India.
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Arntsen C, Guillemin J, Audette K, Stanley M. Tastant-receptor interactions: insights from the fruit fly. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1394697. [PMID: 38665300 PMCID: PMC11043608 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1394697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Across species, taste provides important chemical information about potential food sources and the surrounding environment. As details about the chemicals and receptors responsible for gustation are discovered, a complex view of the taste system is emerging with significant contributions from research using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model organism. In this brief review, we summarize recent advances in Drosophila gustation and their relevance to taste research more broadly. Our goal is to highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying the first step of gustatory circuits: ligand-receptor interactions in primary taste cells. After an introduction to the Drosophila taste system and how it encodes the canonical taste modalities sweet, bitter, and salty, we describe recent insights into the complex nature of carboxylic acid and amino acid detection in the context of sour and umami taste, respectively. Our analysis extends to non-canonical taste modalities including metals, fatty acids, and bacterial components, and highlights unexpected receptors and signaling pathways that have recently been identified in Drosophila taste cells. Comparing the intricate molecular and cellular underpinnings of how ligands are detected in vivo in fruit flies reveals both specific and promiscuous receptor selectivity for taste encoding. Throughout this review, we compare and contextualize these Drosophila findings with mammalian research to not only emphasize the conservation of these chemosensory systems, but to demonstrate the power of this model organism in elucidating the neurobiology of taste and feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Molly Stanley
- Department of Biology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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24
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Chen D, Shi C, Xu W, Rong Q, Wu Q. Regulation of phase separation and antiviral activity of Cactin by glycolytic enzyme PGK via phosphorylation in Drosophila. mBio 2024; 15:e0137823. [PMID: 38446061 PMCID: PMC11005415 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01378-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays a crucial role in various biological processes in eukaryotic organisms, including immune responses in mammals. However, the specific function of LLPS in immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster remains poorly understood. Cactin, a highly conserved protein in eukaryotes, is involved in a non-canonical signaling pathway associated with Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-related pathways in Drosophila. In this study, we investigated the role of Cactin in LLPS and its implications for immune response modulation. We discovered that Cactin undergoes LLPS, forming droplet-like particles, primarily mediated by its intrinsically disordered region (IDR). Utilizing immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis, we identified two phosphorylation sites at serine residues 99 and 104 within the IDR1 domain of Cactin. Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry further revealed phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) as a Cactin-interacting protein responsible for regulating its phosphorylation. Phosphorylation of Cactin by PGK induced a transition from stable aggregates to dynamic liquid droplets, enhancing its ability to interact with other components in the cellular environment. Overexpression of PGK inhibited Drosophila C virus (DCV) replication, while PGK knockdown increased replication. DCV infection also increased Cactin phosphorylation. We also found that phosphorylation enhances the antiviral ability of Cactin by promoting liquid-phase droplet formation. These findings demonstrate the role of Cactin-phase separation in regulating DCV replication and highlight the modulation of its antiviral function through phosphorylation, providing insights into the interplay between LLPS and antiviral defense mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) plays an integral role in various biological processes in eukaryotic organisms. Although several studies have highlighted its crucial role in modulating immune responses in mammals, its function in immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster remains poorly understood. Our study investigated the role of Cactin in LLPS and its implications for immune response modulation. We identified that phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), an essential enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, phosphorylates Cactin, facilitating its transition from a relatively stable aggregated state to a more dynamic liquid droplet phase during the phase separation process. This transformation allows Cactin to rapidly interact with other cellular components, enhancing its antiviral properties and ultimately inhibiting virus replication. These findings expand our understanding of the role of LLPS in the antiviral defense mechanism, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying immune responses in D. melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongchao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qiqi Rong
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Qingfa Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Molecular Medicine, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Pharmaceutical Preparations and Clinical Pharmacy, Hefei, Anhui, China
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25
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Scarpa A, Pianezza R, Wierzbicki F, Kofler R. Genomes of historical specimens reveal multiple invasions of LTR retrotransposons in Drosophila melanogaster during the 19th century. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313866121. [PMID: 38564639 PMCID: PMC11009621 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313866121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Transposable element invasions have a profound impact on the evolution of genomes and phenotypes. It is thus an important open question how often such TE invasions occur. To address this question, we utilize the genomes of historical specimens, sampled about 200 y ago. We found that the LTR retrotransposons Blood, Opus, and 412 spread in Drosophila melanogaster in the 19th century. These invasions constitute second waves, as degraded fragments were found for all three TEs. The composition of Opus and 412, but not of Blood, shows a pronounced geographic heterogeneity, likely due to founder effects during the invasions. Finally, we identified species from the Drosophila simulans complex as the likely origin of the TEs. We show that in total, seven TE families invaded D. melanogaster during the last 200y, thereby increasing the genome size by up to 1.2Mbp. We suggest that this high rate of TE invasions was likely triggered by human activity. Based on the analysis of strains and specimens sampled at different times, we provide a detailed timeline of TE invasions, making D. melanogaster the first organism where the invasion history of TEs during the last two centuries could be inferred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almorò Scarpa
- Institut für Populationsgenetik, Vetmeduni Vienna, Wien1210, Austria
- Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna1210, Austria
| | - Riccardo Pianezza
- Institut für Populationsgenetik, Vetmeduni Vienna, Wien1210, Austria
- Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna1210, Austria
| | - Filip Wierzbicki
- Institut für Populationsgenetik, Vetmeduni Vienna, Wien1210, Austria
- Vienna Graduate School of Population Genetics, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna1210, Austria
| | - Robert Kofler
- Institut für Populationsgenetik, Vetmeduni Vienna, Wien1210, Austria
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Fichant A, Lanceleur R, Hachfi S, Brun-Barale A, Blier AL, Firmesse O, Gallet A, Fessard V, Bonis M. New Approach Methods to Assess the Enteropathogenic Potential of Strains of the Bacillus cereus Group, including Bacillus thuringiensis. Foods 2024; 13:1140. [PMID: 38672813 PMCID: PMC11048917 DOI: 10.3390/foods13081140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus cereus (Bc) is a wide group of Gram-positive and spore-forming bacteria, known to be the etiological agents of various human infections, primarily food poisoning. The Bc group includes enteropathogenic strains able to germinate in the digestive tract and to produce enterotoxins such as Nhe, Hbl, and CytK. One species of the group, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), has the unique feature of producing insecticidal crystals during sporulation, making it an important alternative to chemical pesticides to protect crops from insect pest larvae. Nevertheless, several studies have suggested a link between the ingestion of pesticide strains and human cases of food poisoning, calling their safety into question. Consequently, reliable tools for virulence assessment are worth developing to aid decision making in pesticide regulation. Here, we propose complementary approaches based on two biological models, the human intestinal Caco-2 cell line and the insect Drosophila melanogaster, to assess and rank the enteric virulence potency of Bt strains in comparison with other Bc group members. Using a dataset of 48 Bacillus spp. strains, we showed that some Bc group strains, including Bt, were able to induce cytotoxicity in Caco-2 cells with concomitant release of IL-8 cytokine, a landmark of pro-inflammatory response. In the D. melanogaster model, we were able to sort a panel of 39 strains into four different classes of virulence, ranging from no virulence to strong virulence. Importantly, for the most virulent strains, mortality was associated with a loss of intestinal barrier integrity. Interestingly, although strains can share a common toxinotype, they display different degrees of virulence, suggesting the existence of specific mechanisms of virulence expression in vivo in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Fichant
- Laboratory for Food Safety, University Paris-Est, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.); (O.F.)
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INRAE, ISA, 06903 Sophia-Antipolis, France; (S.H.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.)
| | - Rachelle Lanceleur
- Fougères Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 35306 Fougères, France; (R.L.); (A.-L.B.); (V.F.)
| | - Salma Hachfi
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INRAE, ISA, 06903 Sophia-Antipolis, France; (S.H.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.)
| | - Alexandra Brun-Barale
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INRAE, ISA, 06903 Sophia-Antipolis, France; (S.H.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.)
| | - Anne-Louise Blier
- Fougères Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 35306 Fougères, France; (R.L.); (A.-L.B.); (V.F.)
| | - Olivier Firmesse
- Laboratory for Food Safety, University Paris-Est, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.); (O.F.)
| | - Armel Gallet
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, INRAE, ISA, 06903 Sophia-Antipolis, France; (S.H.); (A.B.-B.); (A.G.)
| | - Valérie Fessard
- Fougères Laboratory, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 35306 Fougères, France; (R.L.); (A.-L.B.); (V.F.)
| | - Mathilde Bonis
- Laboratory for Food Safety, University Paris-Est, French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES), 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (A.F.); (O.F.)
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27
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Zambrano-Tipan D, Narváez-Padilla V, Reynaud E. Escargot a Snail superfamily member and its multiple roles in Drosophila melanogaster development. J Cell Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38572978 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The Snail superfamily of transcription factors plays a crucial role in metazoan development; one of the most important vertebrate members of this family is Snai1 which is orthologous to the Drosophila melanogaster esg gene. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the roles of the esg gene in Drosophila development, covering its expression pattern and downstream targets, and draws parallels between the vertebrate Snai1 family proteins on controlling the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and esg. This gene regulates stemness, ploidy, and pluripontency. esg is expressed in various tissues during development, including the gut, imaginal discs, and neuroblasts. The functions of the esg include the suppression of differentiation in intestinal stem cells and the preservation of diploidy in imaginal cells. In the nervous system development, esg expression also inhibits neuroblast differentiation, thus regulating the number of neurons and the moment in development of neuronal differentiation. Loss of esg function results in diverse developmental defects, including defects in intestinal stem cell maintenance and differentiation, and alters imaginal disc and nervous system development. Expression levels of esg also play a role in regulating longevity and metabolism in adult stages. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of esg's developmental role, emphasizing cellular and tissue effects that arise from its loss of function. The insights gained may contribute to a better understanding of evolutionary conserved developmental mechanisms and certain metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Zambrano-Tipan
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Verónica Narváez-Padilla
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - Enrique Reynaud
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
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28
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Vedelek V, Jankovics F, Zádori J, Sinka R. Mitochondrial Differentiation during Spermatogenesis: Lessons from Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3980. [PMID: 38612789 PMCID: PMC11012351 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous diseases can arise as a consequence of mitochondrial malfunction. Hence, there is a significant focus on studying the role of mitochondria in cancer, ageing, neurodegenerative diseases, and the field of developmental biology. Mitochondria could exist as discrete organelles in the cell; however, they have the ability to fuse, resulting in the formation of interconnected reticular structures. The dynamic changes between these forms correlate with mitochondrial function and mitochondrial health, and consequently, there is a significant scientific interest in uncovering the specific molecular constituents that govern these transitions. Moreover, the specialized mitochondria display a wide array of variable morphologies in their cristae formations. These inner mitochondrial structures are closely associated with the specific functions performed by the mitochondria. In multiple cases, the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to male sterility, as it has been observed to cause a range of abnormal spermatogenesis and sperm phenotypes in different species. This review aims to elucidate the dynamic alterations and functions of mitochondria in germ cell development during the spermatogenesis of Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Vedelek
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Jankovics
- Institute of Genetics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Department of Medical Biology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Centre, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Zádori
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical Centre, University of Szeged, 6723 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Rita Sinka
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, 6726 Szeged, Hungary
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29
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Wang L, Zhang C, Fan S, Wang J, Zhou W, Zhou Z, Liu Y, Wang Q, Liu W, Dai X. Chitosan oligosaccharide improves intestinal homeostasis to achieve the protection for the epithelial barrier of female Drosophila melanogaster via regulating intestinal microflora. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0363923. [PMID: 38411050 PMCID: PMC10986574 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03639-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is a new type of marine functional oligosaccharide with biological activities such as regulating intestinal microflora and improving intestinal immunity. In this study, female Drosophila melanogaster was used as a model organism to evaluate the effect of COS on intestinal injury by H2O2 induction, and its mechanism was explored through the analysis of intestinal homeostasis. The results showed that 0.25% of COS could effectively prolong the lifespan of stressed female D. melanogaster by increasing its antioxidant capacity and maintaining intestinal homeostasis, which included protecting the mechanical barrier, promoting the chemical barrier, and regulating the biological barrier by affecting its autophagy and the antioxidant signaling pathway. Additionally, the protective effect of COS on the intestinal barrier and homeostasis of D. melanogaster under oxidative stress status is directly related to its regulation of the intestinal microflora, which could decrease excessive autophagy and activate the antioxidant system to promote health. IMPORTANCE The epithelial barrier plays an important role in the organism's health. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), a new potential prebiotic, exhibits excellent antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects. Our study elucidated the protective mechanisms of COS on the intestinal barrier of Drosophila melanogaster under oxidative stress, which could provide new insights into COS application in various industries, such as food, agriculture, and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuhang Fan
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | | | - Weihao Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaohui Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qianna Wang
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianjun Dai
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-Product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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30
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Andreenkova OV, Adonyeva NV, Efimov VM, Gruntenko NE. Fertility differences between two wild-type Drosophila melanogaster lines correlate with differences in the expression of the Jheh1 gene, which codes for an enzyme degrading juvenile hormone. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2024; 28:185-189. [PMID: 38680182 PMCID: PMC11043515 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-24-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Juvenile hormone plays a "status quo" role in Drosophila melanogaster larvae, preventing the untimely metamorphosis, and performs a gonadotropic function in imagoes, ensuring the ovaries' preparedness for vitellogenesis. The decreased level of juvenile hormone results in reproductive disorders in D. melanogaster females including a delay in the oviposition onset and a fertility decrease. Another factor that can affect the insect reproduction is an infection with the maternally inherited symbiotic α-proteobacterium Wolbachia. The present study is devoted to the analysis of the expression of two juvenile hormone metabolism genes encoding enzymes of its synthesis and degradation, juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase ( jhamt) and juvenile hormone epoxide hydrase (Jheh1), respectively, in four wild-type D. melanogaster lines, two of them being infected with Wolbachia. Lines w153 and Bi90 were both derived from an individual wild-caught females infected with Wolbachia, while lines w153T and Bi90T were derived from them by tetracycline treatment and are free of infection. Line Bi90 is known to be infected with the Wolbachia strain wMel, and line w153, with the Wolbachia strain wMelPlus belonging to the wMelCS genotype. It was found that infection with either Wolbachia strain does not affect the expression of the studied genes. At the same time, it was shown that the w153 and w153T lines differ from the Bi90 and Bi90T lines by an increased level of the Jheh1 gene expression and do not differ in the jhamt gene expression level. Analysis of the fertility of these four lines showed that it does not depend on Wolbachia infection either, but differs between lines with different nuclear genotypes: in w153 and w153T, it is significantly lower than in lines Bi90 and Bi90T. The data obtained allow us to reasonably propose that the inter-line D. melanogaster polymorphism in the metabolism of the juvenile hormone is determined by its degradation (not by its synthesis) and correlates with the fertility level.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Andreenkova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N V Adonyeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - V M Efimov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N E Gruntenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Qiao X, Zhou T, Zhang J, Zhang L, Lu Y, Huang J. Functional validation of A2'N mutation of the RDL GABA receptor against fipronil via molecular modeling and genome engineering in drosophila. Pest Manag Sci 2024; 80:1924-1929. [PMID: 38086568 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insect RDL (resistant to dieldrin) receptors are essential pentameric ligand-gated chloride channels that mediate the neuroinhibitory effect of GABA, the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. These receptors serve as primary targets for various insecticides, including noncompetitive antagonists (NCAs) such as cyclodiene organochlorines and phenylpyrazoles, as well as allosteric modulators like meta-diamides and isoxazolines. This study focuses on a newly discovered A2'N mutation within the RDL receptors, identified in fipronil-resistant planthoppers. Despite in vitro electrophysiological studies have proposed its role in conferring target-site resistance, in vivo genetic functional validation of this mutation remains unexplored. RESULTS Our research employed toxicity bioassays, assessing various Rdl genotypes against a spectrum of insecticides, including fipronil, α-endosulfan, broflanilide, and isocycloseram. Results revealed distinct resistance profiles for A2'N and A2'S mutants, indicating different binding interactions of RDL receptors with NCAs. Significantly, the A2'N heterozygote showed substantial resistance to fipronil, despite its homozygous lethality. Molecular modeling and docking simulations further supported these findings, highlighting unique binding poses for fipronil and α-endosulfan. CONCLUSION This study confirmed that A2'N mutation of the RDL GABA receptor confer high resistance to fipronil in vivo. The observed resistance in A2'N mutants is likely attributable to a steric hindrance mechanism, wherein the introduction of larger side chains hampers fipronil binding, even in a heterozygous state. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Functional Molecules, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Institute of Functional Molecules, Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Jia Huang
- Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Dermady APC, DeFazio DL, Hensley EM, Ruiz DL, Chavez AD, Iannone SA, Dermady NM, Grandel LV, Hill AS. Neuronal excitability modulates developmental time of Drosophila melanogaster. Dev Biol 2024; 508:38-45. [PMID: 38224932 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Developmental time is a fundamental life history trait that affects the reproductive success of animals. Developmental time is known to be regulated by many genes and environmental conditions, yet mechanistic understandings of how various cellular processes influence the developmental timing of an organism are lacking. The nervous system is known to control key processes that affect developmental time, including the release of hormones that signal transitions between developmental stages. Here we show that the excitability of neurons plays a crucial role in modulating developmental time. Genetic manipulation of neuronal excitability in Drosophila melanogaster alters developmental time, which is faster in animals with increased neuronal excitability. We find that selectively modulating the excitability of peptidergic neurons is sufficient to alter developmental time, suggesting the intriguing hypothesis that the impact of neuronal excitability on DT may be at least partially mediated by peptidergic regulation of hormone release. This effect of neuronal excitability on developmental time is seen during embryogenesis and later developmental stages. Observed phenotypic plasticity in the effect of genetically increasing neuronal excitability at different temperatures, a condition also known to modulate excitability, suggests there is an optimal level of neuronal excitability, in terms of shortening DT. Together, our data highlight a novel connection between neuronal excitability and developmental time, with broad implications related to organismal physiology and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan P C Dermady
- College of the Holy Cross, Department of Biology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dionna L DeFazio
- College of the Holy Cross, Department of Biology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Emily M Hensley
- College of the Holy Cross, Department of Biology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Daniel L Ruiz
- College of the Holy Cross, Department of Biology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | | | - Sarah A Iannone
- College of the Holy Cross, Department of Biology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Niall M Dermady
- College of the Holy Cross, Department of Biology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Lexis V Grandel
- College of the Holy Cross, Department of Biology, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alexis S Hill
- College of the Holy Cross, Department of Biology, Worcester, MA, USA.
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She J, Lu F, Chi Y, Cao L, Zuo Y, Yang N, Zhang X, Dai X. Ginseng Extract Attenuates the Injury from Ultraviolet Irradiation for Female Drosophila melanogaster through the Autophagy Signaling Pathway. J Med Food 2024; 27:348-358. [PMID: 38387003 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.k.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ginseng is an ancient medicinal and edible plant with many health benefits, and can serve as a drug and dietary supplement, but there are few relevant studies on its use to ease ultraviolet (UV) irradiation damage. After 0.8 mg/mL ginseng extract (GE) was added to the medium of female Drosophila melanogaster subjected to UV irradiation, the lifespan, climbing ability, sex ratio, developmental cycle, and antioxidant capacity of flies were examined to evaluate the GE function. In addition, the underlying mechanism by which GE enhances the irradiation tolerance of D. melanogaster was explored. With GE supplementation, female flies subjected to UV irradiation exhibited an extension in their lifespan, enhancement in their climbing ability, improvement in their offspring sex ratio, and restoration of the normal development cycle by increasing their antioxidant activity. Finally, further experiments indicated that GE could enhance the irradiation tolerance of female D. melanogaster by upregulating the gene expressions of SOD, GCL, and components of the autophagy signaling pathway. Finally, the performance of r4-Gal4;UAS-AMPKRNAi flies confirmed the regulatory role of the autophagy signaling pathway in mitigating UV irradiation injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- JiaYi She
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - FangYuan Lu
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - YiQing Chi
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - LingYao Cao
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaqi Zuo
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Na Yang
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Zhejiang Shengshi Bio-technology Co., Ltd, Anji, China
| | - XianJun Dai
- College of Life Sciences, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Specialty Agri-product Quality and Hazard Controlling Technology of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Alaraby M, Abass D, Farre M, Hernández A, Marcos R. Are bioplastics safe? Hazardous effects of polylactic acid (PLA) nanoplastics in Drosophila. Sci Total Environ 2024; 919:170592. [PMID: 38354814 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The expanded uses of bioplastics require understanding the potential health risks associated with their exposure. To address this issue, Drosophila melanogaster as a versatile terrestrial in vivo model was employed, and polylactic acid nanoplastics (PLA-NPLs), as a proxy for bioplastics, were tested as a material model. Effects were determined in larvae exposed for 4 days to different concentrations (25, 100, and 400 μg/mL) of 463.9 ± 129.4 nm PLA-NPLs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) approaches permitted the detection of PLA-NPLs in the midgut lumen of Drosophila larvae, interacting with symbiotic bacteria. Enzymatic vacuoles were observed as carriers, collecting PLA-NPLs and enabling the crossing of the peritrophic membrane, finally internalizing into enterocytes. Although no toxic effects were observed in egg-to-adult survival, cell uptake of PLA-NPLs causes cytological disturbances and the formation of large vacuoles. The translocation across the intestinal barrier was demonstrated by their presence in the hemolymph. PLA-NPL exposure triggered intestinal damage, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation responses, as evaluated via a wide set of marker genes. Collectively, these structural and molecular interferences caused by PLA-NPLs generated high levels of oxidative stress and DNA damage in the hemocytes of Drosophila larvae. The observed effects point out the need for further studies aiming to deepen the health risks of bioplastics before adopting their uses as a safe plastic alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Alaraby
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt.
| | - Doaa Abass
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain; Zoology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Sohag University, 82524 Sohag, Egypt
| | - Marinella Farre
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDÆA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Hernández
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Group of Mutagenesis, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
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Sultanakhmetov G, Kato I, Asada A, Saito T, Ando K. Microtubule-affinity regulating kinase family members distinctively affect tau phosphorylation and promote its toxicity in a Drosophila model. Genes Cells 2024; 29:337-346. [PMID: 38329182 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Accumulation of abnormally phosphorylated tau and its aggregation constitute a significant hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Tau phosphorylation at Ser262 and Ser356 in the KXGS motifs of microtubule-binding repeats plays a critical role in its physiological function and AD disease progression. Major tau kinases to phosphorylate tau at Ser262 and Ser356 belong to the Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinase family (MARK1-4), which are considered one of the major contributors to tau abnormalities in AD. However, whether and how each member affects tau toxicity in vivo is unclear. We used transgenic Drosophila as a model to compare the effect on tau-induced neurodegeneration among MARKs in vivo. MARK4 specifically promotes tau accumulation and Ser396 phosphorylation, which yields more tau toxicity than was caused by other MARKs. Interestingly, MARK1, 2, and 4 increased tau phosphorylation at Ser262 and Ser356, but only MARK4 caused tau accumulation, indicating that these sites alone did not cause pathological tau accumulation. Our results revealed MARKs are different in their effect on tau toxicity, and also in tau phosphorylation at pathological sites other than Ser262 and Ser356. Understanding the implementation of each MARK into neurodegenerative disease helps to develop more target and safety therapies to overcome AD and related tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorii Sultanakhmetov
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Iori Kato
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiko Asada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taro Saito
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanae Ando
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
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Ferveur JF, Cortot J, Moussian B, Cobb M, Everaerts C. Replenishment of Drosophila Male Pheromone After Mating. J Chem Ecol 2024; 50:100-109. [PMID: 38270733 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-023-01468-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Insect exocrine gland products can be involved in sexual communication, defense, territory labelling, aggregation and alarm. In the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster the ejaculatory bulb synthesizes and releases 11-cis-Vaccenyl acetate (cVa). This pheromone, transferred to the female during copulation, affects aggregation, courtship and male-male aggressive behaviors. To determine the ability of male flies to replenish their cVa levels, males of a control laboratory strain and from the desat1 pheromone-defective mutant strain were allowed to mate successively with several females. We measured mating frequency, duration and latency, the amount of cVa transferred to mated females and the residual cVa in tested males. Mating duration remained constant with multiple matings, but we found that the amount of cVa transferred to females declined with multiple matings, indicating that, over short, biologically-relevant periods, replenishment of the pheromone does not keep up with mating frequency, resulting in the transfer of varying quantities of cVa. Adult responses to cVa are affected by early developmental exposure to this pheromone; our revelation of quantitative variation in the amount of cVa transferred to females in the event of multiple matings by a male suggests variable responses to cVa shown by adults produced by such matings. This implies that the natural role of this compound may be richer than suggested by laboratory experiments that study only one mating event and its immediate behavioral or neurobiological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Ferveur
- Centre Des Sciences du Goût Et de L'Alimentation, UMR6265 CNRS, UMR1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6, Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France.
| | - Jérôme Cortot
- Centre Des Sciences du Goût Et de L'Alimentation, UMR6265 CNRS, UMR1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6, Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Interfaculty Institute for Cell Biology, Animal Genetics, University of Tübingen, Auf Der Morgenstelle 15, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthew Cobb
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Claude Everaerts
- Centre Des Sciences du Goût Et de L'Alimentation, UMR6265 CNRS, UMR1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 6, Bd Gabriel, 21000, Dijon, France
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37
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Santos Musachio EA, da Silva Andrade S, Meichtry LB, Fernandes EJ, de Almeida PP, Janner DE, Dahleh MMM, Guerra GP, Prigol M. Exposure to Bisphenol F and Bisphenol S during development induces autism-like endophenotypes in adult Drosophila melanogaster. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2024; 103:107348. [PMID: 38554851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2024.107348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Bisphenol F (BPF) and Bisphenol S (BPS) are being widely used by the industry with the claim of "safer substances", even with the scarcity of toxicological studies. Given the etiological gap of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the environment may be a causal factor, so we investigated whether exposure to BPF and BPS during the developmental period can induce ASD-like modeling in adult flies. Drosophila melanogaster flies were exposed during development (embryonic and larval period) to concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM of BPF and BPS, separately inserted into the food. When they transformed into pupae were transferred to a standard diet, ensuring that the flies (adult stage) did not have contact with bisphenols. Thus, after hatching, consolidated behavioral tests were carried out for studies with ASD-type models in flies. It was observed that 1 mM BPF and BPS caused hyperactivity (evidenced by open-field test, negative geotaxis, increased aggressiveness and reproduction of repetitive behaviors). The flies belonging to the 1 mM groups of BPF and BPS also showed reduced cognitive capacity, elucidated by the learning behavior through aversive stimulus. Within the population dynamics that flies exposed to 1 mM BPF and 0.5 and 1 mM BPS showed a change in social interaction, remaining more distant from each other. Exposure to 1 mM BPF, 0.5 and 1 mM BPS increased brain size and reduced Shank immunoreactivity of adult flies. These findings complement each other and show that exposure to BPF and BPS during the development period can elucidate a model with endophenotypes similar to ASD in adult flies. Furthermore, when analyzing comparatively, BPS demonstrated a greater potential for damage when compared to BPF. Therefore, in general these data sets contradict the idea that these substances can be used freely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elize A Santos Musachio
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Stefani da Silva Andrade
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Luana Barreto Meichtry
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Eliana Jardim Fernandes
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Pamela Piardi de Almeida
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Dieniffer Espinosa Janner
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Mustafa Munir Mustafa Dahleh
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Petri Guerra
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Prigol
- Laboratory of Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluations Applied to Bioactive Molecules, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil; Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Pampa, Itaqui, RS, Brazil.
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Li L, Duo H, Zhang X, Gong H, Li B, Hao Y. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Revealing the Potential Mechanisms of Erythritol-Caused Mortality and Oviposition Inhibition in Drosophila melanogaster. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3738. [PMID: 38612549 PMCID: PMC11011834 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Erythritol has shown excellent insecticidal performance against a wide range of insect species, but the molecular mechanism by which it causes insect mortality and sterility is not fully understood. The mortality and sterility of Drosophila melanogaster were assessed after feeding with 1M erythritol for 72 h and 96 h, and gene expression profiles were further compared through RNA sequencing. Enrichment analysis of GO and KEGG revealed that expressions of the adipokinetic hormone gene (Akh), amylase gene (Amyrel), α-glucosidase gene (Mal-B1/2, Mal-A1-4, Mal-A7/8), and triglyceride lipase gene (Bmm) were significantly up-regulated, while insulin-like peptide genes (Dilp2, Dilp3 and Dilp5) were dramatically down-regulated. Seventeen genes associated with eggshell assembly, including Dec-1 (down 315-fold), Vm26Ab (down 2014-fold) and Vm34Ca (down 6034-fold), were significantly down-regulated or even showed no expression. However, there were no significant differences in the expression of three diuretic hormone genes (DH44, DH31, CAPA) and eight aquaporin genes (Drip, Big brain, AQP, Eglp1, Eglp2, Eglp3, Eglp4 and Prip) involved in osmolality regulation (all p value > 0.05). We concluded that erythritol, a competitive inhibitor of α-glucosidase, severely reduced substrates and enzyme binding, inhibiting effective carbohydrate hydrolysis in the midgut and eventually causing death due to energy deprivation. It was clear that Drosophila melanogaster did not die from the osmolality of the hemolymph. Our findings elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the mortality and sterility in Drosophila melanogaster induced by erythritol feeding. It also provides an important theoretical basis for the application of erythritol as an environmentally friendly pesticide.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Bo Li
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (L.L.)
| | - Youjin Hao
- College of Life Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; (L.L.)
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Deichsel S, Gahr BM, Mastel H, Preiss A, Nagel AC. Numerous Serine/Threonine Kinases Affect Blood Cell Homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster. Cells 2024; 13:576. [PMID: 38607015 PMCID: PMC11011202 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood cells in Drosophila serve primarily innate immune responses. Various stressors influence blood cell homeostasis regarding both numbers and the proportion of blood cell types. The principle molecular mechanisms governing hematopoiesis are conserved amongst species and involve major signaling pathways like Notch, Toll, JNK, JAK/Stat or RTK. Albeit signaling pathways generally rely on the activity of protein kinases, their specific contribution to hematopoiesis remains understudied. Here, we assess the role of Serine/Threonine kinases with the potential to phosphorylate the transcription factor Su(H) in crystal cell homeostasis. Su(H) is central to Notch signal transduction, and its inhibition by phosphorylation impedes crystal cell formation. Overall, nearly twenty percent of all Drosophila Serine/Threonine kinases were studied in two assays, global and hemocyte-specific overexpression and downregulation, respectively. Unexpectedly, the majority of kinases influenced crystal cell numbers, albeit only a few were related to hematopoiesis so far. Four kinases appeared essential for crystal cell formation, whereas most kinases restrained crystal cell development. This group comprises all kinase classes, indicative of the complex regulatory network underlying blood cell homeostasis. The rather indiscriminative response we observed opens the possibility that blood cells measure their overall phospho-status as a proxy for stress-signals, and activate an adaptive immune response accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Deichsel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Bernd M. Gahr
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Helena Mastel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anette Preiss
- Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anja C. Nagel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
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Li B, Xiu M, He L, Zhou S, Yi S, Wang X, Cao W, Liu Y, He J. Protective effect of San Huang Pill and its bioactive compounds against ulcerative colitis in Drosophila via modulation of JAK/STAT, apoptosis, Toll, and Nrf2/Keap1 pathways. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 322:117578. [PMID: 38104873 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE San Huang Pill (SHP) is a prescription in Dunhuang Ancient Medical Prescription, which has the efficacy of heat-clearing and dampness-drying, and is a traditional formula for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. However, its efficacy and mechanism in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the protective effects of SHP and its bioactive compounds against Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-induced intestinal damage using the Drosophila melanogaster model, and to detect the molecular mechanism of SHP in the treatment of UC. METHODS Survival rate, locomotion, feeding, and excretion were used to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of SHP. The pharmacotoxicity of SHP was measured using developmental analysis. Intestinal integrity, intestinal length, intestinal acid-base homeostasis, and Tepan blue assay were used to analyze the protective effect of SHP against DSS-induced intestinal damage. The molecular mechanism of SHP was detected using DHE staining, immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, and network pharmacology analysis. Survival rate, intestinal length, and integrity analysis were used to detect the protective effect of bioactive compounds of SHP against intestinal damage. RESULTS SHP supplementation significantly increased the survival rate, restored locomotion, increased metabolic rate, maintained intestinal morphological integrity and intestinal homeostasis, protected intestinal epithelial cells, and alleviated intestinal oxidative damage in adult flies under DSS stimulation. Besides, administration of SHP had no toxic effect on flies. Moreover, SHP supplementation remarkably decreased the expression levels of genes related to JAK/STAT, apoptosis, and Toll signaling pathways, increased the gene expressions of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, and also reduced the relative abundance of harmful bacteria in DSS-treated flies. Additionally, the ingredients in SHP (palmatine, berberine, baicalein, wogonin, rhein, and aloeemodin) had protection against DSS-induced intestinal injury, such as prolonging survival rate, increasing intestinal length, and maintaining intestinal barrier integrity. CONCLUSION SHP had a strong anti-inflammatory function, and remarkably alleviated DSS-induced intestinal morphological damage and intestinal homeostatic imbalance in adult flies by regulating JAK/STAT, apoptosis, Toll and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathways, and also gut microbial homeostasis. This suggests that SHP may be a potential complementary and alternative medicine herb therapy for UC, which provides a basis for modern pharmacodynamic evaluation of other prescriptions in Dunhuang ancient medical prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botong Li
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Minghui Xiu
- College of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Li He
- College of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Shihong Zhou
- College of Public Health, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Simeng Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition and Feeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wangjie Cao
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yongqi Liu
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Jianzheng He
- Provincial-level Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine of Major Diseases and The Prevention and Treatment with Traditional Chinese Medicine Research in Gansu Colleges and University, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; Key Laboratory for Transfer of Dunhuang Medicine at the Provincial and Ministerial Level, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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41
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Kurogi Y, Mizuno Y, Okamoto N, Barton L, Niwa R. The seminal vesicle is a juvenile hormone-responsive tissue in adult male Drosophila melanogaster. bioRxiv 2024:2024.03.20.585833. [PMID: 38562788 PMCID: PMC10983971 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.20.585833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone (JH) is one of the most essential hormones controlling insect metamorphosis and physiology. While it is well known that JH affects many tissues throughout the insects life cycle, the difference in JH responsiveness and the repertoire of JH-inducible genes among different tissues has not been fully investigated. In this study, we monitored JH responsiveness in vivo using transgenic Drosophila melanogaster flies carrying a JH response element-GFP (JHRE-GFP) construct. Our data highlight the high responsiveness of the epithelial cells within the seminal vesicle, a component of the male reproductive tract, to JH. Specifically, we observe an elevation in the JHRE-GFP signal within the seminal vesicle epithelium upon JH analog administration, while suppression occurs upon knockdown of genes encoding the intracellular JH receptors, Methoprene-tolerant and germ cell-expressed. Starting from published transcriptomic and proteomics datasets, we next identified Lactate dehydrogenase as a JH-response gene expressed in the seminal vesicle epithelium, suggesting insect seminal vesicles undergo metabolic regulation by JH. Together, this study sheds new light on biology of the insect reproductive regulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitomo Kurogi
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Yosuke Mizuno
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Naoki Okamoto
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Lacy Barton
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
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42
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Krama T, Munkevics M, Krams R, Grigorjeva T, Trakimas G, Jõers P, Popovs S, Zants K, Elferts D, Rantala MJ, Sledevskis E, Contreras-Garduño J, de Bivort BL, Krams IA. Corrigendum: Development under predation risk increases serotonin-signaling, variability of turning behavior and survival in adult fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1391782. [PMID: 38586562 PMCID: PMC10995732 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1391782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1189301.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Krama
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Māris Munkevics
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Ronalds Krams
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Chair of Plant Health, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tatjana Grigorjeva
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Giedrius Trakimas
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
- Institute of Biosciences, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Priit Jõers
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sergejs Popovs
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Krists Zants
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Didzis Elferts
- Department of Botany and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Markus J. Rantala
- Department of Biology, Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eriks Sledevskis
- Department of Technology, Institute of Life Sciences and Technologies, Daugavpils University, Daugavpils, Latvia
| | - Jorge Contreras-Garduño
- Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Morelia, Mexico
- Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Benjamin L. de Bivort
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Indrikis A. Krams
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, Faculty of Biology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Psychology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States
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43
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Tsintzas E, Niccoli T. Using Drosophila amyloid toxicity models to study Alzheimer's disease. Ann Hum Genet 2024. [PMID: 38517001 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of dementia and is characterised by a progressive loss of neurons, which manifests as gradual memory decline, followed by cognitive loss. Despite the significant progress in identifying novel biomarkers and understanding the prodromal pathology and symptomatology, AD remains a significant unmet clinical need. Lecanemab and aducanumab, the only Food and Drug Administration approved drugs to exhibit some disease-modifying clinical efficacy, target Aβ amyloid, underscoring the importance of this protein in disease aetiology. Nevertheless, in the absence of a definitive cure, the utilisation of preclinical models remains imperative for the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the evaluation of potential therapeutic agents. Drosophila melanogaster is a model system that can be used as a research tool to investigate neurodegeneration and therapeutic interventions. The short lifespan, low price and ease of husbandry/rearing make Drosophila an advantageous model organism from a practical perspective. However, it is the highly conserved genome and similarity of Drosophila and human neurobiology which make flies a powerful tool to investigate neurodegenerative mechanisms. In addition, the ease of transgenic modifications allows for early proof of principle studies for future therapeutic approaches in neurodegenerative research. This mini review will specifically focus on utilising Drosophila as an in vivo model of amyloid toxicity in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elli Tsintzas
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK
| | - Teresa Niccoli
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Institute of Healthy Ageing, University College London, London, UK
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44
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Hu Frisk J, Wang L. Molecular characterization of Drosophila melanogaster thymidylate kinase. Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38518117 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2024.2332410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Drosophila has been used as an animal model to study pathogenic mechanism of neurological disorders. Thymidylate kinase (TMPK) is an essential enzyme in dTTP synthesis catalyzing the phosphorylation of dTMP to dTDP. Loss of function mutations in the DTYMK gene, coding for TMPK, cause severe microcephaly in human patients. In this study, Drosophila melanogaster TMPK (DmTMPK) was cloned, expressed, purified and characterized. Unlike human TMPK, DmTMPK phosphorylated not only dTMP and dUMP but also dGMP and dIMP although with low efficiency. ATP and dATP are the most efficient phosphate donor but at higher concentration (>1 mM) ATP inhibited DmTMPK activity. Sequence and structural model analysis explain why DmTMPK could phosphorylate purine nucleoside monophosphates. This study has laid a solid foundation for future study of TMPK function in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junmei Hu Frisk
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Liya Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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45
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Quadros-Mennella PS, Lucin KM, White RE. What can the common fruit fly teach us about stroke?: lessons learned from the hypoxic tolerant Drosophila melanogaster. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1347980. [PMID: 38584778 PMCID: PMC10995290 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1347980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke, resulting in hypoxia and glucose deprivation, is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Presently, there are no treatments that reduce neuronal damage and preserve function aside from tissue plasminogen activator administration and rehabilitation therapy. Interestingly, Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, demonstrates robust hypoxic tolerance, characterized by minimal effects on survival and motor function following systemic hypoxia. Due to its organized brain, conserved neurotransmitter systems, and genetic similarity to humans and other mammals, uncovering the mechanisms of Drosophila's tolerance could be a promising approach for the development of new therapeutics. Interestingly, a key facet of hypoxic tolerance in Drosophila is organism-wide metabolic suppression, a response involving multiple genes and pathways. Specifically, studies have demonstrated that pathways associated with oxidative stress, insulin, hypoxia-inducible factors, NFκB, Wnt, Hippo, and Notch, all potentially contribute to Drosophila hypoxic tolerance. While manipulating the oxidative stress response and insulin signaling pathway has similar outcomes in Drosophila hypoxia and the mammalian middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemia, effects of Notch pathway manipulation differ between Drosophila and mammals. Additional research is warranted to further explore how other pathways implicated in hypoxic tolerance in Drosophila, such as NFκB, and Hippo, may be utilized to benefit mammalian response to ischemia. Together, these studies demonstrate that exploration of the hypoxic response in Drosophila may lead to new avenues of research for stroke treatment in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kurt M. Lucin
- Department of Biology, Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT, United States
| | - Robin E. White
- Department of Biology, Westfield State University, Westfield, MA, United States
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46
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Pradhan RN, Shrestha B, Lee Y. Avoiding cantharidin through ionotropic receptors. J Hazard Mater 2024; 466:133497. [PMID: 38278077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
The discernment and aversion of noxious gustatory stimuli profoundly influence homeostasis maintenance and survival of fauna. Cantharidin, a purported aphrodisiac, is a monoterpenoid compound secreted by many species of blister beetle, particularly by the Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria. Although the various advantageous functions of cantharidin have been described, its taste analysis and toxic properties in animalshave been rarely explored. Our study using Drosophila melanogaster examines the taste properties of cantharidin along with its potential hazardous effect in the internal organs of animals. Here, we find that cantharidin activates bitter taste receptors. Our findings show that specific ionotropic receptors (IR7g, IR51b, and IR94f) in labellar bitter-sensing neurons, along with co-receptors IR25a and IR76b, are responsible for detecting cantharidin. By introducing the IR7g and IR51b in sweet and bitter neurons, naturally expressing IR76b and IR25a, we show that these genes are sufficient for cantharidin perception. Moreover, we witness the deleterious ramifications of cantharidin on survival and visceral integrities, shedding light on its hazardous effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshani Nhuchhen Pradhan
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea.
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47
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Tagorti G, Yalçın B, Güneş M, Burgazlı AY, Kuruca T, Cihanoğlu N, Akarsu E, Kaya N, Marcos R, Kaya B. Alcohol-free synthesis, biological assessment, in vivo toxicological evaluation, and in silico analysis of novel silane quaternary ammonium compounds differing in structure and chain length as promising disinfectants. J Hazard Mater 2024; 466:133470. [PMID: 38246053 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are commonly used as disinfectants for industrial, medical, and residential applications. However, adverse health outcomes have been reported. Therefore, biocompatible disinfectants must be developed to reduce these adverse effects. In this context, QACs with various alkyl chain lengths (C12-C18) were synthesized by reacting QACs with the counterion silane. The antimicrobial activities of the novel compounds against four strains of microorganisms were assessed. Several in vivo assays were conducted on Drosophila melanogaster to determine the toxicological outcomes of Si-QACs, followed by computational analyses (molecular docking, simulation, and prediction of skin sensitization). The in vivo results were combined using a cheminformatics approach to understand the descriptors responsible for the safety of Si-QAC. Si-QAC-2 was active against all tested bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations ranging from 13.65 to 436.74 ppm. Drosophila exposed to Si-QAC-2 have moderate-to-low toxicological outcomes. The molecular weight, hydrophobicity/lipophilicity, and electron diffraction properties were identified as crucial descriptors for ensuring the safety of the Si-QACs. Furthermore, Si-QAC-2 exhibited good stability and notable antiviral potential with no signs of skin sensitization. Overall, Si-QAC-2 (C14) has the potential to be a novel disinfectant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Tagorti
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Burçin Yalçın
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Merve Güneş
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Tuğçe Kuruca
- Department of Chemistry, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Esin Akarsu
- Department of Chemistry, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Nuray Kaya
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Ricard Marcos
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain.
| | - Bülent Kaya
- Department of Biology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
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48
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Sang J, Poudel S, Lee Y. In vivo Effects of Salicornia herbacea and Calystegia soldanella Extracts for Memory Improvement. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 34:1-10. [PMID: 38563091 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2312.12045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The global elderly population, aged 65 and over, reached approximately 10% in 2020, and this proportion is expected to continue rising. Therefore, the prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), which are characterized by declining memory capabilities, is anticipated to increase. In a previous study, we successfully restored the diminished memory capabilities in a fruit fly model of PD by administering an omija extract. To identify functional ingredients that can enhance memory akin to the effects of the omija extract, we conducted screenings by administering halophyte extracts to the PD model. Halophytes are plants that thrive in high-salt environments, and given Korea's geographic proximity to the sea on three sides, it serves as an optimal hub for the utilization of these plants. Upon examining the effects of the oral administration of 12 halophyte extracts, Salicornia herbacea and Calystegia soldanella emerged as potential candidates for ameliorating memory loss in PD patients. Moreover, our findings suggested that C. soldanella, but not S. herbacea, can mitigate oxidative stress in DJ-1β mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiun Sang
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Seeta Poudel
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio and Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, 02707, Republic of Korea
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49
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Stone EK, Durkin ES, Cook A, Richardson EA, Lazzaro BP, Keiser CN. Facultatively ectoparasitic mites as vectors for entomopathogenic bacteria in Drosophila. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108084. [PMID: 38452853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Opportunistic bacterial infections are common in insect populations but there is little information on how they are acquired or transmitted. We tested the hypothesis that Macrocheles mites can transmit systemic bacterial infections between Drosophila hosts. We found that 24% of mites acquired detectable levels of bacteria after feeding on infected flies and 87% of infected mites passed bacteria to naïve recipient flies. The probability that a mite could pass Serratia from an infected donor fly to a naïve recipient fly was 27.1%. These data demonstrate that Macrocheles mites are capable of serving as vectors of bacterial infection between insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Stone
- Department of Biology, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Emily S Durkin
- Department of Biology, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Biology, University of Tampa. Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Andrew Cook
- Department of Biology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Brian P Lazzaro
- Departments of Entomology, Cornell University. Ithaca, NY, USA; Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University. Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Carl N Keiser
- Department of Biology, University of Florida. Gainesville, FL, USA
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50
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Adrados I, García-López L, Aguilar-Aragon M, Maranillo E, Domínguez M. Modeling childhood cancer in Drosophila melanogaster. Methods Cell Biol 2024; 185:35-48. [PMID: 38556450 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Childhood cancer is a major cause of death in developed countries, and while treatments and survival rates have improved, long-term side effects remain a challenge. The genetic component of pediatric tumors and their aggressive progression, makes the study of childhood cancer a complex area of research. Here, we introduce the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as study model. We emphasize its numerous advantages, including binary gene expression systems that enable precise control over the timing and location of gene expression manipulation, the capacity to combine multiple genes associated with cancer or the testing of human cancer variants within a live, intact animal. As an illustrative example, we focus on the Drosophila cancer paradigm which involves medically relevant genes, the Notch and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. We describe how this cancer paradigm allows assessing two critical aspects of tumorigenesis during juvenile stages: (1) viability (do animals with particular cancer mutations survive into adulthood?), and (2) tumor burden (what percentage of animals bearing the cancer mutations actually develop cancer and what is the extent of the tumor?). We highlight the potential of Drosophila as a molecular therapeutic tool for drug screening and drug repurposing of medicines already approved to treat other diseases in children, thereby accelerating the potential translation of results into humans. This preclinical animal model sustains huge potential and is cost-effective. It allows screening of thousands of compounds and genes at a relatively low cost and human efforts, opening innovative venues to explore more effective and safer treatments of childhood cancer.
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