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King BH, Gunathunga PB. Gustation in insects: taste qualities and types of evidence used to show taste function of specific body parts. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2023; 23:11. [PMID: 37014302 PMCID: PMC10072106 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iead018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The insect equivalent of taste buds are gustatory sensilla, which have been found on mouthparts, pharynxes, antennae, legs, wings, and ovipositors. Most gustatory sensilla are uniporous, but not all apparently uniporous sensilla are gustatory. Among sensilla containing more than one neuron, a tubular body on one dendrite is also indicative of a taste sensillum, with the tubular body adding tactile function. But not all taste sensilla are also tactile. Additional morphological criteria are often used to recognize if a sensillum is gustatory. Further confirmation of such criteria by electrophysiological or behavioral evidence is needed. The five canonical taste qualities to which insects respond are sweet, bitter, sour, salty, and umami. But not all tastants that insects respond to easily fit in these taste qualities. Categories of insect tastants can be based not only on human taste perception, but also on whether the response is deterrent or appetitive and on chemical structure. Other compounds that at least some insects taste include, but are not limited to: water, fatty acids, metals, carbonation, RNA, ATP, pungent tastes as in horseradish, bacterial lipopolysaccharides, and contact pheromones. We propose that, for insects, taste be defined not only as a response to nonvolatiles but also be restricted to responses that are, or are thought to be, mediated by a sensillum. This restriction is useful because some of the receptor proteins in gustatory sensilla are also found elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- B H King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA
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Shiau AL, Liao CS, Tu CW, Wu SN, Cho HY, Yu MC. Characterization in Effective Stimulation on the Magnitude, Gating, Frequency Dependence, and Hysteresis of INa Exerted by Picaridin (or Icaridin), a Known Insect Repellent. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179696. [PMID: 36077093 PMCID: PMC9456182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Picaridin (icaridin), a member of the piperidine chemical family, is a broad-spectrum arthropod repellent. Its actions have been largely thought to be due to its interaction with odorant receptor proteins. However, to our knowledge, to what extent the presence of picaridin can modify the magnitude, gating, and/or the strength of voltage-dependent hysteresis (Hys(V)) of plasmalemmal ionic currents, such as, voltage-gated Na+ current [INa], has not been entirely explored. In GH3 pituitary tumor cells, we demonstrated that with exposure to picaridin the transient (INa(T)) and late (INa(L)) components of voltage-gated Na+ current (INa) were differentially stimulated with effective EC50’s of 32.7 and 2.8 μM, respectively. Upon cell exposure to it, the steady-state current versus voltage relationship INa(T) was shifted to more hyperpolarized potentials. Moreover, its presence caused a rightward shift in the midpoint for the steady-state inactivate curve of the current. The cumulative inhibition of INa(T) induced during repetitive stimuli became retarded during its exposure. The recovery time course from the INa block elicited, following the conditioning pulse stimulation, was satisfactorily fitted by two exponential processes. Moreover, the fast and slow time constants of recovery from the INa block by the same conditioning protocol were noticeably increased in the presence of picaridin. However, the fraction in fast or slow component of recovery time course was, respectively, increased or decreased with an increase in picaridin concentrations. The Hys(V)’s strength of persistent INa (INa(P)), responding to triangular ramp voltage, was also enhanced during cell exposure to picaridin. The magnitude of resurgent INa (INa(R)) was raised in its presence. Picaritin-induced increases of INa(P) or INa(R) intrinsically in GH3 cells could be attenuated by further addition of ranolazine. The predictions of molecular docking also disclosed that there are possible interactions of the picaridin molecule with the hNaV1.7 channel. Taken literally, the stimulation of INa exerted by the exposure to picaridin is expected to exert impacts on the functional activities residing in electrically excitable cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Li Shiau
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Szu Liao
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wen Tu
- Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi City 60002, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Wu
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-6-2353535-5334; Fax: +886-6-2362780
| | - Hsin-Yen Cho
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Cheng Yu
- Department of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
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In Search of Synergistic Insect Repellents: Modeling of Muscarinic GPCR Interactions with Classical and Bitopic Photoactive Ligands. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103280. [PMID: 35630759 PMCID: PMC9147842 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect vector-borne diseases pose serious health problems, so there is a high demand for efficient molecules that could reduce transmission. Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, we studied a series of compounds acting on human and insect muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), a novel target of synergistic agents in pest control. We characterized early conformational changes of human M1 and fruit fly type-A mAChR G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in response to DEET, IR3535, and muscarine binding based on the MD analysis of the activation microswitches known to form the signal transduction pathway in class A GPCRs. We indicated groups of microswitches that are the most affected by the presence of a ligand. Moreover, to increase selectivity towards insects, we proposed a new, bitopic, photoswitchable mAChR ligand—BQCA-azo-IR353 and studied its interactions with both receptors. Modeling data showed that using a bitopic ligand may be a promising strategy in the search for better insect control.
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Shrestha B, Nhuchhen Pradhan R, Nath DK, Lee Y. Cellular and molecular basis of IR3535 perception in Drosophila. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:793-802. [PMID: 34708523 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND IR3535 is among the most widely used synthetic insect repellents, particularly for the mitigation of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue and Zika, as well as to control flies, ticks, fleas, lice and mites. These insects are well-known vectors of deadly diseases that affect humans, livestock and crops. Moreover, global warming could increase the populations of these vectors. RESULTS Here, we performed IR3535 dose-response analyses on Drosophila melanogaster, a well-known insect model organism, using electrophysiology and binary food choice assays. Our findings indicated that bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) are indispensable to detect IR3535. Further, potential candidate gustatory receptors were screened, among which GR47a was identified as a key molecular sensor. IR3535 concentrations in the range 0.1-0.4% affected larval development and mortality. In addition, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET, another commonly used insecticide) was found to exert synergistic effects when co-administered with IR3535. CONCLUSION Our findings confirmed that IR3535 directly activates bitter-sensing GRNs, which are mediated by GR47a. This relatively safe and highly potent insecticide can be largely used in combination with DEET to increase its efficiency to protect livestock and crops. Collectively, our findings suggest that the molecular sensors elucidated herein could be used as targets for the development of alternative insecticides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhanu Shrestha
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Roshani Nhuchhen Pradhan
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Nath
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngseok Lee
- Department of Bio & Fermentation Convergence Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program for Bio-Health Convergence, Kookmin University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Montell C. Drosophila sensory receptors-a set of molecular Swiss Army Knives. Genetics 2021; 217:1-34. [PMID: 33683373 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic approaches in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, have led to a major triumph in the field of sensory biology-the discovery of multiple large families of sensory receptors and channels. Some of these families, such as transient receptor potential channels, are conserved from animals ranging from worms to humans, while others, such as "gustatory receptors," "olfactory receptors," and "ionotropic receptors," are restricted to invertebrates. Prior to the identification of sensory receptors in flies, it was widely assumed that these proteins function in just one modality such as vision, smell, taste, hearing, and somatosensation, which includes thermosensation, light, and noxious mechanical touch. By employing a vast combination of genetic, behavioral, electrophysiological, and other approaches in flies, a major concept to emerge is that many sensory receptors are multitaskers. The earliest example of this idea was the discovery that individual transient receptor potential channels function in multiple senses. It is now clear that multitasking is exhibited by other large receptor families including gustatory receptors, ionotropic receptors, epithelial Na+ channels (also referred to as Pickpockets), and even opsins, which were formerly thought to function exclusively as light sensors. Genetic characterizations of these Drosophila receptors and the neurons that express them also reveal the mechanisms through which flies can accurately differentiate between different stimuli even when they activate the same receptor, as well as mechanisms of adaptation, amplification, and sensory integration. The insights gleaned from studies in flies have been highly influential in directing investigations in many other animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Montell
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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Larson NR, O’Neal ST, Kuhar TP, Bernier UR, Bloomquist JR, Anderson TD. Heterocyclic Amine-Induced Feeding Deterrence and Antennal Response of Honey Bees. INSECTS 2021; 12:69. [PMID: 33466620 PMCID: PMC7828703 DOI: 10.3390/insects12010069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The productivity and survival of managed honey bee colonies is negatively impacted by a diverse array of interacting factors, including exposure to agrochemicals, such as pesticides. This study investigated the use of volatile heterocyclic amine (HCA) compounds as potential short-term repellents that could be employed as feeding deterrents to reduce the exposure of bees to pesticide-treated plants. Parent and substituted HCAs were screened for efficacy relative to the repellent N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) in laboratory and field experiments. Additionally, electroantennogram (EAG) recordings were conducted to determine the level of antennal response in bees. In video-tracking recordings, bees were observed to spend significantly less time with an HCA-treated food source than an untreated source. In a high-tunnel experiment, the HCA piperidine was incorporated in a feeding station and found to significantly reduce bee visitations relative to an untreated feeder. In field experiments, bee visitations were significantly reduced on melon flowers (Cucumis melo L.) and flowering knapweed (Centaurea stoebe L.) that were sprayed with a piperidine solution, relative to untreated plants. In EAG recordings, the HCAs elicited antennal responses that were significantly different from control or vehicle responses. Overall, this study provides evidence that HCAs can deter individual bees from food sources and suggests that this deterrence is the result of antennal olfactory detection. These findings warrant further study into structure-activity relationships that could lead to the development of short-term repellent compounds that are effective deterrents to reduce the contact of bees to pesticide-treated plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R. Larson
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (N.R.L.); (T.P.K.)
| | - Scott T. O’Neal
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA;
| | - Thomas P. Kuhar
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (N.R.L.); (T.P.K.)
| | - Ulrich R. Bernier
- USDA Agricultural Research Service, Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA;
| | - Jeffrey R. Bloomquist
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
| | - Troy D. Anderson
- Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68588, USA;
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Abstract
Mosquitoes are a widely diverse group of organisms, comprising ∼3,500 species that live in an enormous range of habitats. Some species are vectors of diseases that afflict hundreds of millions of people each year. Although understanding of mosquito olfaction has progressed dramatically in recent years, mosquito taste remains greatly understudied. Since taste is essential to feeding, egg laying, and mating decisions in insects, improved understanding of taste in mosquitoes could provide new mechanistic insight into many aspects of their behavior. We provide a guide to current knowledge in the field, and we suggest a wealth of opportunities for research that are now enabled by recent scientific and technological advances. We also propose means by which taste might be exploited in new strategies for mosquito control, which may be urgently needed as the geographical ranges of vector species increase with climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Baik
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
| | - John R Carlson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511
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Ortega-Insaurralde I, Picollo MI, Barrozo RB. Mouthpart sensory structures of the human head louse Pediculus humanus capitis. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 59:100996. [PMID: 33075667 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Head lice are exclusive human parasitic blood-sucking insects. Distributed worldwide among school-age children, this parasitosis generates scalp irritation and sometimes social prejudice. Understanding how head lice detect and perceive their human hosts is crucial to control transmission. Here, we describe the sensory structures present on the mouthparts of Pediculus humanus capitis and their possible contribution to the feeding decision-making process. On the anterior zone of the clypeus around the haustellum two morphological types of sensilla, invariable in location and number, were identified: fourteen short clypeus bristles (SCB) and six long clypeus bristles (LCB). During feeding these structures contact the host skin but not its blood. Located antero-dorsally on the everted haustellum and between the epipharyngeal teeth, a third sensillar type was identified: about four short peg epipharyngeal (SPE) sensilla. These structures are bathed with the incoming blood, when head lice feed, so may have a gustatory role. In behavioural experiments antennectomy of lice did not interfere with feeding behaviour, suggesting that the sensory structures on the mouthparts could be involved in host assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortega-Insaurralde
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Inés Picollo
- Centro de Investigaciones de Plagas e Insecticidas, Unidad de Investigación y Desarrollo para la Defensa, UNIDEF-CONICET, San Juan Bautista de La Salle 4397, B1603ALO, Villa Martelli, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Romina B Barrozo
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, Instituto Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada (IBBEA, UBA-CONICET), Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental (DBBE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Intendente Güiraldes 2160, C1428EGA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Barrozo RB. Food recognition in hematophagous insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 34:55-60. [PMID: 31247418 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hematophagous insects use heat, odors, visual cues and humidity emitted by vertebrate hosts to find them in space and time. Once they reach a host, they integrate multimodal information from its skin, and decide whether to bite or not. If skin conditions fulfil the insect's expectations, it bites and pumps a small quantity of blood. Again, only if the sampled blood fulfils the insect's feeding requirements, it continues with a full ingestion. Taste is involved in both timely linked evaluation processes via contact chemoreceptors located in different parts of their bodies, driving jointly food acceptance or rejection. However, the whole picture of how blood-sucking insects evaluate the quality of a potential host is poorly understood. Here, I summarize the actual knowledge about the feeding decision-making in blood-sucking insects. Being typically involved in the transmission of diseases to humans or livestock, a deeper understanding about factors affecting an essential process as feeding in these insects could help us to find new strategies to reduce interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina B Barrozo
- Grupo de Neuroetología de Insectos Vectores, Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, IBBEA, CONICET - UBA, Departamento Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Sparks JT, Botsko G, Swale DR, Boland LM, Patel SS, Dickens JC. Membrane Proteins Mediating Reception and Transduction in Chemosensory Neurons in Mosquitoes. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1309. [PMID: 30294282 PMCID: PMC6158332 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes use chemical cues to modulate important behaviors such as feeding, mating, and egg laying. The primary chemosensory organs comprising the paired antennae, maxillary palps and labial palps are adorned with porous sensilla that house primary sensory neurons. Dendrites of these neurons provide an interface between the chemical environment and higher order neuronal processing. Diverse proteins located on outer membranes interact with chemicals, ions, and soluble proteins outside the cell and within the lumen of sensilla. Here, we review the repertoire of chemosensory receptors and other membrane proteins involved in transduction and discuss the outlook for their functional characterization. We also provide a brief overview of select ion channels, their role in mammalian taste, and potential involvement in mosquito taste. These chemosensory proteins represent targets for the disruption of harmful biting behavior and disease transmission by mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson T Sparks
- Biology Department, High Point University, High Point, NC, United States
| | - Gina Botsko
- Biology Department, High Point University, High Point, NC, United States
| | - Daniel R Swale
- Department of Entomology, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Linda M Boland
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Shriraj S Patel
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Joseph C Dickens
- Department of Biology, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA, United States
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Legeay S, Clere N, Apaire-Marchais V, Faure S, Lapied B. Unusual modes of action of the repellent DEET in insects highlight some human side effects. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 825:92-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Russell VA. Notes on the Recent History of Neuroscience in Africa. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:96. [PMID: 29163069 PMCID: PMC5681988 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroscience began with neuroanatomy and neurosurgery in Egypt more than 5000 years ago. Knowledge grew over time and specialized neurosurgery centers were established in north Africa in the eleventh century. However, it was not until the twentieth century that neuroscience research became established in sub-Saharan Africa. In most African countries, clinical research focused on understanding the rationale and improving treatment of epilepsy, infections, nutritional neuropathies, stroke and tumors. Significant advances were made. In the twenty-first century, African knowledge expanded to include all branches of neuroscience, contributing to genetic, biochemical and inflammatory determinants of brain disorders. A major focus of basic neuroscience research has been, and is, investigation of plant extracts, drugs and stress in animal models, providing insight and identifying potential novel therapies. A significant event in the history of African neuroscience was the founding of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) in 1993. The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) supported SONA conferences, as well as workshops and neuroscience training schools in Africa. Thanks to their investment, as well as that of funding agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), neuroscience research is well-established in Africa today. However, in order to continue to develop, African neuroscience needs continued international support and African neuroscientists need to engage in policy and decision-making to persuade governments to fund studies that address the unique regional needs in Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivienne A Russell
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Sparks JT, Dickens JC. Mini review: Gustatory reception of chemicals affecting host feeding in aedine mosquitoes. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 142:15-20. [PMID: 29107239 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes vector dangerous human diseases during blood feeding. Gustatory (taste) receptor neurons in the mosquito provide important chemical information including the nature and suitability of a potential host. Here we discuss the behavior, neurophysiology and molecular mechanisms associated with feeding in aedine mosquitoes, important vectors of emerging diseases including Zika fever, chikungunya and dengue fever. We describe how interactions between feeding stimulation and deterrency at the peripheral neural receptor level provide input to higher order neural processing centers affecting decisions to feed. A better understanding of gustatory mechanisms involved in the female's decision to bite will provide the framework for novel strategies aimed at preventing the spread of vector-borne disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson T Sparks
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Joseph C Dickens
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA
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14
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Sparks JT, Bohbot JD, Ristic M, Mišic D, Skoric M, Mattoo A, Dickens JC. Chemosensory Responses to the Repellent Nepeta Essential Oil and Its Major Component Nepetalactone by Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae), a Vector of Zika Virus. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:957-963. [PMID: 28407077 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nepeta essential oil (Neo; catnip) and its major component, nepetalactone, have long been known to repel insects including mosquitoes. However, the neural mechanisms through which these repellents are detected by mosquitoes, including the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti (L.), an important vector of Zika virus, were poorly understood. Here we show that Neo volatiles activate olfactory receptor neurons within the basiconic sensilla on the maxillary palps of female Ae. aegypti. A gustatory receptor neuron sensitive to the feeding deterrent quinine and housed within sensilla on the labella of females was activated by both Neo and nepetalactone. Activity of a second gustatory receptor neuron sensitive to the feeding stimulant sucrose was suppressed by both repellents. Our results provide neural pathways for the reported spatial repellency and feeding deterrence of these repellents. A better understanding of the neural input through which female mosquitoes make decisions to feed will facilitate design of new repellents and management strategies involving their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson T Sparks
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD
- Department of Biology, High Point University, High Point, NC
| | - Jonathan D Bohbot
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD
- Department of Entomology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mihailo Ristic
- Institute for Medicinal Plants Research "Dr Josif Pancic," University of Belgrade, Tadeuša Košcuška 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Mišic
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stankovic," University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marijana Skoric
- Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stankovic," University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Autar Mattoo
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Sustainable Agricultural Systems Laboratory, Beltsville, MD
| | - Joseph C Dickens
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Invasive Insect Biocontrol and Behavior Laboratory, Beltsville, MD
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Extraoral Taste Receptor Discovery: New Light on Ayurvedic Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017. [PMID: 28642799 PMCID: PMC5469997 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5435831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
More and more research studies are revealing unexpectedly important roles of taste for health and pathogenesis of various diseases. Only recently it has been shown that taste receptors have many extraoral locations (e.g., stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, respiratory system, heart, brain, kidney, urinary bladder, pancreas, adipose tissue, testis, and ovary), being part of a large diffuse chemosensory system. The functional implications of these taste receptors widely dispersed in various organs or tissues shed a new light on several concepts used in ayurvedic pharmacology (dravyaguna vijnana), such as taste (rasa), postdigestive effect (vipaka), qualities (guna), and energetic nature (virya). This review summarizes the significance of extraoral taste receptors and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels for ayurvedic pharmacology, as well as the biological activities of various types of phytochemical tastants from an ayurvedic perspective. The relative importance of taste (rasa), postdigestive effect (vipaka), and energetic nature (virya) as ethnopharmacological descriptors within Ayurveda boundaries will also be discussed.
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Kepchia D, Moliver S, Chohan K, Phillips C, Luetje CW. Inhibition of insect olfactory behavior by an airborne antagonist of the insect odorant receptor co-receptor subunit. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177454. [PMID: 28562598 PMCID: PMC5451006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Response to volatile environmental chemosensory cues is essential for insect survival. The odorant receptor (OR) family is an important class of receptors that detects volatile molecules; guiding insects towards food, mates, and oviposition sites. ORs are odorant-gated ion channels, consisting of a variable odorant specificity subunit and a conserved odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) subunit, in an unknown stoichiometry. The Orco subunit possesses an allosteric site to which modulators can bind and noncompetitively inhibit odorant activation of ORs. In this study, we characterized several halogen-substituted versions of a phenylthiophenecarboxamide Orco antagonist structure. Orco antagonist activity was assessed on ORs from Drosophila melanogaster flies and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and assayed by two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology. One compound, OX1w, was also shown to inhibit odorant activation of a panel of Anopheles gambiae mosquito ORs activated by diverse odorants. Next, we asked whether Orco antagonist OX1w could affect insect olfactory behavior. A Drosophila melanogaster larval chemotaxis assay was utilized to address this question. Larvae were robustly attracted to highly diluted ethyl acetate in a closed experimental chamber. Attraction to ethyl acetate was Orco dependent and also required the odorant specificity subunit Or42b. The addition of the airborne Orco antagonist OX1w to the experimental chamber abolished larval chemotaxis towards ethyl acetate. The Orco antagonist was not a general inhibitor of sensory behavior, as behavioral repulsion from a light source was unaffected. This is the first demonstration that an airborne Orco antagonist can alter olfactory behavior in an insect. These results suggest a new approach to insect control and emphasize the need to develop more potent Orco antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Kepchia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Scott Moliver
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kunal Chohan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Cameron Phillips
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Charles W. Luetje
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Benton R. The neurobiology of gustation in insect disease vectors: progress and potential. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2017; 20:19-27. [PMID: 28602232 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
For insect vectors of human diseases, mealtimes are a key moment of infection. Understanding how and when such species decide on what to feed is both an interesting problem in sensory neurobiology and a source of information for intervention of these behaviors to control spread of infectious agents. Here I review the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of gustation in insect disease vectors, covering blood-feeders as well as scavengers that spread pathogens indirectly. I also consider how these behaviors are modulated over short and long timescales, and describe efforts to artificially modulate them. Though a relatively nascent field, gustatory neurobiology in insect vectors has much promise for future fundamental discoveries and practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Benton
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Génopode Building, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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18
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Asparch Y, Pontes G, Masagué S, Minoli S, Barrozo RB. Kissing bugs can generalize and discriminate between different bitter compounds. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 110:99-106. [PMID: 27865772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Animals make use of contact chemoreception structures to examine the quality of potential food sources. During this evaluation they can detect nutritious compounds that promote feeding and recognize toxins that trigger evasive behaviors. Although animals can easily distinguish between stimuli of different gustatory qualities (bitter, salty, sweet, etc.), their ability to discriminate between compounds of the same quality may be limited. Numerous plants produce alkaloids, compounds that elicit aversive behaviors in phytophagous insects and almost uniformly evoke a bitter taste for man. In hematophagous insects, however, the effect of feeding deterrent molecules has been barely studied. Recent studies showed that feeding in Rhodnius prolixus can be negatively modulated by the presence of alkaloids such as quinine (QUI) and caffeine (CAF), compounds that elicit similar aversive responses. Here, we applied associative and non-associative learning paradigms to examine under two behavioral contexts the ability of R. prolixus to distinguish, discriminate and/or generalize between these two bitter compounds, QUI and CAF. Our results show that bugs innately repelled by bitter compounds can change their behavior from avoidance to indifference or even to preference according to their previous experiences. After an aversive operant conditioning with QUI or CAF, R. prolixus modified its behavior in a direct but also in a cross-compound manner, suggesting the occurrence of a generalization process between these two alkaloids. Conversely, after a long pre-exposure to each alkaloid, bugs decreased their avoidance to the compound used during pre-exposure but still expressed an avoidance of the novel compound, proving that QUI and CAF are detected separately. Our results suggest that R. prolixus is able to discriminate between QUI and CAF, although after an associative conditioning they express a symmetrical cross-generalization. This kind of studies adds insight into the gustatory sense of a blood-sucking model but also into the learning abilities of hematophagous insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila Asparch
- Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, DBBE, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gina Pontes
- Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, DBBE, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Masagué
- Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, DBBE, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastian Minoli
- Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, DBBE, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina B Barrozo
- Laboratorio Fisiología de Insectos, IBBEA, CONICET-UBA, DBBE, Facultad Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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