1
|
Tomihara K, Andolfatto P, Kiuchi T. Allele-specific knockouts reveal a role for apontic-like in the evolutionary loss of larval melanin pigmentation in the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 31:701-710. [PMID: 35752945 PMCID: PMC9633403 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, and its wild progenitor, B. mandarina, are extensively studied as a model case of the evolutionary process of domestication. A conspicuous difference between these species is the dramatic reduction in melanin pigmentation in both larval and adult B. mori. Here we evaluate the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9-targeted knockouts of pigment-related genes as a tool to understand their potential contributions to domestication-associated melanin pigmentation loss in B. mori. To demonstrate the efficacy of targeted knockouts in B. mandarina, we generated a homozygous CRISPR/Cas9-targeted knockout of yellow-y. In yellow-y knockout mutants, black body colour became lighter throughout the larval, pupal and adult stages, confirming a role for this gene in melanin pigment formation. Further, we performed allele-specific CRISPR/Cas9-targeted knockouts of the pigment-related transcription factor, apontic-like (apt-like) in B. mori × B. mandarina F1 hybrid individuals which exhibit B. mandarina-like larval pigmentation. Knockout of the B. mandarina allele of apt-like in F1 embryos results in white patches on the dorsal integument of larvae, whereas corresponding knockouts of the B. mori allele consistently exhibit normal F1 larval pigmentation. These results demonstrate a contribution of apt-like to the evolution of reduced melanin pigmentation in B. mori. Together, our results demonstrate the feasibility of CRISPR/Cas9-targeted knockouts as a tool for understanding the genetic basis of traits associated with B. mori domestication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Tomihara
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Peter Andolfatto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10026, USA
| | - Takashi Kiuchi
- Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shirai Y, Piulachs MD, Belles X, Daimon T. DIPA-CRISPR is a simple and accessible method for insect gene editing. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100215. [PMID: 35637909 PMCID: PMC9142683 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Current approaches for insect gene editing require microinjection of materials into early embryos. This severely limits the application of gene editing to a great number of insect species, especially to those whose reproduction systems preclude access to early embryos for injection. To overcome these limitations, we report a simple and accessible method for insect gene editing, termed "direct parental" CRISPR (DIPA-CRISPR). We show that injection of Cas9 ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) into the haemocoel of adult females efficiently introduces heritable mutations in developing oocytes. Importantly, commercially available standard Cas9 protein can be directly used for DIPA-CRISPR, which makes this approach highly practical and feasible. DIPA-CRISPR enables highly efficient gene editing in the cockroaches, on which conventional approaches cannot be applied, and in the model beetle Tribolium castaneum. Due to its simplicity and accessibility, DIPA-CRISPR will greatly extend the application of gene editing technology to a wide variety of insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Shirai
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Maria-Dolors Piulachs
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Xavier Belles
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig Marítim de la Barceloneta 37, Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Takaaki Daimon
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Osanai-Futahashi M, Uchino K, Tamura T, Sezutsu H. The red egg gene as a novel effective egg color marker for silkworm transgenesis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 143:103728. [PMID: 35085769 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103728] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ommochromes are major pigments involved in coloration of eggs, eyes, and epidermis of arthropods. The recessive homozygous of egg and eye color mutant of Bombyx mori, red egg (re), exhibits red eggs and dark red eyes instead of normal purplish-brown eggs and black eyes, due to a defect in ommochrome pigment synthesis. The gene responsible for the re mutant is a major facilitator superfamily transporter gene, Bm-re. Here, we demonstrate that the re phenotype can be effectively rescued by an intact Bm-re gene driven by the Bombyx Actin A3 promoter or the baculovirus Immediate Early 1 promoter, indicating that the Bm-re gene can be used as a marker gene for visual screening of transgenic silkworms. The coloration of eggs rescued by the Bm-re transgene could be distinguished from that of host mutant eggs from diapausing period through head pigmentation stage. This allows transgenic screening at earlier embryonic stages and over a longer time period compared to conventional 3xP3 fluorescent markers, without requiring the skill and equipment to detect stemmata fluorescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mizuko Osanai-Futahashi
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Ibaraki University, 2-1-1, Bunkyo, Mito, Ibaraki, 310-8512, Japan; Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 1-2, Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8634, Japan.
| | - Keiro Uchino
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 1-2, Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8634, Japan
| | - Toshiki Tamura
- Silk Science and Technology Research Institute, 1053, Iikura, Ami-machi, Ibaraki, 300-0324, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), 1-2, Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8634, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
CRISPR-mediated knockout of cardinal and cinnabar eye pigmentation genes in the western tarnished plant bug. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4917. [PMID: 35322099 PMCID: PMC8943060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08908-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus, is a key hemipteran pest of numerous agricultural, horticultural, and industrial crops in the western United States and Mexico. A lack of genetic tools in L. hesperus hinders progress in functional genomics and in developing innovative pest control methods such as gene drive. Here, using RNA interference (RNAi) against cardinal (LhCd), cinnabar (LhCn), and white (LhW), we showed that knockdown of LhW was lethal to developing embryos, while knockdown of LhCd or LhCn produced bright red eye phenotypes, in contrast to wild-type brown eyes. We further used CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated) genome editing to generate germline knockouts of both LhCd (Card) and LhCn (Cinn), producing separate strains of L. hesperus characterized by mutant eye phenotypes. Although the cardinal knockout strain Card exhibited a gradual darkening of the eyes to brown typical of the wild-type line later in nymphal development, we observed bright red eyes throughout all life stages in the cinnabar knockout strain Cinn, making it a viable marker for tracking gene editing in L. hesperus. These results provide evidence that CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing functions in L. hesperus and that eye pigmentation genes are useful for tracking the successful genetic manipulation of this insect.
Collapse
|
5
|
Sathyasaikumar KV, Pérez de la Cruz V, Pineda B, Vázquez Cervantes GI, Ramírez Ortega D, Donley DW, Severson PL, West BL, Giorgini F, Fox JH, Schwarcz R. Cellular Localization of Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase in the Brain: Challenging the Dogma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020315. [PMID: 35204197 PMCID: PMC8868204 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), a key player in the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation, regulates the synthesis of the neuroactive metabolites 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and kynurenic acid (KYNA). KMO activity has been implicated in several major brain diseases including Huntington’s disease (HD) and schizophrenia. In the brain, KMO is widely believed to be predominantly localized in microglial cells, but verification in vivo has not been provided so far. Here, we examined KP metabolism in the brain after depleting microglial cells pharmacologically with the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622. Young adult mice were fed PLX5622 for 21 days and were euthanized either on the next day or after receiving normal chow for an additional 21 days. Expression of microglial marker genes was dramatically reduced on day 22 but had fully recovered by day 43. In both groups, PLX5622 treatment failed to affect Kmo expression, KMO activity or tissue levels of 3-HK and KYNA in the brain. In a parallel experiment, PLX5622 treatment also did not reduce KMO activity, 3-HK and KYNA in the brain of R6/2 mice (a model of HD with activated microglia). Finally, using freshly isolated mouse cells ex vivo, we found KMO only in microglia and neurons but not in astrocytes. Taken together, these data unexpectedly revealed that neurons contain a large proportion of functional KMO in the adult mouse brain under both physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Korrapati V. Sathyasaikumar
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA;
| | - Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - Benjamín Pineda
- Neuroimmunology Department, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico;
| | - Gustavo Ignacio Vázquez Cervantes
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - Daniela Ramírez Ortega
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - David W. Donley
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; (D.W.D.); (J.H.F.)
| | - Paul L. Severson
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.L.S.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Brian L. West
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.L.S.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7JA, UK;
| | - Jonathan H. Fox
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; (D.W.D.); (J.H.F.)
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-402-7635
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo JW, An EX, Lu YR, Yang L, Gai TT, He SZ, Wu SY, Hu H, Li CL, Lu C, Tong XL, Dai FY. Molecular basis of the silkworm mutant re l causing red egg color and embryonic death. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1290-1299. [PMID: 32918398 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The coloration and hatchability of insect eggs can affect individual and population survival. However, few genetic loci have been documented to affect both traits, and the genes involved in regulating these two traits are unclear. The silkworm recessive mutant rel shows both red egg color and embryo mortality. We studied the molecular basis of the rel phenotype formation. Through genetic analysis, gene screening and sequencing, we found that two closely linked genes, BGIBMGA003497 (Bm-re) and BGIBMGA003697 (BmSema1a), control egg color and embryo mortality, respectively. Six base pairs of the Bm-re gene are deleted in its open reading frame, and BmSema1a is expressed at abnormally low levels in mutant rel . BmSema1a gene function verification was performed using RNA interference and clustered randomly interspersed palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associate protein 9. Deficiency of the BmSema1a gene can cause the death of silkworm embryos. This study revealed the molecular basis of silkworm rel mutant formation and indicated that the Sema1a gene is essential for insect embryo development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Wen Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Er-Xia An
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ya-Ru Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ling Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Ting-Ting Gai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Song-Zhen He
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Song-Yuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hai Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chun-Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Cheng Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Fang-Yin Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Genetic Breeding, College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shen G, Zhang H, Lin Y, Long W, Zhao P. A novel system for separation and purification of egg pigments from the nondiapause red-egg mutant Re-nd in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 105:e21728. [PMID: 32710467 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21728] [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: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Re-nd, which was induced from the wild-type C108 by the chemical mutagen N-methane-N-methylnitrourea, is a nondiapause red-egg mutant of silkworm Bombyx mori. The special significance of the Re-nd mutant is that it is an independent dominant mutant. The aim of this study was to establish the type of pigment responsible for the red coloration in the Re-nd mutant eggs in silkworm. We compared the eggs of Re-nd mutants with those of the other B. mori egg color strains and confirmed that the Re-nd mutant is the only strain with red color and red pigment granules in nondiapause, showing this mutant belongs to the pigmentation in the serosa. We speculated that the red substance, which contributed to the bright red pigmentation for nondiapause eggs of the Re-nd mutant, could potentially be a novel pigment according to its solubility, optimum absorption peak, and oxidation-reduction reaction. Moreover, we have successfully constituted the system for enrichment, extraction, and purification of the red substance responsible for the Re-nd mutant, providing a new method for the separation and purification of other known and unknown pigments or substances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanwang Shen
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Long
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu X, Harvey-Samuel T, Yang J, Alphey L, You M. Ommochrome pathway genes kynurenine 3-hydroxylase and cardinal participate in eye pigmentation in Plutella xylostella. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2020; 21:63. [PMID: 32917146 PMCID: PMC7488671 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-020-00308-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eye pigmentation genes have been utilized as visible markers for constructing genetic control prototypes in several insect vectors of human disease. Here, orthologs of two ommochrome pathway genes, kynurenine 3-hydroxylase (kmo) and cardinal, were investigated in Plutella xylostella, a globally distributed, economically important pest of Brassica crops. RESULTS Both somatic mosaic and germline mutations were efficiently created using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and null mutant strains of Pxkmo and Pxcardinal were obtained. A frame-shift mutation in Pxkmo caused yellow compound eyes at adult stage while an in-frame mutation lacking two amino acids resulted in a hypomorphic red eye phenotypes. In contrast, Pxcardinal-deficient moths with a frame-shift mutation exhibited yellow eye pigmentation in newly emerged adults which turned to red as the adults aged. Additionally, differences were observed in the coloration of larval ocelli, brains and testes in Pxkmo and Pxcardinal yellow-eye mutant lines. CONCLUSIONS Our work identifies the important roles of Pxkmo and Pxcardinal in P. xylostella eye pigmentation and provides tools for future genetic manipulation of this important crop pest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Tim Harvey-Samuel
- Arthropod Genetics Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Pirbright, GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Jie Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Luke Alphey
- Arthropod Genetics Group, The Pirbright Institute, Woking, Pirbright, GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Minsheng You
- State Key Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control for Fujian and Taiwan Crops, Institute of Applied Ecology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China. .,Joint International Research Laboratory of Ecological Pest Control, Ministry of Education, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China. .,Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management for Fujian-Taiwan Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu M, Wang P, Gao M, Shen D, Zhao Q. Transcriptome analysis of the eggs of the silkworm pale red egg (rep-1) mutant at 36 hours after oviposition. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0237242. [PMID: 32764803 PMCID: PMC7413551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The egg stage is one of the most critical periods in the life history of silkworms, during which physiological processes such as sex determination, tissue organ formation and differentiation, diapause and pigmentation occur. In addition, egg color gradually emerges around 36h after oviposition. The red egg mutant rep-1, which was recently discovered in the C1(H) wild-type, C1(H) exhibits a brown egg color. In this study, the transcriptome of the eggs was analyzed 36h after oviposition. Between the rep-1 mutant and the C1(H) wild-type, 800 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 325 up-regulated genes and 475 down-regulated genes. These DEGs were mainly involved in biological processes (metabolic process, cellular process, biological regulation and regulation of biological process and localization), cellular components (membrane, membrane part, cell, cell part and organelle) and molecular functions (binding, catalytic activity, transporter activity, structural molecule activity and molecular transducer activity). The pathway enrichment of these DEGs was performed based on the KEGG database, and the results indicated that these DEGs were mainly involved in pathways in the following categories: metabolic pathways, longevity-regulating pathway-multiple species, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisome, carbon metabolism and purine metabolism. Further analysis showed that a large number of silkworm growth- and development-related genes and ommochrome synthesis- and metabolism-related genes were differentially expressed, most of which were up-regulated in the mutant. Our research findings provide new experimental evidence for research on ommochrome pigmentation and lay the foundation for further research on the mechanism of the rep-1 mutant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meina Wu
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Pingyang Wang
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Research Academy of Sericultural Science, Guangxi, Nanning, China
| | - Mengjie Gao
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongxu Shen
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhao
- School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- The Sericulture Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hong JW, Jeong CY, Yu JH, Kim SB, Kang SK, Kim SW, Kim NS, Kim KY, Park JW. Bombyx mori kynurenine 3-monooxygenase gene editing and insect molecular breeding using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat/CRISPR associated protein 9 system. Biotechnol Prog 2020; 36:e3054. [PMID: 32706513 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR associated protein (Cas)9, a third-generation gene scissors, and molecular breeding at the genome level are attracting considerable attention as future breeding techniques. In the present study, genetic and phenotypic analyses were conducted to examine the molecular breeding of Bombyx mori through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) gene. The synthesized guide RNAs (gRNAs) were analyzed using T7 endonuclease I after introduction into the BM-N silkworm cell line. To edit the silkworm gene, K1P gRNA, and Cas9 complexes were microinjected into silkworm embryos. After microinjection, the hatching rate and the incidence of mutation were determined as 18.1% and 60%, respectively. Gene mutation was verified in the heterozygous G0 generation, but no phenotypic change was observed; however, certain embryos and moths produced through sib-mating had significant differences compared to the wild-type. In successive generations, a distinct phenotypic change was also observed by continuous mating. Thus, although there are limitations in the phenotypic expression in breeding through the induction of deletion mutations, as in the present study, the process is believed to yield successful results within a shorter period compared to traditional breeding and is safer than transgenic technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Won Hong
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Jeong
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hee Yu
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Bae Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Kuk Kang
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Wan Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Suk Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee Young Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Woo Park
- Department of Agricultural Biology, National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lu Y, Shao M, Wu T. Kynurenine-3-monooxygenase: A new direction for the treatment in different diseases. Food Sci Nutr 2020; 8:711-719. [PMID: 32148781 PMCID: PMC7020307 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO) is an enzyme that relies on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), a key site in the kynurenine pathway (KP), which has great effects on neurological diseases, cancer, and peripheral inflammation. This review mainly pay attention to the research of KMO mechanism for the treatment of different diseases, and hopes to provide assistance for clinical and drug use. KMO controlling the chief division of the KP, which directly controls downstream product quinolinic acid (QUIN) and indirectly controls kynurenic acid (KYNA), plays an important role in many diseases, especially neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Mingmei Shao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rana S, Rajurkar AB, Kumar KK, Mohankumar S. Comparative Analysis of Chitin SynthaseA dsRNA Mediated RNA Interference for Management of Crop Pests of Different Families of Lepidoptera. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:427. [PMID: 32362904 PMCID: PMC7182115 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a sequence-specific down-regulation in the expression of a particular gene, induced by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Feeding of dsRNA either directly or through transgenic plants expressing dsRNA of insect genes has been proven successful against lepidopteran and coleopteran pests, establishing an additional alternative to control insect pests. Lepidopteran crop pests including Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Noctuidae), Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Crambidae), Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus) (Plutellidae), and Maruca vitrata (Fabricius) (Pyralidae) are the devastating pests of a variety of crops. To tap the potential of RNAi against insect pests, a gene coding for the key enzyme in chitin biosynthesis in arthropods, the chitin synthaseA (CHSA), has been targeted through an exogenous delivery of dsRNA and plant-mediated RNAi. The introduction of dsCHSA caused "Half ecdysis" and "Black body" type lethal phenotypes and a significant reduction in larval body weight. Subsequent RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated the down-regulation of CHSA gene transcripts from 1.38- to 8.33-fold in the four target species. Meanwhile, when S. litura larvae fed with leaves of transgenic tobacco plants expressing dsSlCHSA, the mRNA abundance of CHSA gene was significantly decreased resulting in lethal phenotypes like "Double head formation," "Half ecdysis," and "Black body." In addition, abnormalities in pupal-adult and adult stage were also documented, strongly suggesting the RNAi effect of CHSA gene at late developmental stages. Overall, the results demonstrated that CHSA gene expression in Lepidopteran crop pests could be suppressed by application of dsRNA either as feeding or through transgenic crop plants.
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu SH, Luo J, Yang BJ, Wang AY, Tang J. karmoisin and cardinal ortholog genes participate in the ommochrome synthesis of Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 26:35-43. [PMID: 28657684 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ommochrome is the major source for eye coloration of all insect species so far examined. Phenoxazinone synthetase (PHS) has always been regarded as the terminal step enzyme for ommochrome formation, which is encoded by cardinal or karmoisin genes. Our previous study indicated that the karmoisin ortholog gene (Nl-karmoisin) product in the brown planthopper (BPH) was a monocarboxylate transporter, while not a PHS. Here, based on full-length complementary DNA, the cardinal ortholog gene in BPH (Nl-cardinal) product was predicted to be a haem peroxidase rather than a PHS. We suggest for the first time that neither karmoisin nor cardinal encodes the PHS, but whether PHS participates in BPH eye pigmentation needs further research. Nymphal RNA interference (RNAi) experiments showed that knockdown Nl-cardinal transcript led the BPH ocelli and compound eye to color change from brown to red, while knockdown Nl-karmoisin only made the ocelli present the red phenotype. Notably, not only the Nl-cardinal transcript, dscd injection (Nl-cardinal targeting double-stranded DNA (dsRNA)) also significantly reduced the Nl-karmoisin transcript by 33.7%, while dska (Nl-karmoisin targeting dsRNA) injection did not significantly change the Nl-cardinal transcript. Considering the above RNAi and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results, we propose that Nl-cardinal plays a more important role in ommochrome synthesis than Nl-karmoisin, and it may be an upstream gene of Nl-karmoisin. The present study suggested that both karmoisin and cardinal ortholog genes play a role in ommochrome synthesis in a hemimetabolous insect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ju Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bao-Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ai-Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology, China National Rice Research Institute, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Brent CS, Hull JJ. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of eye coloration genes in the western tarnished plant bug (Lygus hesperus Knight). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 100:e21527. [PMID: 30588650 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Insect eye coloration arises from the accumulation of various pigments. A number of genes that function in the biosynthesis (vermilion, cinnabar, and cardinal) and importation (karmoisin, white, scarlet, and brown) of these pigments, and their precursors, have been identified in diverse species and used as markers for transgenesis and gene editing. To examine their suitability as visible markers in Lygus hesperus Knight (western tarnished plant bug), transcriptomic data were screened for sequences exhibiting homology with the Drosophila melanogaster proteins. Complete open reading frames encoding putative homologs for all seven genes were identified. Bioinformatic-based sequence and phylogenetic analyses supported initial annotations as eye coloration genes. Consistent with their proposed role, each of the genes was expressed in adult heads as well as throughout nymphal and adult development. Adult eyes of those injected with double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) for karmoisin, vermilion, cinnabar, cardinal, and scarlet were characterized by a red band along the medial margin extending from the rostral terminus to the antenna. In contrast, eyes of insects injected with dsRNAs for both white and brown were a uniform light brown. White knockdown also produced cuticular and behavioral defects. Based on its expression profile and robust visible phenotype, cardinal would likely prove to be the most suitable marker for developing gene editing methods in Lygus species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin S Brent
- USDA-ARS Arid Land Agricultural Center, Maricopa, Arizona
| | - J Joe Hull
- USDA-ARS Arid Land Agricultural Center, Maricopa, Arizona
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Melanin Pathway Genes Regulate Color and Morphology of Butterfly Wing Scales. Cell Rep 2018; 24:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.05.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
|
16
|
Zhang H, Lin Y, Shen G, Tan X, Lei C, Long W, Liu H, Zhang Y, Xu Y, Wu J, Gu J, Xia Q, Zhao P. Pigmentary analysis of eggs of the silkworm Bombyx mori. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2017; 101:142-150. [PMID: 28750999 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ommochromes are major pigments involved in coloration of eggs, eyes, wings, and epidermis of insects. Bombyx mori (silkworm) eggs contain a mixture of ommochrome pigments and their precursors. Here, we analyzed the pigment composition of every egg color strain using egg color mutants (w-2, pe, and re) and wild-type strains (dazao and C108) by using full wavelength scanning and high-performance liquid chromatography. We identified ommochrome pigments and their precursors in pigment extracts from non-diapause eggs and diapause eggs, and found that the quantities of ommochrome precursor 3-hydroxy-kynurenine were much higher in the diapause eggs. Ommochrome pigments were absent in the non-diapause eggs. We analyzed the pigment composition of every egg color strain and found an accumulation of 3-hydroxy-kynurenine and absence of ommochromes in the yellow eggs (w-2 and pe), suggesting that the essential factors for ommochrome biosynthesis are high levels of 3-hydroxy-kynurenine, enzymes for ommochrome synthesis and transferase, and spermatiation. Moreover, we confirmed that both decarboxylated xanthommatin and xanthommatin are major ommochrome pigments, and the quantity of decarboxylated xanthommatin is much higher than that of xanthommatin in silkworm eggs. Since ommochrome pigments can change color under oxidative/reductive conditions and the egg color mutant re turns crimson when preserved at a low temperature for a few weeks, we used an oxidation-reduction reaction in vitro to explore mechanisms behind the pigment-based color change. Specifically, during diapause, the contents of decarboxylated xanthommatin and xanthommatin are increased, and the ommochrome pigments convert into their reduced forms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xue Tan
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Chao Lei
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wei Long
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hongling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yandi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yinying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jinxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jianjian Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing 400716, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Knockout silkworms reveal a dispensable role for juvenile hormones in holometabolous life cycle. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015. [PMID: 26195792 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1506645112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect juvenile hormones (JHs) prevent precocious metamorphosis and allow larvae to undergo multiple rounds of status quo molts. However, the roles of JHs during the embryonic and very early larval stages have not been fully understood. We generated and characterized knockout silkworms (Bombyx mori) with null mutations in JH biosynthesis or JH receptor genes using genome-editing tools. We found that embryonic growth and morphogenesis are largely independent of JHs in Bombyx and that, even in the absence of JHs or JH signaling, pupal characters are not formed in first- or second-instar larvae, and precocious metamorphosis is induced after the second instar at the earliest. We also show by mosaic analysis that a pupal specifier gene broad, which is dramatically up-regulated in the late stage of the last larval instar, is essential for pupal commitment in the epidermis. Importantly, the mRNA expression level of broad, which is thought to be repressed by JHs, remained at very low basal levels during the early larval instars of JH-deficient or JH signaling-deficient knockouts. Therefore, our study suggests that the long-accepted paradigm that JHs maintain the juvenile status throughout larval life should be revised because the larval status can be maintained by a JH-independent mechanism in very early larval instars. We propose that the lack of competence for metamorphosis during the early larval stages may result from the absence of an unidentified broad-inducing factor, i.e., a competence factor.
Collapse
|
18
|
Fujii T, Abe H, Kawamoto M, Banno Y, Shimada T. Positional cloning of the sex-linked giant egg (Ge) locus in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 24:213-221. [PMID: 25469867 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The giant egg (Ge) locus is a Z-linked mutation that leads to the production of large eggs. Cytological observations suggest that an unusual translocation of a large fragment of the W chromosome bearing a putative egg size-determining gene, Esd, gave rise to giant egg mutants. However, there is currently no molecular evidence confirming either a W-Z translocation or the presence of Esd on the W chromosome. To elucidate the origin of giant egg mutants, we performed positional cloning. We observed that the Bombyx mori. orthologue of the human Phytanoyl-CoA dioxygenase domain containing 1 gene (PHYHD1) is disrupted in giant egg mutants. PHYHD1 is highly conserved in eukaryotes and is predicted to be a Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent oxygenase. Exon skipping in one of the two available Ge mutants is probably caused by the insertion of a non-long terminal repeat transposon into intron 4 in the vicinity of the 5' splice site. Segmental duplication in Ge(2) , an independent allele, was caused by unequal recombination between short interspersed elements inserted into introns 3 and 5. Our results indicate that (1) Bombyx PHYHD1 is responsible for the Ge mutants and that (2) the Ge locus is unrelated to the W-linked putative Esd. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the phenotypic defects caused by mutations in PHYHD1 orthologues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Fujii
- Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
The ABCs of eye color in Tribolium castaneum: orthologs of the Drosophila white, scarlet, and brown Genes. Genetics 2015; 199:749-59. [PMID: 25555987 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.114.173971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster, each of the three paralogous ABC transporters, White, Scarlet and Brown, is required for normal pigmentation of the compound eye. We have cloned the three orthologous genes from the beetle Tribolium castaneum. Conceptual translations of Tribolium white (Tcw), scarlet (Tcst), and brown (Tcbw) are 51, 48, and 32% identical to their respective Drosophila counterparts. We have identified loss-of-eye-pigment strains that bear mutations in Tcw and Tcst: the Tcw gene in the ivory (i) strain carries a single-base transversion, which leads to an E → D amino-acid substitution in the highly conserved Walker B motif, while the Tcst gene in the pearl (p) strain has a deletion resulting in incorporation of a premature stop codon. In light of these findings, the mutant strains i and p are herein renamed white(ivory) (w(i)) and scarlet(pearl) (st(p)), respectively. In addition, RNA inhibition of Tcw and Tcst recapitulates the mutant phenotypes, confirming the roles of these genes in normal eye pigmentation, while RNA interference of Tcbw provides further evidence that it has no role in eye pigmentation in Tribolium. We also consider the evolutionary implications of our findings.
Collapse
|
20
|
Nomura T, Suganuma M, Higa Y, Kataoka Y, Funaguma S, Okazaki H, Suzuki T, Kobayashi I, Sezutsu H, Fujiyama K. Improvement of glycosylation structure by suppression of β-N-acetylglucosaminidases in silkworm. J Biosci Bioeng 2014; 119:131-6. [PMID: 25193875 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2014.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The baculovirus-silkworm recombinant protein expression system is an excellent method for achieving high-level expression and post-translational modifications, especially glycosylation. However, the presence of paucimannosidic-type N-glycan in glycoproteins restricts their clinical use. Paucimannosidic-type N-glycan is produced by insect-specific membrane-binding-type β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (GlcNAcase). In the silkworm, BmGlcNAcase1, BmGlcNAcase2, and BmFDL are membrane-binding-type GlcNAcases. We investigated the localization of these GlcNAcases and found that BmFDL and BmGlcNAcase2 were mainly located in the fat body and hemolymph, respectively. The fat body is the main tissue of recombinant protein expression by baculovirus, and many glycoproteins are secreted into the hemolymph. These results suggest that inhibition of BmFDL and BmGlcNAcase2 could increase GlcNAc-type N-glycan levels. We therefore injected a GlcNAcase inhibitor into silkworms to investigate changes in the N-glycan structure of the glycoprotein expressed by baculovirus; modest levels of GlcNAc-type N-glycan were observed (0.8% of total N-glycan). Next, we generated a transgenic silkworm in which RNA interference (RNAi) reduced the BmFDL transcript level and enzyme activity to 25% and 50%, respectively, of that of the control silkworm. The proportion of GlcNAc-type N-glycan increased to 4.3% in the RNAi-transgenic silkworm. We conclude that the structure of N-glycan can be changed by inhibiting the GlcNAcases in silkworm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Nomura
- Protein Development Center, Sysmex Corporation, 1548 Simo-okudomi, Sayama, Saitama 350-1332, Japan; The International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-8071, Japan.
| | - Masatoshi Suganuma
- Protein Development Center, Sysmex Corporation, 1548 Simo-okudomi, Sayama, Saitama 350-1332, Japan
| | - Yukiko Higa
- Protein Development Center, Sysmex Corporation, 1548 Simo-okudomi, Sayama, Saitama 350-1332, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kataoka
- Protein Development Center, Sysmex Corporation, 1548 Simo-okudomi, Sayama, Saitama 350-1332, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Funaguma
- Protein Development Center, Sysmex Corporation, 1548 Simo-okudomi, Sayama, Saitama 350-1332, Japan
| | - Hironobu Okazaki
- Protein Development Center, Sysmex Corporation, 1548 Simo-okudomi, Sayama, Saitama 350-1332, Japan
| | - Takeo Suzuki
- Protein Development Center, Sysmex Corporation, 1548 Simo-okudomi, Sayama, Saitama 350-1332, Japan
| | - Isao Kobayashi
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, Genetically Modified Organism Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, Genetically Modified Organism Research Center, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Owashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Fujiyama
- The International Center for Biotechnology, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-8071, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chintapalli VR, Al Bratty M, Korzekwa D, Watson DG, Dow JAT. Mapping an atlas of tissue-specific Drosophila melanogaster metabolomes by high resolution mass spectrometry. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78066. [PMID: 24205093 PMCID: PMC3812166 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics can provide exciting insights into organismal function, but most work on simple models has focussed on the whole organism metabolome, so missing the contributions of individual tissues. Comprehensive metabolite profiles for ten tissues from adult Drosophila melanogaster were obtained here by two chromatographic methods, a hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) method for polar metabolites and a lipid profiling method also based on HILIC, in combination with an Orbitrap Exactive instrument. Two hundred and forty two polar metabolites were putatively identified in the various tissues, and 251 lipids were observed in positive ion mode and 61 in negative ion mode. Although many metabolites were detected in all tissues, every tissue showed characteristically abundant metabolites which could be rationalised against specific tissue functions. For example, the cuticle contained high levels of glutathione, reflecting a role in oxidative defence; the alimentary canal (like vertebrate gut) had high levels of acylcarnitines for fatty acid metabolism, and the head contained high levels of ether lipids. The male accessory gland uniquely contained decarboxylated S-adenosylmethionine. These data thus both provide valuable insights into tissue function, and a reference baseline, compatible with the FlyAtlas.org transcriptomic resource, for further metabolomic analysis of this important model organism, for example in the modelling of human inborn errors of metabolism, aging or metabolic imbalances such as diabetes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Venkateswara R. Chintapalli
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Al Bratty
- Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Dominika Korzekwa
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David G. Watson
- Strathclyde Institute for Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Julian A. T. Dow
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Osanai-Futahashi M, Tatematsu KI, Yamamoto K, Narukawa J, Uchino K, Kayukawa T, Shinoda T, Banno Y, Tamura T, Sezutsu H. Identification of the Bombyx red egg gene reveals involvement of a novel transporter family gene in late steps of the insect ommochrome biosynthesis pathway. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:17706-17714. [PMID: 22474291 PMCID: PMC3366856 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.321331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ommochromes are one of the major pigments involved in coloration of eggs, eyes, and body surface of insects. However, the molecular mechanisms of the final steps of ommochrome pigment synthesis have been largely unknown. The eggs of the silkworm Bombyx mori contain a mixture of ommochrome pigments, and exhibit a brownish lilac color. The recessive homozygous of egg and eye color mutant, red egg (re), whose eggs display a pale orange color instead of normal dark coloration, has been long suggested to have a defect in the biosynthesis of the final ommochrome pigments. Here, we identify the gene responsible for the re locus by positional cloning, mutant analysis, and RNAi experiments. In the re mutants, we found that a 541-bp transposable element is inserted into the ORF of BGIBMGA003497-1 (Bm-re) encoding a novel member of a major facilitator superfamily transporter, causing disruption of the splicing of exon 9, resulting in two aberrant transcripts with frameshifts yielding nonfunctional proteins lacking the C-terminal transmembrane domains. Bm-re function in pigmentation was confirmed by embryonic RNAi experiments. Homologs of the Bm-re gene were found in all insect genomes sequenced at present, except for 12 sequenced Drosophila genomes, which seemed to correlate with the previous studies that have demonstrated that eye ommochrome composition is different from other insects in several Dipterans. Knockdown of the Bm-re homolog by RNAi in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum caused adult compound eye coloration defects, indicating a conserved role in ommochrome pigment biosynthesis at least among holometabolous insects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mizuko Osanai-Futahashi
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan.
| | - Ken-Ichiro Tatematsu
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Kimiko Yamamoto
- Insect Genome Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Junko Narukawa
- Insect Genome Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Keiro Uchino
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Takumi Kayukawa
- Insect Growth Regulation Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Shinoda
- Insect Growth Regulation Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Yutaka Banno
- Laboratory of Insect Genetic Resources, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
| | - Toshiki Tamura
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kobayashi I, Tsukioka H, Kômoto N, Uchino K, Sezutsu H, Tamura T, Kusakabe T, Tomita S. SID-1 protein of Caenorhabditis elegans mediates uptake of dsRNA into Bombyx cells. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 42:148-154. [PMID: 22178129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference is one of the most revolutionary tools in the study of gene function, particularly in non-model systems. However, in Bombyx mori, as with many lepidopteran species, attempts at systemic RNAi have had mixed success. Gene identification and phylogenetic analyses suggest that Bombyx has the core RNAi machinery, which is necessary to undergo RNAi as a cellular response. We introduced sid genes from Caenorhabditis elegans into Bombyx BmN4 cells to enhance the uptake of dsRNA and revealed that the SID-1 protein, but not SID-2, has the ability to endow the RNAi effect with the addition of dsRNA to the medium. Observed RNAi effect was dependent on both the levels of sid-1 expression and the concentration of the dsRNA. These results suggest that SID-1 promotes the uptake of dsRNA from the medium into Bombyx cells. We generated transgenic animals that express sid-1 but have not detected significant enhancements of in vivo phenotype in response to the injection of the dsRNA into hemocoel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isao Kobayashi
- Transgenic Silkworm Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, 1-2 Ohwashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Tatematsu KI, Yamamoto K, Uchino K, Narukawa J, Iizuka T, Banno Y, Katsuma S, Shimada T, Tamura T, Sezutsu H, Daimon T. Positional cloning of silkworm white egg 2 (w-2) locus shows functional conservation and diversification of ABC transporters for pigmentation in insects. Genes Cells 2011; 16:331-42. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2011.01490.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
25
|
Okamoto S, Futahashi R, Kojima T, Mita K, Fujiwara H. Catalogue of epidermal genes: genes expressed in the epidermis during larval molt of the silkworm Bombyx mori. BMC Genomics 2008; 9:396. [PMID: 18721459 PMCID: PMC2542385 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-9-396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2008] [Accepted: 08/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The insect cuticle is composed of various proteins and formed during the molt under hormonal regulation, although its precise composition and formation mechanism are largely unknown. The exhaustive catalogue of genes expressed in epidermis at the molt constitutes a massive amount of information from which to draw a complete picture of the molt and cuticle formation in insects. Therefore, we have catalogued a library of full-length cDNAs (designated epM) from epidermal cells during the last larval molt of Bombyx mori. RESULTS Of the 10,368 sequences in the library, we isolated 6,653 usable expressed sequence tags (ESTs), which were categorized into 1,451 nonredundant gene clusters. Seventy-one clusters were considered to be isoforms or premature forms of other clusters. Therefore, we have identified 1,380 putative genes. Of the 6,653 expressed sequences, 48% were derived from 92 cuticular protein genes (RR-1, 24; RR-2, 17; glycine-rich, 29; other classes, 22). A comparison of epM with another epidermal EST data set, epV3 (feeding stage: fifth instar, day 3), showed marked differences in cuticular protein gene. Various types of cuticular proteins are expressed in epM but virtually only RR-1 proteins were expressed in epV3. Cuticular protein genes expressed specifically in epidermis, with several types of expression patterns during the molt, suggest different types of responses to the ecdysteroid pulse. Compared with other Bombyx EST libraries, 13 genes were preferentially included in epM data set. We isolated 290 genes for proteins other than cuticular proteins, whose amino acid sequences retain putative signal peptides, suggesting that they play some role in cuticle formation or in other molting events. Several gene groups were also included in this data set: hormone metabolism, P450, modifier of cuticular protein structure, small-ligand-binding protein, transcription factor, and pigmentation genes. CONCLUSION We have identified 1,380 genes in epM data set and 13 preferentially expressed genes in epidermis at the molt. The comparison of the epM and other EST libraries clarified the totally different gene expression patterns in epidermis between the molting and feeding stages and many novel tissue- and stage-specifically expressed epidermal genes. These data should further our understanding of cuticle formation and the insect molt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun Okamoto
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8562, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Positional cloning of a Bombyx wingless locus flugellos (fl) reveals a crucial role for fringe that is specific for wing morphogenesis. Genetics 2008; 179:875-85. [PMID: 18505883 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.107.082784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations at the flügellos (fl) locus in Bombyx mori produce wingless pupae and moths because of the repressed response of wing discs to ecdysteroid. Four recessive fl alleles occurred spontaneously and were mapped at 13.0 of the silkworm genetic linkage group 10. By positional cloning, we confirmed that the gene responsible for fl is fringe (fng) encoding Fng glycosyltransferase, which is involved in regulating the Notch signaling pathway. In four different fl alleles, we detected a large deletion of the fng gene in fl(k) and nonsense mutations in fl, fl(o), and fl(n). In the wild-type (WT) silkworm, fng is expressed actively in the wing discs, brain, and reproductive organs from the fourth to final instars but barely in the other tissues tested. In situ hybridization showed that fng mRNA is expressed in the dorsal layer of the WT wing discs. The wingless (wg) mRNA, a downstream marker of Fng-mediated Notch signaling, is localized at the dorsoventral boundary in the WT wing discs but repressed markedly in the fl wing discs. Although null mutants of Drosophila fng result in postembryonic lethality, loss of fng function in Bombyx affects only wing morphogenesis, suggesting different essential roles for fng in tissue differentiation among insects.
Collapse
|
27
|
Han Q, Beerntsen BT, Li J. The tryptophan oxidation pathway in mosquitoes with emphasis on xanthurenic acid biosynthesis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2007; 53:254-63. [PMID: 17070835 PMCID: PMC2577175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2006.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2006] [Revised: 09/01/2006] [Accepted: 09/04/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Oxidation of tryptophan to kynurenine and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) is the major catabolic pathway in mosquitoes. However, 3-HK is oxidized easily under physiological conditions, resulting in the production of reactive radical species. To overcome this problem, mosquitoes have developed an efficient mechanism to prevent 3-HK from accumulating by converting this chemically reactive compound to the chemically stable xanthurenic acid. Interestingly, 3-HK is a precursor for the production of compound eye pigments during the pupal and early adult stages; consequently, mosquitoes need to preserve and transport 3-HK for compound eye pigmentation in pupae and adults. This review summarizes the tryptophan oxidation pathway, compares and contrasts the mosquito tryptophan oxidation pathway with other model species, and discusses possible driving forces leading to the functional adaptation and evolution of enzymes involved in the mosquito tryptophan oxidation pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Han
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yasukochi Y, Banno Y, Yamamoto K, Goldsmith MR, Fujii H. Integration of molecular and classical linkage groups of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (n = 28). Genome 2005; 48:626-9. [PMID: 16094430 DOI: 10.1139/g05-023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Previously published linkage groups (LGs) composed of molecular markers were assigned to classical LGs in the silkworm, Bombyx mori (n = 28). Four markers from the classical linkage map, og, w-1, Lp, and Pfl, were assigned to the molecular linkage maps using sequence tagged sites. In addition, linkage analysis was carried out using BF1 progeny between wild-type and mutant stocks carrying morphological phenotypic markers. As a result, the counterparts for 26 of 28 molecular LGs were identified with their counterparts of the classical LGs. Two visible markers, Sel and Xan, representing different classical LGs, were found to be linked.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Yasukochi
- Insect Genome Laboratory, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Goldsmith MR, Shimada T, Abe H. The genetics and genomics of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2005; 50:71-100. [PMID: 15355234 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.50.071803.130456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 320] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We review progress in applying molecular genetic and genomic technologies to studies in the domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, highlighting its use as a model for Lepidoptera, and in sericulture and biotechnology. Dense molecular linkage maps are being integrated with classical linkage maps for positional cloning and marker-assisted selection. Classical mutations have been identified by a candidate gene approach. Cytogenetic and sequence analyses show that the W chromosome is composed largely of nested full-length long terminal repeat retrotransposons. Z-chromosome-linked sequences show a lack of dosage compensation. The downstream sex differentiation mechanism has been studied via the silkworm homolog of doublesex. Expressed sequence tagged databases have been used to discover Lepidoptera-specific genes, provide evidence for horizontal gene transfer, and construct microarrays. Physical maps using large-fragment bacterial artificial chromosome libraries have been constructed, and whole-genome shotgun sequencing is underway. Germline transformation and transient expression systems are well established and available for functional studies, high-level protein expression, and gene silencing via RNA interference.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian R Goldsmith
- Biological Sciences Department, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island 02881, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Imamura M, Nakai J, Inoue S, Quan GX, Kanda T, Tamura T. Targeted Gene Expression Using the GAL4/UAS System in the Silkworm Bombyx mori. Genetics 2003; 165:1329-40. [PMID: 14668386 PMCID: PMC1462818 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/165.3.1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The silkworm Bombyx mori is one of the most well-studied insects in terms of both genetics and physiology and is recognized as the model lepidopteran insect. To develop an efficient system for analyzing gene function in the silkworm, we investigated the feasibility of using the GAL4/UAS system in conjunction with piggyBac vector-mediated germ-line transformation for targeted gene expression. To drive the GAL4 gene, we used two endogenous promoters that originated from the B. mori actin A3 (BmA3) and fibroin light-chain (FiL) genes and the artificial promoter 3xP3. GFP was used as the reporter. In initial tests of the function of the GAL4/UAS system, we generated transgenic animals that carried the UAS-GFP construct plus either BmA3-GAL4 or 3xP3-GAL4. GFP fluorescence was observed in the tissues of GFP-positive animals, in which both promoters drove GAL4 gene expression. Animals that possessed only the GAL4 gene or UAS-GFP construct did not show GFP fluorescence. In addition, as a further test of the ability of the GAL4/UAS system to drive tissue-specific expression we constructed FiL-GAL4 lines with 3xP3-CFP as the transformation marker. FiL-GAL4 × UAS-GFP crosses showed GFP expression in the posterior silk gland, in which the endogenous FiL gene is normally expressed. These results show that the GAL4/UAS system is applicable to B. mori and emphasize the potential of this system for controlled analyses of B. mori gene function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morikazu Imamura
- Insect Gene Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Han Q, Calvo E, Marinotti O, Fang J, Rizzi M, James AA, Li J. Analysis of the wild-type and mutant genes encoding the enzyme kynurenine monooxygenase of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 12:483-490. [PMID: 12974953 PMCID: PMC2629591 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2583.2003.00433.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) catalyses the hydroxylation of kynurenine to 3-hydroxykynurenine. KMO has a key role in tryptophan catabolism and synthesis of ommochrome pigments in mosquitoes. The gene encoding this enzyme in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, is called kynurenine hydroxylase (kh) and a mutant allele that produces white eyes has been designated khw. A number of cDNA clones representative of wild-type and mutant genes were isolated. Sequence analyses of the wild-type and mutant cDNAs revealed a deletion of 162 nucleotides in the mutant gene near the 3'-end of the deduced coding region. RT-PCR analyses confirm the transcription of a truncated mRNA in the mutant strain. The in-frame deletion results in a loss of 54 amino acids, which disrupts a major alpha-helix and which probably accounts for the loss of activity of the enzyme. Recombinant Ae. aegypti KMO showed high substrate specificity for kynurenine with optimum activity at 40 degrees C and pH = 7.5. Kinetic parameters and inhibition of KMO activity by Cl- and pyridoxal-5-phosphate were determined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Q Han
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Itoh M, Inoue T, Kanamori Y, Nishida S, Yamaguchi M. Tandem duplication of alkaline phosphatase genes and polymorphism in the intergenic sequence in Bombyx mori. Mol Genet Genomics 2003; 270:114-20. [PMID: 14508679 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-003-0880-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2002] [Accepted: 06/05/2003] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Alkaline phosphatases are ubiquitous in organisms from bacteria to human. Two alkaline phosphatase genes, Alp-m and Alp-s, were independently cloned from the silkworm Bombyx mori. They were mapped to a small DNA region and shown to be organized in tandem. Exon-intron structures of the two genes were highly conserved, with the exception of the second intron in Alp-m, which has no counterpart in Alp-s. The similarity between the nucleotide sequences of the exons of the two genes was strikingly high (60-79%), suggesting that Alp-m and Alp-s originated from a duplication of their common ancestor gene. The intergenic sequence between the two Alp genes shows length polymorphism in different B. mori strains, which can be explained by presence/absence of two putative insertion sequences. This structural variation suggests a possible scenario for the divergence of the two Alp genes after the duplication event.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Itoh
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo, 606-8585, Kyoto, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Koike Y, Mita K, Suzuki MG, Maeda S, Abe H, Osoegawa K, deJong PJ, Shimada T. Genomic sequence of a 320-kb segment of the Z chromosome of Bombyx mori containing a kettin ortholog. Mol Genet Genomics 2003; 269:137-49. [PMID: 12715162 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-003-0822-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2002] [Accepted: 01/17/2003] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The sex chromosome constitution of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is ZW in the female and ZZ in the male. Very little molecular information is available about the Z chromosome in Lepidoptera, although the topic is interesting because of the absence of gene dosage compensation in this chromosome. We constructed a 320-kb BAC contig around the Bmkettin gene on the Z chromosome in Bombyx and determined its nucleotide sequence by the shotgun method. We found 13 novel protein-coding sequences in addition to Bmkettin. All the transposable elements detected in the region were truncated, and no LTR retrotransposons were found, in stark contrast to the situation on the W chromosome. In this 320-kb region, four genes for muscle proteins (Bmkettin, Bmtitin1, Bmtitin2, and Bmprojectin) are clustered, together with another gene (Bmmiple) on the Z chromosome in B. mori; their orthologs are also closely linked on chromosome 3 in Drosophila, suggesting a partial synteny. Real-time RT-PCR experiments demonstrated that transcripts of 13 genes of the 14 Z-linked genes found accumulated in larger amounts in males than in female moths, indicating the absence of gene dosage compensation. The implications of these findings for the evolution and function of the Z chromosome in Lepidoptera are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Koike
- Department of Agricultural and Environmental Biology, University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, 113-8657 Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Orth AP, Doll SC, Goodman WG. Sequence, structure and expression of the hemolymph juvenile hormone binding protein gene in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2003; 33:93-102. [PMID: 12459204 DOI: 10.1016/s0965-1748(02)00180-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The hemolymph juvenile hormone binding protein (hJHBP) gene of Manduca sexta is a key target of its specific ligand, juvenile hormone (JH). While the cDNA for hJHBP has been partially characterized, little is known about the hJHBP gene structure or its promoter(s) and enhancers(s). Previous studies have demonstrated that JH stimulates a rapid accumulation of hJHBP mRNA in the fat body. To better understand the underlying molecular events affecting regulation, we sequenced the M. sexta hJHBP gene and its mRNA transcript, characterized its genomic organization, and determined the spatial and temporal expression patterns of the hJHBP gene. The gene is composed of 5 exons spanning 6.7 kb. Southern blot analysis indicates that the gene is present as a single copy. The earliest expression of hJHBP occurs 24 to 48 h after fertilization. Distribution studies indicate that fat body is the only site for hJHBP expression. Elements displaying similarity with sequences of other lepidopteran genes were discovered outside the open reading frame and may represent mobile insertion elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A P Orth
- Department of Entomology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 237 Russell Labs., Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|