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Liu FF, Ren HY, Liu F, Qi WX, Liang CP, Zhang BX, Rao XJ. Time-series RNA sequencing reveals that immulectin-1 (IML-1) is a potential target for biological control of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Int J Biol Macromol 2025; 308:142466. [PMID: 40139608 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.142466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2025] [Accepted: 03/22/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
Insects mount robust immune responses to reduce the efficacy of biopesticides. Identification of critical immune targets for biocontrol strategies is thus essential. However, immune targets in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a major pest of corn, remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the immune response of S. frugiperda to the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae). Time-series RNA sequencing revealed 863, 717, and 165 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 24, 48, and 60 h post-infection, respectively. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related terms and pathways. Among the DEGs, the gene encoding immulectin SfIML-1, a C-type lectin with dual carbohydrate recognition domains, was significantly upregulated during the early and intermediate stages of infection. Genome-wide analysis identified nine IML genes, with SfIML-1 as the only one highly responsive to B. bassiana. Recombinant SfIML-1 binds pathogen-associated molecular patterns and pathogens, enhancing cellular responses. RNAi of SfIML-1 decreased survival after fungal infection, while injection of recombinant SfIML-1 increased survival. Suppression of the NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways diminished SfIML-1 expression in both fat body and Sf9 cells. These results identify SfIML-1 as a key pattern recognition receptor and a promising target for developing novel biocontrol strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Fang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Hai-Yan Ren
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Chao-Peng Liang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Bang-Xian Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Food Engineering, Chuzhou University, Chuzhou 239000, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, Hefei 230036, China.
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Trujillo-Rodríguez G, Jiménez-Martínez ML, Flores-Contreras E, González Gonzalez E, Ramírez Ahuja MDL, Garza Veloz I, Flores Suarez AE, Correa Morales F, Dzul Manzanilla F, Rodriguez Sanchez IP, Martínez Fierro ML. miRNA Expression Response of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus 1762) (Diptera: Culicidae) to Imidacloprid Exposure. INSECTS 2025; 16:460. [PMID: 40429173 PMCID: PMC12112707 DOI: 10.3390/insects16050460] [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: 02/28/2025] [Revised: 04/17/2025] [Accepted: 04/24/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a major vector of arboviruses, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Mayaro. The extensive use of insecticides has led to resistance, complicating vector control efforts. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators involved in detoxification and stress adaptation; however, their role in the insecticide response of Ae. aegypti remains unclear. This study analyzed miRNA expression in Ae. aegypti following imidacloprid exposure, comparing a field strain, Martinez de la Torre from Mexico (MT), and a susceptible reference strain, New Orleans (NO). Small RNA sequencing identified 96 miRNAs, with miR-1, miR-281-5p, miR-100, and miR-184 being consistently expressed across all conditions. In contrast, let-7, miR-124, and miR-13-3p were exclusively detected in wild mosquitoes exposed to imidacloprid, while miR-14 and miR-275-3p showed condition-specific expression. Distinct miRNA expression patterns were observed between the field and susceptible strains, with specific miRNAs showing condition-dependent expression. These findings suggest that certain miRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers for resistance monitoring, contributing to a better understanding of insecticide response mechanisms and informing novel vector control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Trujillo-Rodríguez
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S., Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas 98600, Zacatecas, Mexico; (G.T.-R.); (E.G.G.); (I.G.V.)
| | - Mariana Lizbeth Jiménez-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular y Estructural, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo León, Mexico; (M.L.J.-M.); (M.d.L.R.A.)
| | - Elda Flores-Contreras
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Francisco I. Madero y Dr. E. Aguirre Pequeño s/n, Mitras Centro, Monterrey 64460, Nuevo León, Mexico;
| | - Everardo González Gonzalez
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S., Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas 98600, Zacatecas, Mexico; (G.T.-R.); (E.G.G.); (I.G.V.)
| | - María de Lourdes Ramírez Ahuja
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular y Estructural, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo León, Mexico; (M.L.J.-M.); (M.d.L.R.A.)
| | - Idalia Garza Veloz
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S., Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas 98600, Zacatecas, Mexico; (G.T.-R.); (E.G.G.); (I.G.V.)
| | - Adriana E. Flores Suarez
- Laboratorio de Entomología Medica, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo León, Mexico;
| | - Fabian Correa Morales
- Dirección del Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores del Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades (CENAPRECE), Mexico City 01480, Mexico; (F.C.M.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Felipe Dzul Manzanilla
- Dirección del Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores del Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades (CENAPRECE), Mexico City 01480, Mexico; (F.C.M.); (F.D.M.)
| | - Iram P. Rodriguez Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular y Estructural, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Av. Universidad S/N Ciudad Universitaria, San Nicolás de los Garza 66451, Nuevo León, Mexico; (M.L.J.-M.); (M.d.L.R.A.)
| | - Margarita L. Martínez Fierro
- Molecular Medicine Laboratory, Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y C.S., Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas, Zacatecas 98600, Zacatecas, Mexico; (G.T.-R.); (E.G.G.); (I.G.V.)
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3
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Wang Q, Lu H, Fan X, Zhu J, Shi J, Zhao W, Xiao Y, Xu Y, Chen J, Cui F. Extracellular vesicle-mediated plant miRNA trafficking regulates viral infection in insect vector. Cell Rep 2025; 44:115635. [PMID: 40293919 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2025] [Accepted: 04/10/2025] [Indexed: 04/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicle (EV)-mediated small RNA trafficking plays an important role in intercellular and interspecies communication. Plant arboviruses keep homeostasis in insect vectors, thus ensuring vector survival and viral transmission. How plant EV-mediated cross-kingdom RNA interference participates in viral infection in insect vectors remains unknown. Here, we successfully isolate rice EVs and identify a batch of microRNAs (miRNAs) encapsulated in EVs. Two EV-enriched rice miRNAs, Osa-miR159a.1-1 and Osa-miR167a, are transported into midgut epithelial cells of small brown planthopper, which is a competent vector of rice stripe virus (RSV). Osa-miR159a.1-1 elevates the expression of a phospholipase C by enhancing its mRNA stability, inducing the downstream CSL expression to inhibit apoptosis for the benefit of RSV replication. On the other hand, Osa-miR167a directly binds RSV RdRp to suppress viral replication. This differential regulation of EV-mediated cross-kingdom RNA interference contributes to arbovirus homeostasis in insect vectors and the following efficient transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Xiaoyue Fan
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Jiaming Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yan Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongyu Xu
- College of Plant Protection, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Jinfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Feng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Biodiversity Conservation and Integrated Pest Management, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Jia H, Li P, Li M, Liu N, Dong J, Qu Q, Cao Z. Trans-Kingdom RNA Dialogues: miRNA and milRNA Networks as Biotechnological Tools for Sustainable Crop Defense and Pathogen Control. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2025; 14:1250. [PMID: 40284138 PMCID: PMC12030539 DOI: 10.3390/plants14081250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2025] [Revised: 04/15/2025] [Accepted: 04/18/2025] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs approximately 20-24 nucleotides in length, which play a crucial role during gene regulation in plant-pathogen interaction. They negatively regulate the expression of target genes, primarily at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level, through complementary base pairing with target gene sequences. Recent studies reveal that during pathogen infection, miRNAs produced by plants and miRNA-like RNAs (milRNAs) produced by fungi can regulate the expression of endogenous genes in their respective organisms and undergo trans-kingdom transfer. They can thereby negatively regulate the expression of target genes in recipient cells. These findings provide novel perspectives for deepening our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying plant-pathogen interactions. Here, we summarize and discuss the roles of miRNAs and milRNAs in mediating plant-pathogen interactions via multiple pathways, providing new insights into the functions of these RNAs and their modes of action. Collectively, these insights lay a theoretical foundation for the targeted management of crop diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jia
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.J.); (P.L.); (N.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Pan Li
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.J.); (P.L.); (N.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Minye Li
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China;
| | - Ning Liu
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.J.); (P.L.); (N.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Jingao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.J.); (P.L.); (N.L.); (J.D.)
| | - Qing Qu
- College of Agriculture and Forestry, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Zhiyan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of North China Crop Improvement and Regulation, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China; (H.J.); (P.L.); (N.L.); (J.D.)
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Zhai D, Lu H, Liu S, Liu J, Zhang W, Wu J, Li J, Bai R, Yan F, Zhao C. Fungal Warriors: Effects of Beauveria bassiana and Purpureocillium lilacinum on CCYV-Carrying Whiteflies. Biomolecules 2025; 15:593. [PMID: 40305369 PMCID: PMC12025157 DOI: 10.3390/biom15040593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2025] [Revised: 04/06/2025] [Accepted: 04/10/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
Bemisia tabaci is a major agricultural pest that affects both greenhouse and field crops by feeding on plant sap, which impairs plant growth, and by secreting honeydew, promotes sooty mold growth that further reduces photosynthesis. Additionally, these insects are vectors for viruses such as the cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), which causes significant damage to cucurbit crops. Traditional chemical pesticide treatments have limitations, including the development of resistance, harm to non-target organisms, and environmental contamination. Traditional chemical pesticides have limitations when it comes to controlling plants infested by CCYV and whitefly. However, the underlying reasons for these limitations remain unclear, as does the impact of entomopathogenic fungi on whitefly responses. This study explores the potential of using biological control agents, specifically Beauveria bassiana and Purpureocillium lilacinum, to manage whitefly populations and control CCYV transmission. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of these fungi on non/viruliferous whitefly. The results indicated that both fungi effectively reduced whitefly populations, with B. bassiana showing particularly strong adverse effects. Whiteflies infected with CCYV exhibited a higher LC50 to B. bassiana and P. lilacinum. Furthermore, bio-pesticides significantly altered the bacterial microbiome dynamics of the whitefly. Interestingly, CCYV increased the susceptibility of whiteflies to entomopathogenic fungus. The findings suggest that these biocontrol agents offer a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides. Our study unraveled a new horizon for the multiple interaction theories among bio-pesticides-insects-symbionts-viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fengming Yan
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Pest Biological Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (D.Z.); (H.L.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (W.Z.); (J.W.); (J.L.); (R.B.)
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Henan International Laboratory for Green Pest Control, Henan Engineering Laboratory of Pest Biological Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450046, China; (D.Z.); (H.L.); (S.L.); (J.L.); (W.Z.); (J.W.); (J.L.); (R.B.)
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Kong X, Tan S, Guan M, Lin X, Shen J, Shi W, Wang D. Nanocarrier-mediated transdermal delivery of Lmidgf4 dsRNA expedites biological control of locusts by Beauveria bassiana. J Nanobiotechnology 2025; 23:272. [PMID: 40186278 PMCID: PMC11969711 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-025-03347-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2025] [Accepted: 03/23/2025] [Indexed: 04/07/2025] Open
Abstract
Locusts have been a major global agricultural pest that poses a serious threat to crop and livestock production. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) provide an eco-friendly control method; however, their efficacy usually takes slow and is unstable. To achieve an enhancement of the biocontrol efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (B. bassiana) against locusts, we developed a new strategy by which B. bassiana and nanocarrier-mediated dsRNA are co-applied across the locust cuticle. The nanocarrier star polycation (SPc) effectively delivers Lmidgf4 dsRNA (dsLmidgf4) into the locust, which targets Locusta migratoria imaginal disc growth factor 4 (Lmidgf4). SPc protects dsLmidgf4 from degradation by the hemolymph and enables efficient gene silencing. Furthermore, SPc has no adverse effects on B. bassiana spore germination and growth. Lmidgf4 interference leads to a thinner layer of endocuticle, thus facilitates infection of B. bassiana, and finally reduces the median lethal time of locusts infected with B. bassiana. In conclusion, the combination of B. bassiana and dsRNA/SPc complex overcomes the slow action of fungi, providing a novel strategy for field control of locusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, MARA Key Lab of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Shuqian Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, MARA Key Lab of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mei Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, MARA Key Lab of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiaoxin Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, MARA Key Lab of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jie Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, MARA Key Lab of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Wangpeng Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, MARA Key Lab of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Dan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural and Forestry Biosecurity, MARA Key Lab of Surveillance and Management for Plant Quarantine Pests, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.
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Zhang R, Kang Z, Dong S, Shangguan D, Shoukat RF, Zhang J, Zafar J, Wu H, Yu XQ, Xu X, Jin F. Boosting the efficacy of fungal biocontrol: miRNA339-5p-mediated mosquito immunity regulation. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2025; 81:1727-1739. [PMID: 39628139 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2024] [Revised: 10/19/2024] [Accepted: 11/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/15/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes mosquitoes are vectors for numerous viral diseases, including dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Therefore, underscoring the urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives to combat insecticide resistance and the scarcity of effective vaccines. Entomopathogenic fungi present a sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides; however, their widespread application is limited by their relatively low virulence. RESULTS Here, we investigated the immunological interactions between Metarhizium anisopliae and Aedes albopictus, demonstrating that fungal infection significantly up-regulated immune-related genes in the Toll and melanization pathways, thereby enhancing antifungal and antibacterial defenses at 48 h post-infection (hpi). Small RNA sequencing identified miR339-5p as a crucial modulator, targeting the immune genes Gram-Negative Binding Protein 1 (GNBP1) and CLIP-domain Serine Protease B15 (CLIPB15), which are critical for Toll and phenoloxidase (PO) pathway activation. The administration of a synthetic miR339-5p mimic increased fungal virulence, resulting in a higher mortality rate among adult mosquitoes and a significant increase in the mortality rate of mosquito larvae within 24 hpi. GNBP1 was found to regulate both Toll and PO pathways, while CLIPB15 specifically modulated the PO system by cleaving prophenoloxidase (PPO). CONCLUSION This research highlights the potential of leveraging Ae. albopictus-encoded miR339-5p through advanced genetic engineering techniques to bolster the efficacy of existing fungal-based mosquito control strategies, providing a promising approach in the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruonan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zehong Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shengzhang Dong
- Department of Molecule Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Duanwen Shangguan
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rana Fartab Shoukat
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junaid Zafar
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxia Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengliang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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Liu W, Wang X, Zhou A, Zhang J, Ge X, Moussian B, Yan C, Gao S, Wang Y. Trends and emerging hotspots in RNAi-based arthropod pest control: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2025; 161:104754. [PMID: 39933636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2025.104754] [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: 10/01/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2025] [Accepted: 02/05/2025] [Indexed: 02/13/2025]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest control has emerged as a cutting-edge and highly promising approach in pest control, especially for insect pests, due to its advantages of reduced environmental risk, degradability, and good selectivity. This study provides a bibliometric analysis of RNAi-based pest control, evaluating the global scientific output in this field from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) and PubMed. From 2007, when the first RNAi-based Arthropod pest control strategy suited for field application was published, to August 2024, 722 English research articles were identified, focusing only on dsRNA delivery modes including feeding, soaking, and spraying, which hold high potential for field application. Articles examining gene function and potential targets by dsRNA injection were excluded. The 722 eligible articles were published in 132 journals by 3112 authors from 563 institutions in fifty countries. Over these 17 years, the number of publications on RNAi-based pest control has shown a trend of accelerating growth. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE published the most articles, followed by PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY, SCIENTIFIC REPORTS. China produced most articles, followed by the United States. However, China is significantly behind the United States in developing commercial products in this field. Hot target insects in RNAi-based pest control research included Bemisia tabaci, Helicoverpa armigera, Aphis gossypii Glover, Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. Frequently studied target genes included vATPaseA, CHS1, SNF7, EcR and β-actin, ect. In recent years, various advanced technologies for dsRNA delivery have been developed and utilized in RNAi-based pest control system, including nanoparticle-enabled, symbiont-mediated, and plant-mediated deliveries. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis based on bibliometric methods, aiming to investigate the forefront hotspots and research trends of RNAi-based pest control, providing valuable references for researchers and developers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Anmo Zhou
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Junyu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyu Ge
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China
| | - Bernard Moussian
- INRAE, CNRS, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Sophia Antipolis, Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France
| | - Chuncai Yan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Animal Diversity, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 300387 Tianjin, China.
| | - Shaobo Gao
- Grassland Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hohhot, China.
| | - Yiwen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, Shanxi University, 237016 Shanxi, China.
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Li ET, Ji JY, Kong WJ, Shen DX, Li C, An CJ. A C-type lectin with dual carbohydrate recognition domains functions in innate immune response in Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis. INSECT SCIENCE 2025; 32:172-192. [PMID: 38772748 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
C-type lectins (CTLs) act as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) to initiate the innate immune response in insects. A CTL with dual carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) (named immulectin-4 [IML-4]) was selected from the Ostrinia furnacalis transcriptome dataset for functional studies. We cloned the full-length complementary DNA of O. furnacalis IML-4 (OfIML-4). It encodes a 328-residue protein with a Glu-Pro-Asn (EPN) and Gln-Pro-Asp (QPD) motifs in 2 CRDs, respectively. OfIML-4 messenger RNA levels increased significantly upon the bacterial and fungal infection. Recombinant OfIML-4 (rIML-4) and its individual CRDs (rCRD1 and rCRD2) exhibited the binding ability to various microorganisms including Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, Pichia pastoris, and Beauveria bassiana, and the cell wall components including lipopolysaccharide from E. coli, peptidoglycan from M. luteus or Bacillus subtilis, and curdlan from Alcaligenes faecalis. The binding further induced the agglutination of E. coli, M. luteus, and B. bassiana in the presence of calcium, the phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus by the hemocytes, in vitro encapsulation and melanization of nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid beads, and a significant increase in phenoloxidase activity of plasma. In addition, rIML-4 significantly enhanced the phagocytosis, nodulation, and resistance of O. furnacalis to B. bassiana. Taken together, our results suggest that OfIML-4 potentially works as a PRR to recognize the invading microorganisms, and functions in the innate immune response in O. furnacalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Er-Tao Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Yue Ji
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Pomology Institute, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Wei-Jie Kong
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Xu Shen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cai Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Ju An
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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10
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Lai Y, Wang S. Epigenetic Regulation in Insect-Microbe Interactions. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2025; 70:293-311. [PMID: 39374433 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-022724-010640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
Insects have evolved diverse interactions with a variety of microbes, such as pathogenic fungi, bacteria, and viruses. The immune responses of insect hosts, along with the dynamic infection process of microbes in response to the changing host environment and defenses, require rapid and fine-tuned regulation of gene expression programs. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA regulation, play important roles in regulating the expression of genes involved in insect immunity and microbial pathogenicity. This review highlights recent discoveries and insights into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that modulate insect-microbe interactions. A deeper understanding of these regulatory mechanisms underlying insect-microbe interactions holds promise for the development of novel strategies for biological control of insect pests and mitigation of vector-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Lai
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China;
| | - Sibao Wang
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, CAS Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shanghai, China;
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11
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Li Y, Xu Q, Liu H, Dai X. Differential expression of microRNAs in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) during the infection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 153:109827. [PMID: 39134232 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109827] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a category of small non-coding RNAs regarded as vital regulatory factors in various biological processes, especially immune regulation. The differently expressed miRNAs in Macrobrachium rosenbergii after the challenge of Vibrio parahaemolyticus were identified using high-throughput sequencing. A total of 18 known as well as 12 novel miRNAs were markedly differently expressed during the bacterial infection. The results of the target gene prediction and enrichment analysis indicated that a total of 230 target genes involved in a large variety of signaling pathways and biological processes were mediated by the miRNAs identified in the current research. Additionally, the effects of novel-miR-56, a representative differentially expressed miRNA identified in the previous infection experiment, on the immune-related gene expression in M. rosenbergii were explored. The expression of the immune-related genes including Spätzle1(Spz1), Spz4, Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, immune deficiency (IMD), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), anti-lipopolysaccharide factor 1 (ALF1), crustin1, as well as prophenoloxidase (proPO) was significantly repressed in the novel-miR-56-overexpressed prawns. The expression of these genes tested in the novel-miR-56-overexpressed M. rosenbergii was still signally lower than the control in the subsequent V. parahaemolyticus challenge, despite the gene expression in each treatment increased significantly after the infection. Additionally, the cumulative mortality of the agomiR-56-treated prawns was significantly higher than the other treatments post the bacterial challenge. These results suggested that novel-miR-56 might function as a negative regulator of the immune-related gene expression of M. rosenbergii in the innate immune defense against V. parahaemolyticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Qi Xu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hong Liu
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xilin Dai
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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12
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Barbosa Belarmino A, Sampaio de Sousa D, Henrique Alexandre Roberto C, Moreira de Oliveira V, Nunes da Rocha M, Rogenio da Silva Mendes F, Machado Marinho M, Marques da Fonseca A, Silva Marinho G. Ligand-based analysis of the antifungal potential of phytosterols and triterpenes isolated from Cryptostegia grandiflora against Candida auris FKBP12. Steroids 2024; 209:109453. [PMID: 38901661 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Candida auris, a pathogenic fungus, has posed significant challenges to conventional medical treatments due to its increasing resistance to antifungal agents. Consequently, due to their promising pharmacological properties, there is a compelling interest in exploring novel bioactive compounds, such as phytosterols and triterpenes. This study aimed to conduct virtual screening utilizing computational methods, including ADMET, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics, to assess the activity and feasibility of phytosterols extracted from Cryptostegia grandiflora as potential therapeutic agents. Computational predictions suggest that compounds bearing structural similarities to Fsp3-rich molecules hold promise for inhibiting enzymes and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) modulators, with particular emphasis on ursolic acid, which, in its conjugated form, exhibits high oral bioavailability and metabolic stability, rendering it a compelling drug candidate. Molecular docking calculations identified ursolic acid and stigmasterol as promising ligands. While stigmasterol displayed superior affinity during molecular dynamics simulations, it exhibited instability, contrasting with ursolic acid's slightly lower affinity yet sustained stability throughout the dynamic assessments. This suggests that ursolic acid is a robust candidate for inhibiting the FKBP12 isomerase in C. auris. Moreover, further investigations could focus on experimentally validating the molecular docking predictions and evaluating the efficacy of ursolic acid as an FKBP12 isomerase inhibitor in models of C. auris infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Márcia Machado Marinho
- Science and Technology Centre, Course of Chemistry, State University Vale of Acaraú, CE, Brazil
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13
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Hong S, Gao H, Chen H, Wang C. Engineered fungus containing a caterpillar gene kills insects rapidly by disrupting their ecto- and endo-microbiomes. Commun Biol 2024; 7:955. [PMID: 39112633 PMCID: PMC11306560 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06670-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Similar to the physiological importance of gut microbiomes, recent works have shown that insect ectomicrobiotas can mediate defensive colonization resistance against fungal parasites that infect via cuticle penetration. Here we show that engineering the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii with a potent antibacterial moricin gene from silkworms substantially enhances the ability of the fungus to kill mosquitos, locusts, and two Drosophila species. Further use of Drosophila melanogaster as an infection model, quantitative microbiome analysis reveals that engineered strains designed to suppress insect cuticular bacteria additionally disrupt gut microbiomes. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria such as the opportunistic pathogens of Providencia species is detected that can accelerate insect death. In support, quantitative analysis of antimicrobial genes in fly fat bodies and guts indicates that topical fungal infections result in the compromise of intestinal immune responses. In addition to providing an innovative strategy for improving the potency of mycoinsecticides, our data solidify the importance of both the ecto- and endo-microbiomes in maintaining insect wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Hong
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hanchun Gao
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Haimin Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chengshu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Zhao JH, Liu QY, Xie ZM, Guo HS. Exploring the challenges of RNAi-based strategies for crop protection. ADVANCED BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 2:23. [PMID: 39883232 PMCID: PMC11740845 DOI: 10.1007/s44307-024-00031-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2025]
Abstract
RNA silencing (or RNA interference, RNAi) initiated by double-stranded RNAs is a conserved mechanism for regulating gene expression in eukaryotes. RNAi-based crop protection strategies, including host-induced gene silencing (HIGS), spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) and microbe-induced gene silencing (MIGS), have been successfully used against various pests and pathogens. Here, we highlight the challenges surrounding dsRNA design, large-scale production of dsRNA and dsRNA delivery systems. Addressing these questions will accelerate the lab-to-field transition of RNAi-based strategies. Moreover, based on studies of exogenous dsRNA-induced RNAi inheritance in Caenorhabditis elegans, we speculate that RNAi-based strategies would confer longer-lasting protection for crops against pests or fungal pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Hua Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Yan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zong-Ming Xie
- Institute of Cotton Research, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, China
| | - Hui-Shan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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15
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Deng SQ, Li N, Yang XK, Lu HZ, Liu JH, Peng ZY, Wang LM, Zhang M, Zhang C, Chen C. Recombinant Beauveria bassiana expressing Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cyt1Aa: a promising approach for enhancing Aedes mosquito control. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0379223. [PMID: 38809029 PMCID: PMC11218515 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03792-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana provides an eco-friendly substitute to chemical insecticides for mosquito control. Nevertheless, its widespread application has been hindered by its comparatively slow efficacy in eliminating mosquitoes. To augment the potency of B. bassiana against Aedes mosquitoes, a novel recombinant strain, Bb-Cyt1Aa, was developed by incorporating the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin gene Cyt1Aa into B. bassiana. The virulence of Bb-Cyt1Aa was evaluated against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus using insect bioassays. Compared to the wild-type (WT) strain, the median lethal time (LT50) for A. aegypti larvae infected with Bb-Cyt1Aa decreased by 33.3% at a concentration of 1 × 108 conidia/mL and by 22.2% at 1 × 107 conidia/mL. The LT50 for A. aegypti adults infected with Bb-Cyt1Aa through conidia ingestion was reduced by 37.5% at 1 × 108 conidia/mL and by 33.3% at 1 × 107 conidia/mL. Likewise, the LT50 for A. aegypti adults infected with Bb-Cyt1Aa through cuticle contact decreased by 33.3% and 30.8% at the same concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, the Bb-Cyt1Aa strain also demonstrated increased toxicity against both larval and adult A. albopictus, when compared to the WT strain. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the expression of B. thuringiensis toxin Cyt1Aa in B. bassiana enhanced its virulence against Aedes mosquitoes. This suggests that B. bassiana expressing Cyt1Aa has potential value for use in mosquito control. IMPORTANCE Beauveria bassiana is a naturally occurring fungus that can be utilized as a bioinsecticide against mosquitoes. Cyt1Aa is a delta-endotoxin protein produced by Bacillus thuringiensis that exhibits specific and potent insecticidal activity against mosquitoes. In our study, the expression of this toxin Cyt1Aa in B. bassiana enhances the virulence of B. bassiana against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, thereby increasing their effectiveness in killing mosquitoes. This novel strain can be used alongside chemical insecticides to reduce dependence on harmful chemicals, thereby minimizing negative impacts on the environment and human health. Additionally, the potential resistance of B. bassiana against mosquitoes in the future could be overcome by acquiring novel combinations of exogenous toxin genes. The presence of B. bassiana that expresses Cyt1Aa is of significant importance in mosquito control as it enhances genetic diversity, creates novel virulent strains, and contributes to the development of safer and more sustainable methods of mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Qun Deng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ni Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xu-Ke Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Zheng Lu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jia-Hua Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhe-Yu Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lin-Min Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mao Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Zoonoses, the Key Laboratory of Zoonoses of High Institutions in Anhui, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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16
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She L, Shi M, Cao T, Yuan H, Wang R, Wang W, She Y, Wang C, Zeng Q, Mao W, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Xi Z, Pan X. Wolbachia mediates crosstalk between miRNA and Toll pathways to enhance resistance to dengue virus in Aedes aegypti. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012296. [PMID: 38885278 PMCID: PMC11213346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The obligate endosymbiont Wolbachia induces pathogen interference in the primary disease vector Aedes aegypti, facilitating the utilization of Wolbachia-based mosquito control for arbovirus prevention, particularly against dengue virus (DENV). However, the mechanisms underlying Wolbachia-mediated virus blockade have not been fully elucidated. Here, we report that Wolbachia activates the host cytoplasmic miRNA biogenesis pathway to suppress DENV infection. Through the suppression of the long noncoding RNA aae-lnc-2268 by Wolbachia wAlbB, aae-miR-34-3p, a miRNA upregulated by the Wolbachia strains wAlbB and wMelPop, promoted the expression of the antiviral effector defensin and cecropin genes through the Toll pathway regulator MyD88. Notably, anti-DENV resistance induced by Wolbachia can be further enhanced, with the potential to achieve complete virus blockade by increasing the expression of aae-miR-34-3p in Ae. aegypti. Furthermore, the downregulation of aae-miR-34-3p compromised Wolbachia-mediated virus blockade. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which Wolbachia establishes crosstalk between the cytoplasmic miRNA pathway and the Toll pathway via aae-miR-34-3p to strengthen antiviral immune responses against DENV. Our results will aid in the advancement of Wolbachia for arbovirus control by enhancing its virus-blocking efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi She
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Mengyi Shi
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Ting Cao
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Hao Yuan
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Renke Wang
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Weifeng Wang
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- Hunan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yueting She
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Chaojun Wang
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Qin Zeng
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- Changsha City Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Wei Mao
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yalan Zhang
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyong Xi
- Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Xiaoling Pan
- The Engineering Research Center of Reproduction and Translational Medicine of Hunan Province, Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- The Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Developmental Biology of Fish of the Ministry of Education, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
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17
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Zhang BX, Liu FF, Liu F, Qi WX, Si YQ, Ren HY, Rao XJ. SfMBP: A novel microbial binding protein and pattern recognition receptor in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 154:105142. [PMID: 38309673 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105142] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, poses a significant threat as a highly destructive agricultural pest in many countries. Understanding the complex interplay between the insect immune system and entomopathogens is critical for optimizing biopesticide efficacy. In this study, we identified a novel microbial binding protein, SfMBP, in S. frugiperda. However, the specific role of SfMBP in the immune response of S. frugiperda remains elusive. Encoded by the LOC118269163 gene, SfMBP shows significant induction in S. frugiperda larvae infected with the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana. Consisting of 115 amino acids with a signal peptide, an N-terminal flexible region and a C-terminal β-sheet, SfMBP lacks any known functional domains. It is expressed predominantly during early larval stages and in the larval epidermis. Notably, SfMBP is significantly induced in larvae infected with bacteria and fungi and in SF9 cells stimulated by peptidoglycan. While recombinant SfMBP (rSfMBP) does not inhibit bacterial growth, it demonstrates binding capabilities to bacteria, fungal spores, peptidoglycan, lipopolysaccharides, and polysaccharides. This binding is inhibited by monosaccharides and EDTA. Molecular docking reveals potential Zn2+-interacting residues and three cavities. Furthermore, rSfMBP induces bacterial agglutination in the presence of Zn2+. It also binds to insect hemocytes and SF9 cells, enhancing phagocytosis and agglutination responses. Injection of rSfMBP increased the survival of S. frugiperda larvae infected with B. bassiana, whereas blocking SfMBP with the antibody decreased survival. These results suggest that SfMBP acts as a pattern recognition receptor that enhances pathogen recognition and cellular immune responses. Consequently, this study provides valuable insights for the development of pest control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang-Xian Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China; School of Biological Science and Food Engineering, Chuzhou, 239000, China
| | - Fang-Fang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Qi
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Yan-Qin Si
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Hai-Yan Ren
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036, China; Key Laboratory of Agri-products Quality and Biosafety (Anhui Agricultural University), Ministry of Education, China.
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Ma M, Luo J, Li C, Eleftherianos I, Zhang W, Xu L. A life-and-death struggle: interaction of insects with entomopathogenic fungi across various infection stages. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1329843. [PMID: 38259477 PMCID: PMC10800808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1329843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects constitute approximately 75% of the world's recognized fauna, with the majority of species considered as pests. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are parasitic microorganisms capable of efficiently infecting insects, rendering them potent biopesticides. In response to infections, insects have evolved diverse defense mechanisms, prompting EPF to develop a variety of strategies to overcome or circumvent host defenses. While the interaction mechanisms between EPF and insects is well established, recent findings underscore that their interplay is more intricate than previously thought, especially evident across different stages of EPF infection. This review primarily focuses on the interplay between EPF and the insect defense strategies, centered around three infection stages: (1) Early infection stage: involving the pre-contact detection and avoidance behavior of EPF in insects, along with the induction of behavioral responses upon contact with the host cuticle; (2) Penetration and intra-hemolymph growth stage: involving the initiation of intricate cellular and humoral immune functions in insects, while symbiotic microbes can further contribute to host resistance; (3) Host insect's death stage: involving the ultimate confrontation between pathogens and insects. Infected insects strive to separate themselves from the healthy population, while pathogens rely on the infected insects to spread to new hosts. Also, we discuss a novel pest management strategy underlying the cooperation between EPF infection and disturbing the insect immune system. By enhancing our understanding of the intricate interplay between EPF and the insect, this review provides novel perspectives for EPF-mediated pest management and developing effective fungal insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ioannis Eleftherianos
- Infection and Innate Immunity Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Wei Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Letian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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19
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Chen A, Halilovic L, Shay JH, Koch A, Mitter N, Jin H. Improving RNA-based crop protection through nanotechnology and insights from cross-kingdom RNA trafficking. CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 76:102441. [PMID: 37696727 PMCID: PMC10777890 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbi.2023.102441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS) is a powerful and eco-friendly method for crop protection. Based off the discovery of RNA uptake ability in many fungal pathogens, the application of exogenous RNAs targeting pathogen/pest genes results in gene silencing and infection inhibition. However, SIGS remains hindered by the rapid degradation of RNA in the environment. As extracellular vesicles are used by plants, animals, and microbes in nature to transport RNAs for cross-kingdom/species RNA interference between hosts and microbes/pests, nanovesicles and other nanoparticles have been used to prevent RNA degradation. Efforts examining the effect of nanoparticles on RNA stability and internalization have identified key attributes that can inform better nanocarrier designs for SIGS. Understanding sRNA biogenesis, cross-kingdom/species RNAi, and how plants and pathogens/pests naturally interact are paramount for the design of SIGS strategies. Here, we focus on nanotechnology advancements for the engineering of innovative RNA-based disease control strategies against eukaryotic pathogens and pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Lida Halilovic
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jia-Hong Shay
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Aline Koch
- Institute of Plant Sciences Cell Biology and Plant Biochemistry, Plant RNA Transport, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Neena Mitter
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, Centre for Horticultural Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Hailing Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Center for Plant Cell Biology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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20
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Zhang N, Feng S, Duan S, Yin Y, Ullah H, Li H, Davaasambuu U, Wei S, Nong X, Zhang Z, Tu X, Wang G. LmFKBP24 interacts with LmEaster to inhibit the antifungal immunity of Locusta migratoria. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 195:105515. [PMID: 37666582 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105515] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Locusta migratoria is one of the most destructive pests that threaten crop growth and food production security in China. Metarhizium anisopliae has been widely used to control locusts around the world. Previous laboratory studies have revealed that LmFKBP24 is significantly upregulated after M. anisopliae infection, suggesting that it may play a role in immune regulation, yet the mechanism remains largely unknown. To gain further insight, we conducted an RNA interference (RNAi) study to investigate the function of LmFKBP24 in the regulation of antifungal immunity and analyzed the expression patterns of immune-induced genes. Our research revealed that LmFKBP24 is activated and upregulated when locusts are infected by M. anisopliae, and it inhibits the expression of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) defensin in the downstream of Toll pathway by combining with LmEaster rather than LmCyPA, thus exerting an immunosuppressive effect. To further investigate this, we conducted yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and pull down assays to identify the proteins interacting with LmFKBP24. Our results provided compelling evidence for revealing the immune mechanism of L. migratoria and uncovered an innovative target for the development of new biological pesticides. Furthermore, our research indicates that LmFKBP24 interacts with LmEaster through its intact structure, providing a strong foundation for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Pests in Xilingol Rangeland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xilinhot 026000, China
| | - Shiqian Feng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Saiya Duan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yiting Yin
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Hidayat Ullah
- Department of Agriculture, The University of Swabi, Anbar-Swabi 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Hongmei Li
- MARA-CABI Joint Laboratory for Bio-safety, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Undarmaa Davaasambuu
- School of Agroecology, Mongolian University of Life Sciences, Ulaanbaatar 17024, Mongolia
| | - Shuhua Wei
- Institute of Plant Protection, Ningxia Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Yinchuan 750002, China
| | - Xiangqun Nong
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zehua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiongbing Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Pests in Xilingol Rangeland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xilinhot 026000, China
| | - Guangjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Scientific Observation and Experimental Station of Pests in Xilingol Rangeland, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xilinhot 026000, China.
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21
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Zhang BX, Liu FF, Liu F, Sun YX, Rao XJ. Dual RNA Sequencing of Beauveria bassiana-Infected Spodoptera frugiperda Reveals a Fungal Protease with Entomopathogenic and Antiphytopathogenic Activities. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:12757-12774. [PMID: 37602431 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c02356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Insect pests and phytopathogens significantly impact crop yield and quality. The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda and the phytopathogen Fusarium graminearum cause substantial economic losses in crops like barley and wheat. However, the entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana shows limited efficacy against FAW, and its antiphytopathogenic activities against F. graminearum remain unclear. Here, dual RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed genes in B. bassiana-infected FAW larvae. We found that the BbAorsin gene was significantly upregulated at 36 and 48 h post-infection. BbAorsin encodes a serine-carboxyl protease and is mainly expressed in blastospores and hyphae. Overexpression of BbAorsin in B. bassiana ARSEF2860 enhanced virulence against Galleria mellonella and FAW larvae and inhibited F. graminearum growth. The recombinant BbAorsin protein induced apoptosis and necrosis in FAW hemocytes and inhibited F. graminearum spore germination. These findings shed light on transcriptomic mechanisms governing insect-pathogen interactions, which could aid in developing dual-functional entomopathogens and anti-phytopathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang-Xian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei 230036, China
- Department of Scientific Research, Chuzhou University, Chuzhou 239000, China
| | - Fang-Fang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Yan-Xia Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Xiang-Jun Rao
- Key Laboratory of Biology and Sustainable Management of Plant Diseases and Pests of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, Hefei 230036, China
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22
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Gong PP, Wei XG, Liu SN, Yang J, Fu BL, Liang JJ, Huang MJ, Du TH, Yin C, Ji Y, He C, Hu JY, Xue H, Wang C, Zhang R, Du H, Zhang CJ, Yang X, Zhang YJ. Novel_miR-1517 mediates CYP6CM1 to regulate imidacloprid resistance in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Gennadius). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105469. [PMID: 37532310 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Gennadius) is a notorious pest that is capable of feeding on >600 kinds of agricultural crops. Imidacloprid is critical in managing pest with sucking mouthparts, such as B. tabaci. However, the field population of B. tabaci has evolved resistance because of insecticide overuse. The overexpression of the detoxification enzyme cytochrome P450 monooxygenase is considered the main mechanism of imidacloprid resistance, but the mechanism underlying gene regulation remains unclear. MicroRNAs are a type of endogenous small molecule compounds that is fundamental in regulating gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Whether miRNAs are related to the imidacloprid resistance of B. tabaci remains unknown. To gain deep insight into imidacloprid resistance, we conducted on miRNAs expression profiling of two B. tabaci Mediterranean (MED) strains with 19-fold resistance through deep sequencing of small RNAs. A total of 8 known and 1591 novel miRNAs were identified. In addition, 16 miRNAs showed significant difference in expression levels between the two strains, as verified by quantitative reverse transcription PCR. Among these, novel_miR-376, 1517, and 1136 significantly expressed at low levels in resistant samples, decreasing by 36.9%, 60.2%, and 15.6%, respectively. Moreover, modulating novel_miR-1517 expression by feeding with 1517 inhibitor and 1517 mimic significantly affected B. tabaci imidacloprid susceptibility by regulating CYP6CM1 expression. In this article, miRNAs related to imidacloprid resistance of B. tabaci were systematically screened and identified, providing important information for the miRNA-based technological innovation for this pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Pan Gong
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xue-Gao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Shao-Nan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Bu-Li Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jin-Jin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ming-Jiao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Tian-Hua Du
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Cheng Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yao Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chao He
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Jin-Yu Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Hu Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - He Du
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Cheng-Jia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - You-Jun Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China; State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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Chu X, Yang M, Yu L, Xie H, Liu J, Wu S, Zhang F, Hu X. Double-strand RNAs targeting MaltRelish and MaltSpz reveals potential targets for pest management of Monochamus alternatus. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 194:105495. [PMID: 37532354 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Overcoming the innate immunity of insects is a key process to improve the efficiency of biological control. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important effectors in insect innate immunity, usually mediating resistance to pathogenic microorganisms through Toll and IMD signaling pathways. This study investigated the effect of key genes on upstream immune recognition receptor (GNBP3) and downstream effectors (AMPs) by RNAi technology. The transcriptome KEGG enrichment analysis and differential gene annotation results showed that the immune response genes MaltSpz and MaltRelish are important regulators of Toll and IMD signaling pathways, respectively. Both dsSpz and dsRelish could affect AMP gene expression and increase the expression of the immune recognition receptor MaltGNBP3. Moreover, they significantly reduce the survival rate of Monochamus alternatus and promote hyphal growth after Beauveria bassiana infection. This helps to improve the biological control effect of B. bassiana, control the population of vector insects and cut off the transmission route of pine wood nematode. The combined MaltSpz and MaltRelish knockdown increased the infection rate of M. alternatus larvae from 20.69% to 83.93%, achieving the best efficiency in synergistic B. bassiana infection. Our results showed important roles of MaltRelish- and MaltSpz-mediated regulation of AMP genes function in insect entomopathogenic fungi tolerance and induced significant mortality in larvae. Based on this study, MaltSpz and MaltRelish could represent candidate gene targets for the biological control of M. alternatus by RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Chu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Meijiao Yang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Hongyun Xie
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Jinyan Liu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Songqing Wu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Feiping Zhang
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Xia Hu
- Forestry College, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Ecological Forests, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
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24
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Asgari S. Cross-kingdom RNAi to enhance the efficacy of insect pathogens. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:4-6. [PMID: 36347753 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Insect pathogens play significant roles in the biocontrol of medical and agricultural pests. Cui et al. demonstrated that genetically modified (GM) fungi expressing host mosquito miRNAs could enhance the efficacy of the fungus by suppressing the host immune response. This opens avenues for utilisation of cross-kingdom RNAi in biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sassan Asgari
- Australian Infectious Disease Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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