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Lisi F, Amichot M, Desneux N, Gatti JL, Guedes RNC, Nazzi F, Pennacchio F, Russo A, Sánchez-Bayo F, Wang X, Zappalà L, Biondi A. Pesticide immunotoxicity on insects - Are agroecosystems at risk? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175467. [PMID: 39155008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175467] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed heightened scrutiny of the non-target sublethal effects of pesticides on behavioural and physiological traits of insects. Traditionally, attention has focused on investigating pesticides' primary modes of action, often overlooking the potential secondary mechanisms. This review brings forth the nuanced impacts of sublethal pesticide exposure on the immune system of target and non-target insect species. Pesticides, such as for example neonicotinoids, suppress immune response, while others, like certain organophosphates and some insect growth regulators (IGRs), appear to bolster immunocompetence under certain circumstances. Beyond their individual impacts, the synergic effects of pesticide mixtures on insect immunity are garnering increasing interest. This review thus summarizes recent advances in the immunomodulatory effects of pesticides, detailing both mechanisms and consequences of such interactions. The implications of these effects for ecosystem preservation and viability of beneficial organisms, such as pollinators and natural enemies of pests, are discussed. The review also considers further research directions on pesticide secondary modes of action and explores potential implications for integrated pest management (IPM) programs, as several model organisms studied are crop pest species. While current data provide an expansive overview of how insect innate immunity is modulated, concrete endpoints remain elusive requiring further research into pesticide secondary modes of actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Lisi
- University of Catania, Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marcel Amichot
- INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR ISA, 06903 Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Nicolas Desneux
- INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR ISA, 06903 Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Jean-Luc Gatti
- INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, UMR ISA, 06903 Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | | | - Francesco Nazzi
- University of Udine, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences (DI4A), Udine, Italy
| | - Francesco Pennacchio
- University of Naples, Department of Entomology and Zoology, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Agatino Russo
- University of Catania, Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Xingeng Wang
- USDA ARS Beneficial Insects Introduction Research Unit, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Lucia Zappalà
- University of Catania, Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Biondi
- University of Catania, Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy.
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Meier CJ, Ahmed S, Barr JS, Estévez-Lao TY, Hillyer JF. Extracellular matrix proteins Pericardin and Lonely heart mediate periostial hemocyte aggregation in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 159:105219. [PMID: 38925431 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105219] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
An infection induces the migration of immune cells called hemocytes to the insect heart, where they aggregate around heart valves called ostia and phagocytose pathogens in areas of high hemolymph flow. Here, we investigated whether the cardiac extracellular matrix proteins, Pericardin (Prc) and Lonely heart (Loh), regulate the infection-induced aggregation of periostial hemocytes in the mosquito, An. gambiae. We discovered that RNAi-based post-transcriptional silencing of Prc or Loh did not affect the resident population of periostial hemocytes in uninfected mosquitoes, but that knocking down these genes decreases the infection-induced migration of hemocytes to the heart. Knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the proportional distribution of periostial hemocytes along the periostial regions. Moreover, knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the number of sessile hemocytes outside the periostial regions, suggesting that the role of these proteins is cardiac-specific. Finally, knocking down Prc or Loh did not affect the amount of melanin at the periostial regions, or the intensity of an infection at 24 h after challenge. Overall, we demonstrate that Prc and Loh are positive regulators of the infection-induced migration of hemocytes to the heart of mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole J Meier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Shabbir Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jordyn S Barr
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Tania Y Estévez-Lao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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3
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Silva FWS, Viol DL, Elliot SL. Juvenile responses to immune challenges are not carried through to subsequent life stages in an insect. Sci Rep 2024; 14:21456. [PMID: 39271717 PMCID: PMC11399141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-72546-1] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental variability can significantly impact individual survival and reproduction. Meanwhile, high population densities can lead to resource scarcity and increased exposure to parasites and pathogens. Studies with insects can offer valuable insights into eco-immunology, allowing us to explore the connections between these variables. Here we use the moth Anticarsia gemmatalis to examine how increases in population density and immunological challenge during the larval stage shape its investment in immune defence and reproduction. Larvae reared at a high population density exhibited greater lytic activity against bacteria compared to those reared at low density, whilst bacterial challenge (i.e. bacteria-immersed needles) also increased lytic activity. There was no interaction between the variables population density and bacterial challenge, indicating that these are independent. Surprisingly, neither increase in lytic activity carried through to activity in prepupal haemolymph. Rearing of larvae at a high density delayed pupation and decreased pupal weight. The immunological stimulus did not significantly influence pupal development. Lower population density as a larva resulted in greater adult weight, but did not significantly influence lytic activity in the eggs or the number of eggs laid. Negative correlations were found between lytic activity in the eggs and the number of eggs, as well as between adult weight and the number of eggs. Overall, this study demonstrates that high population density and immune challenge trigger increased lytic activity in caterpillars, but this effect is transient, not persisting into later stages. The trade-offs observed, such as delayed pupation and reduced prepupal weights under high density, suggest a balancing act between immune investment and developmental aspects. The findings hint at a short-term adaptive response rather than a sustained strategy. The implications of delayed pupation and smaller adult moths could influence the moth's life history strategy, impacting its role in the ecosystem. Further research tracking larval immune investment and subsequent reproductive success will unveil the evolutionary dynamics of this relationship in changing environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farley W S Silva
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Av. PH Rolfs, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil.
- Department of Entomology and Phytopathology, Universidade Federal Rural Do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ), Rodovia BR 465, Km 7, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, 23897-000, Brazil.
| | - Daniel L Viol
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Av. PH Rolfs, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
| | - Simon L Elliot
- Department of Entomology, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Av. PH Rolfs, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, 36570-900, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research, University College London, London, UK
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4
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Cao HH, Wang YL, Toufeeq S, Kong WW, Ayaz S, Liu SH, Wang J, Xu JP. Bombyx mori serpin 3 is involved in innate immunity by interacting with serine protease 7 to regulate prophenoloxidase activation. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 207:108188. [PMID: 39245295 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108188] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
A subfamily of conserved proteins called serpins plays crucial roles in various physiological functions, particularly in the activation pathway of the serine protease cascade, an essential component of insect innate immunity. Here, we found Bombyx mori serpin 3 (BmSerpin3) was most highly expressed in the fat body, and was up-regulated after exposure to bacteria, fungus and virus. Further, the expression of BmSerpin3 in the hemocytes, fat body, midgut of silkworm larvae, and BmN cells was up-regulated upon Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection. Through Bac-to-Bac expression system, we obtained the active protein of BmSerpin3, and the enzyme activity assay showed that BmSerpin3 significantly inhibited the activity of both subtilisin and trypsin. In addition, BmSerpin3 could inhibit the activation of prophenoloxidase (PPO) in larvae. The knockdown of BmSerpin3 showed increased phenoloxidase (PO) activity compared to control after BmNPV infection. Ultimately, we confirmed that BmSerpin3 interacts with B. mori Serine Protease 7 (BmSP7). Hence, we hypothesize that BmSerpin3 is involved in innate immunity by interacting with BmSP7 to regulate the PPO activation cascade. Taken together, these results showed that BmSerpin3 play a role in silkworm innate immunity and lay a foundation for studying its functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hua Cao
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Biology and Innovative Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; School of Bioengineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan 232038, China
| | - Yu-Ling Wang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Biology and Innovative Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; School of Bioengineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan 232038, China
| | - Shahzad Toufeeq
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Biology and Innovative Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Wei-Wei Kong
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Biology and Innovative Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Sadaf Ayaz
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Biology and Innovative Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Shi-Huo Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Biology and Innovative Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Institute of Sericulture, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei 230061, China.
| | - Jia-Ping Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Resource Insect Biology and Innovative Utilization, School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China; Anhui International Joint Research and Developmental Center of Sericulture Resources Utilization, Hefei 230036, China.
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Ma L, Wang H, Liu Y, Sun J, Yan X, Lu Z, Hao C, Qie X. Single von Willebrand factor C-domain protein-2 confers immune defense against bacterial infections in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 279:135241. [PMID: 39233173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135241] [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: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Single-domain von Willebrand factor type C proteins (SVWCs), primarily found in arthropods, responds to infections caused by various pathogens. Three SVWCs have been identified in the silkworm and BmSVWC2 might play a crucial role in the immune system. However, the regulatory mechanism of BmSVWC2 remains largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical functions of BmSVWC2 in the immune system of B. mori comprehensively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BmSVWC1, BmSVWC3, and BmSVWC2 were distributed in diverse groups, suggesting distinct biochemical functions. The mRNA and protein levels of BmSVWC2 increased significantly in response to bacterial infection. BmSVWC2 exhibited clear binding activity to the polysaccharide pathogen-associated molecular patterns of bacteria and fungi, enhancing bacterial clearance in vivo but not in vitro. RNA-sequencing assays of the fat body and hemocytes showed that numerous immune genes were markedly up-regulated with higher level of BmSVWC2, primarily affecting recognition, signaling, and response production of the Toll and immune deficiency (IMD) signaling pathways. This led to the production of various antimicrobial peptides and significant antibacterial activities in the hemolymph. BmSVWC2 up-regulated phagocytosis-related genes in the fat body and hemocytes, and phagocytosis assays confirmed that BmSVWC2 improved the phagocytic ability of hemocytes against bacteria. Additionally, BmSVWC2 induced the expression of nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) in the fat body, and bioassays confirmed that BmSVWC2 increased NOS activity in the fat body and hemolymph, resulting in nitric oxide accumulation. However, BmSVWC2 did not affect phenoloxidase activity, despite it caused differential expression of a few serine proteases and serine protease inhibitors. Co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry assays showed that BmSVWC2 interacted with 30 K proteins, such as 30 K protein 2, 30 K pBmHPC-19, 30 K 19G1-like, 30 K protein 8, 30 K protein 7, 30 K pBmHPC-23, and low molecular mass lipoprotein 4-like. Our study provides a comprehensive characterization of BmSVWC2 and elucidates the mechanism underlying its regulation of immune responses activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Han Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Yaya Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Jing Sun
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Xizhong Yan
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Chi Hao
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China.
| | - Xingtao Qie
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, 030801, China.
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Wang M, Tang W, Wu C, Chen Y, Li H, Wu P, Qian H, Guo X, Zhang Z. Linc20486 promotes BmCPV replication through inhibiting the transcription of AGO2 and Dicers. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 206:108170. [PMID: 39173824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108170] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
The silkworm holds pivotal economic importance, serving not only as a primary source of silk but also as a prominent model organism in scientific research. Nonetheless, silkworm farming remains vulnerable to diverse factors, with viral infections posing the gravest threat to the sericulture industry. Among these, the Bombyx mori cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus (BmCPV), a member of the Reoviridae family and the cytoplasmic polyhedrosis virus genus, emerges as a significant pathogen in silkworm production. BmCPV infection primarily induces midgut sepsis in silkworms, spreads rapidly, and can inflict substantial economic losses on sericulture production. Presently, effective strategies for preventing and treating BmCPV infections are lacking. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) constitutes a class of RNA molecules with transcripts exceeding 200 nt, playing a crucial role in mediating the interplay between pathogens and host cells. Investigation through high-throughput technology has unveiled that BmCPV infection markedly upregulates the expression of Linc20486. This observation suggests potential involvement of Linc20486 in regulating virus replication. Indeed, as anticipated, knockdown of Linc20486 in cells profoundly impedes BmCPV replication, whereas overexpression significantly enhances virus propagation. To probe into the mechanism underlying Linc20486's impact on virus replication, its effects on autophagy, innate immunity, and RNAi-related pathways were scrutinized. The findings revealed that Linc20486 exerts significant influence on the expression of RNAi pathway-related genes, such as Dicer1, Dicer2 and AGO2. This discovery holds promise for unveiling novel avenues to comprehend and combat BmCPV infections in silkworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengdong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Weiming Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Chengyue Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Yeping Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Hao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Ping Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Heying Qian
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Xijie Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China
| | - Zhendong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212100, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, The Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang 212100, China.
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7
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Walt HK, Bronzato-Badial A, Maedo SE, Hinton JA, King JG, Pietri JE, Hoffmann FG. Under the radar: Transcriptomic responses of bed bugs to an entomopathogen, environmental bacteria, and a human pathogen. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 206:108182. [PMID: 39178984 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108182] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are widely distributed, obligately blood-feeding insects, but they have never been linked to pathogen transmission in humans. Most other hematophagous insects that frequently bite humans transmit pathogens, and it is unclear why bed bugs do not. One hypothesis is that bed bugs have evolved a highly robust immune system because their mating system, traumatic insemination, exposes females to consistent wounding and bacterial infections. Although this has been proposed, very little is known about the bed bug immune system and how bed bugs respond to microbial challenges introduced by wounding. Similarly, there is little known about how the bed bug immune system responds to human pathogens. Understanding the bed bug immune system could give insight to why bed bugs appear not to transmit disease and under what circumstances they could, while also facilitating biological control efforts involving microbes. To investigate the transcriptomic response of bed bugs to immune challenges, we exposed female bed bugs to three bacterial challenges. 1.) Pseudomonas fluorescens, an entomopathogen known to have harmful effects to bed bugs, 2.) bacteria cultured from a bed bug enclosure (99.9 % Bacillus spp.), likely encountered during traumatic insemination, and 3.) Borrelia duttoni, a human vector-borne pathogen that causes relapsing fever. We compared the transcriptomes of infected bed bugs with uninfected matched controls in a pairwise fashion, focusing on immune-related genes. We found many known antimicrobial effector genes upregulated in response to P. fluorescens and traumatic insemination-associated bacteria, but interestingly, not in response to B. duttoni. In the differentially expressed genes that were shared between experiments, we found significant overlap in the P. fluorescens treatment and the traumatic insemination bacteria treatment, and between the P. fluorescens and B. duttoni treatments, but not between the traumatic insemination bacteria treatment and the B. duttoni treatment. Finally, we identify previously overlooked candidates for future studies of immune function in bed bugs, including a peroxidase-like gene, many putative cuticle-associated genes, a laccase-like gene, and a mucin-like gene. By taking a comprehensive transcriptomic approach, our study is an important step in understanding how bed bugs respond to diverse immune challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter K Walt
- Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Aline Bronzato-Badial
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Sophie E Maedo
- Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Joseph A Hinton
- Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Jonas G King
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA
| | - Jose E Pietri
- Sanford School of Medicine, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, USA.
| | - Federico G Hoffmann
- Department of Biochemistry, Nutrition, and Health Promotion, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA; Institute for Genomics, Biocomputing and Biotechnology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.
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Kaczmarek A, Katarzyna Wrońska A, Irena Boguś M. Octanoic acid kills Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) by affecting two major defence systems: cuticular free fatty acids and immunocompetent cells. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 206:108165. [PMID: 38986766 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108165] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
This work examines the insecticidal activity of octanoic acid (C8:0), a short-chain fatty acid detected in entomopathogenic fungus - Conidiobolus coronatus medium, against Lucilia sericata larvae and adults. The LD50 value was calculated as 3.04±0.26 µg/mg (3040 mg/kg) of insect body mass, which places the compound in category 5 of acute toxicity (slightly hazardous). The presented research also describes its probable mechanism, with a particular focus on changes in two main insect defense mechanisms: (1) the composition of the cuticle (GC-MS analysis) and (2) immunocompetent cells (microscopic analysis of cultured hemocytes). More precisely, octanoic acid application resulted in changes in cuticular free fatty acid (FFA) profiles in both adults and larvae; generally, treatment increased short-chain FFAs, and a decrease of middle- and long-chain FFAs. Both in vivo and in vitro applications of octanoic acid resulted in vacuolisation, disintegration, and destruction of nets formed by plasmatocytes. As the compound has also previously been found to be toxic against Galleria mellonella, it appears to have lethal potential against insects in both the Orders Diptera and Lepidoptera, indicating it may have strong entomopathogenic potential. It is worth noting that octanoic acid is approved as a food additive with well-documented insecticidal activity, and hence may be a valuable component in the design of new insecticides that are safe for both humans and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland.
| | - Anna Katarzyna Wrońska
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland
| | - Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Science, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland; Biomibo, Strzygłowska 15, 04-872 Warsaw, Poland
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Ali S, Zhang X, Gao T, Hamid Bashir M, Wang X. Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals disruption of Plutella xylostella immune system by fungal peptide cyclosporin C. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 206:108156. [PMID: 38901686 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108156] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella), a major threat to crucifers across the globe, has developed resistance against the majority of insecticides enhancing the need for alternate control measures against this pest. Recently cyclosporin C, a secondary metabolite produced by the insect pathogenic fungus Purpeocillium lilacinum, has been reported to induce lethal and sub-lethal effects against P. xylostella. To date, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of interaction between cyclosporin C and P. xylostella immune systems. This study reports the transcriptome-based immune response of P. xylostella to cyclosprin C treatment. Our results showed differential expression of 322, 97, and 504 differentially expressed genes (DEGS) in P. xylostella treated with cyclosporin C compared to control 24, 48, and 72 h post-treatment, respectively. Thirteen DEGs were commonly expressed at different time intervals in P. xylostella larvae treated with cyclosporin C compared to control. Cyclosporin C treatment induced the down-regulated expression of majority of immune-related genes related to pattern recognition responses, signal modulation, Toll and IMD pathways, antimicrobial peptides and antioxidant responses confirming the ability to suppress immune response of P. xylostella. These results will further improve our knowledge of the infection mechanism and complex biochemical processes involved in interaction between cyclosporin C and insect immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaukat Ali
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Xiaochen Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Tianxiang Gao
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | | | - Xingmin Wang
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou 510642, China; Engineering Research Center of Biological Control, Ministry of Education and Guangdong Province, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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10
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Brahma S, Chatterjee S, Dey A. Role of eicosanoids in insect immunity: new insights and recent advances. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 39158024 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Viruses, bacteria, fungus, protozoans, and different metazoan parasites and parasitoids present a constant threat to insects. Insect immunity has two components: humoral and cell mediated. Humoral immunity can be achieved by various antimicrobial proteins, namely, cecropins, sarcotoxin, defensin, attacin, etc. The cell-mediated immunity comprises various cells having immune functions fostering nodulation, phagocytosis, microaggregation, encapsulation etc. Eicosanoids play a crucial role in insect immunity comparable to other animals. The above-mentioned are signaling molecules derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids and they exert numerous physiological effects, namely, inflammation, immune modulation, and regulation of cellular processes. The review article elucidates various roles of eicosanoids, namely, nodulation reaction, Toll signaling pathway, nitric oxide (NO) generation, Ca2+ mobilization, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), actin polymerization and aquaporin activation. Eicosanoids can function in immune priming in insects drawing hemocytes. An agent named Duox was also identified serving as ROS generator in insect gut. Moreover, role of Repat gene in insect immunity was also studied. However, recently the role of prostacyclin (PGI2) was found to be negative as it inhibits platelet aggregation. In this brief review, we have tried to shed light on the various functions of eicosanoids in immunity of insect those have been discovered recently. This concise study will allow to decipher eicosanoids' function in insect immunity in a nutshell, and it will pave the way for more researches to understand the key players of insect immunity which may eventually help to develop novel vector and pest control strategies in near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhranil Brahma
- Department of Zoology, Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar College, Belonia, South Tripura, Tripura, India
| | - Somnath Chatterjee
- Department of Zoology, Dr. Bhupendra Nath Dutta Smriti Mahavidyalaya, Hatgobindapur, Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
| | - Atrayee Dey
- Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Banwarilal Bhalotia College, Asansol, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
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11
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Shahmohammadi N, Khan F, Jin G, Kwon M, Lee D, Kim Y. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Suppresses the Antiviral Response of the Insect Vector, Frankliniella occidentalis, by Elevating an Immunosuppressive C18 Oxylipin Level Using Its Virulent Factor, NSs. Cells 2024; 13:1377. [PMID: 39195265 DOI: 10.3390/cells13161377] [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: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Orthotospovirus tomatomaculae (tomato spotted wilt virus, TSWV) is transmitted by the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. Epoxyoctadecamonoenoic acids (EpOMEs) function as immune-suppressive factors, particularly in insects infected by viral pathogens. These oxylipins are produced by cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) and are degraded by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that TSWV modulates the EpOME level in the thrips to suppress antiviral responses and enhance its replication. TSWV infection significantly elevated both 9,10-EpOME and 12,13-EpOME levels. Following TSWV infection, the larvae displayed apoptosis in the midgut along with the upregulated expression of four caspase genes. However, the addition of EpOME to the viral treatment notably reduced apoptosis and downregulated caspase gene expressions, which led to a marked increase in TSWV titers. The CYP and sEH genes of F. occidentalis were identified, and their expression manipulation using RNA interference (RNAi) treatments led to significant alternations in the insect's immune responses and TSWV viral titers. To ascertain which viral factor influences the host EpOME levels, specialized RNAi treatments targeting genes encoded by TSWV were administered to larvae infected with TSWV. These treatments demonstrated that NSS expression is pivotal in manipulating the genes involved in EpOME metabolism. These results indicate that NSs of TSWV are crucially linked with the elevation of host insect EpOME levels and play a key role in suppressing the antiviral responses of F. occidentalis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niayesh Shahmohammadi
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Falguni Khan
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Gahyeon Jin
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Kwon
- Industry Academy Cooperation Foundation, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghee Lee
- Industry Academy Cooperation Foundation, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Plant Medicals, Andong National University, Andong 36729, Republic of Korea
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12
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Yu L, Ling C, Li Y, Guo H, Xu A, Qian H, Li G. The Bombyx mori G protein β subunit 1 (BmGNβ1) gene inhibits BmNPV infection. J Invertebr Pathol 2024; 204:108097. [PMID: 38537687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2024.108097] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
G protein β subunit 1 (GNβ1) has several functions, including cell growth regulation, the control of second messenger levels, and ion channel switching. Previous transcriptome analyses in our laboratory have shown that BmGNβ1 transcription is reduced following infection with Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), but it is unknown what role this gene may have in the host response to BmNPV infection. In this study, the BmGNβ1 gene was cloned using the RACE method. After BmNPV infection, BmGNβ1 was downregulated in Baiyu strains in tissues such as the hemolymph and midgut. Indirect immunofluorescence showed that BmGNβ1 was localized to the cytoplasm. We further constructed a BmGNβ1-pIZ/V5-His-mCherry overexpression plasmid and designed siRNA to evaluate the role of BmGNβ1 in host response to infection. The results showed that BmGNβ1 overexpression inhibited BmNPV proliferation, while knockdown of BmGNβ1 was correlated with increased BmNPV proliferation. The siRNA-mediated reduction of BmGNβ1 was correlated with an increase in BmNPV infection of BmN cells, increased BmNPV vp39 transcription, and reduced survival time of BmNPV-infected B. mori. Overexpression of BmGNβ1 in BmN cells was also correlated with apoptosis and a modification in transcript levels of genes involved in host response to BmNPV infection (PI3K, AKT, Bmp53, BmFOXO, Caspase-1, Bmp21, BmPKN and BmCREB), suggesting that BmGNβ1 may influence the apoptotic host response of infected B. mori through the PI3K-AKT pathway. This study provides potential targets and theoretical support for breeding BmNPV-resistant silkworm varieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyuan Yu
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Chenyu Ling
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yizhu Li
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Huiduo Guo
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Anying Xu
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China; The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, the Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Zhenjiang 212018, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Heying Qian
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China; The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, the Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Zhenjiang 212018, Zhenjiang, China.
| | - Gang Li
- The Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China; The Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, the Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science, Zhenjiang 212018, Zhenjiang, China.
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13
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Zhu J, Fu Y, Zhang L, Yang T, Zhou X. Transcriptomic Profiling of Bean Aphid Megoura crassicauda upon Exposure to the Aphid-Obligate Entomopathogen Conidiobolus obscurus (Entomophthoromycotina) and Screening of CytCo-Binding Aphid Proteins through a Pull-Down Assay. INSECTS 2024; 15:388. [PMID: 38921103 PMCID: PMC11203964 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Prolonged periods of host-lethal infection by entomopathogenic fungi pose challenges to the development of biological control agents. The obligate entomopathogen C. obscurus, however, rapidly kills aphid hosts, warranting investigation. This study investigated the interaction between C. obscurus and a bean aphid Megoura crassicauda during the incubation period of infection, using transcriptome analysis to map host gene expression profiles. Results indicate C. obscurus-inoculated aphid activation of the wound healing immune responses, alongside suppression of the key molecules involved in Toll signaling, melanization, and metabolism. Furthermore, neuromotor system-related genes were upregulated, paralleling the intoxication observed in a nematode pest treated with C. obscurus-derived CytCo protein. To deepen interaction insights, a His-tag pull-down assay coupled with mass spectrometry analysis was conducted using CytCo as a bait to screen for potential aphid protein interactors. The proteins were identified based on the assembled transcriptome, and eleven transmembrane proteins were predicted to bind to CytCo. Notably, a protein of putatively calcium-transporting ATPase stood out with the highest confidence. This suggests that CytCo plays a vital role in C. obscurus killing aphid hosts, implicating calcium imbalance. In conclusion, C. obscurus effectively inhibits aphid immunity and exhibits neurotoxic potential, expediting the infection process. This finding facilitates our understanding of the complex host-pathogen interactions and opens new avenues for exploring biological pest management strategies in agroforestry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqin Zhu
- Jixian Honors College, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China;
| | - Yaqi Fu
- National Joint Local Engineering Laboratory of Biopesticide High-Efficient Preparation, College of Forestry & Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.F.); (L.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Lvhao Zhang
- National Joint Local Engineering Laboratory of Biopesticide High-Efficient Preparation, College of Forestry & Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.F.); (L.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Tian Yang
- National Joint Local Engineering Laboratory of Biopesticide High-Efficient Preparation, College of Forestry & Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.F.); (L.Z.); (T.Y.)
| | - Xiang Zhou
- National Joint Local Engineering Laboratory of Biopesticide High-Efficient Preparation, College of Forestry & Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China; (Y.F.); (L.Z.); (T.Y.)
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14
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Ren Y, Fu S, Dong W, Chen J, Xue H, Bu W. The ncRNA-mediated regulatory networks of defensins and lysozymes in Riptortus pedestris: involvement in response to gut bacterial disturbances. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1386345. [PMID: 38827147 PMCID: PMC11140134 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1386345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects depend on humoral immunity against intruders through the secretion of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and immune effectors via NF-κB transcription factors, and their fitness is improved by gut bacterial microbiota. Although there are growing numbers of reports on noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) involving in immune responses against pathogens, comprehensive studies of ncRNA-AMP regulatory networks in Riptortus pedestris, which is one of the widely distributed pests in East Asia, are still not well understood under feeding environmental changes. The objective of this study employed the whole-transcriptome sequencing (WTS) to systematically identify the lncRNAs (long noncoding RNA) and circRNAs (circular RNA) and to obtain their differential expression from the R. pedestris gut under different feeding conditions. Functional annotation indicated that they were mainly enriched in various biological processes with the GO and KEGG databases, especially in immune signaling pathways. Five defensin (four novel members) and eleven lysozyme (nine novel members) family genes were identified and characterized from WTS data, and meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis confirmed their classification. Subsequently, the miRNA-mRNA interaction network of above two AMPs and lncRNA-involved ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) regulatory network of one lysozyme were predicted and built based on bioinformatic prediction and calculation, and the expression patterns of differentially expressed (DE) defensins, and DE lysozymes and related DE ncRNAs were estimated and selected among all the comparison groups. Finally, to integrate the analyses of WTS and previous 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we conducted the Pearson correlation analysis to reveal the significantly positive or negative correlation between above DE AMPs and ncRNAs, as well as most changes in the gut bacterial microbiota at the genus level of R. pedestris. Taken together, the present observations provide great insights into the ncRNA regulatory networks of AMPs in response to rearing environmental changes in insects and uncover new potential strategies for pest control in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Ren
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Siying Fu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenhao Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food and Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology and Food Science, Tianjin University of Commerce, Tianjin, China
| | - Juhong Chen
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huaijun Xue
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjun Bu
- Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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15
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Cho Y, Cho S. Granulocyte dynamics: a key player in the immune priming effects of crickets. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383498. [PMID: 38827743 PMCID: PMC11140058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383498] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates immune priming effects associated with granulocytes in crickets through a comprehensive analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis reveals a significant contrast in survival rates, with the heat-killed Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-primed group exhibiting an impressive ~80% survival rate compared to the PBS buffer-primed group with only ~10% survival 60 hours post live Bt infection. Hemocyte analysis underscores elevated hemocyte counts, particularly in granulocytes of the killed Bt-primed group, suggesting a correlation between the heat-killed Bt priming and heightened immune activation. Microscopy techniques further explore granulocyte morphology, unveiling distinctive immune responses in the killed Bt-primed group characterized by prolonged immune activation, heightened granulocyte activity, phagocytosis, and extracellular trap formation, contributing to enhanced survival rates. In particular, after 24 hours of injecting live Bt, most granulocytes in the PBS buffer-primed group exhibited extracellular DNA trap cell death (ETosis), while in the killed Bt-primed group, the majority of granulocytes were observed to maintain highly activated extracellular traps, sustaining the immune response. Gene expression analysis supports these findings, revealing differential regulation of immune-related genes such as antibacterial humoral response, detection of bacterial lipopeptides, and cellular response to bacteria lipopeptides. Additionally, the heat-killed Bt-primed group, the heat-killed E. coli-primed group, and the PBS-primed group were re-injected with live Bt 2 and 9 days post priming. Two days later, only the PBS-primed group displayed low survival rates. After injecting live Bt 9 days later, the heat-killed E. coli-primed group surprisingly showed a similarly low survival rate, while the heat-killed Bt-primed group exhibited a high survival rate of ~60% after 60 hours, with actively moving and healthy crickets. In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into both short-term and long-term immune priming effects in crickets, contributing to our understanding of invertebrate immunity with potential applications in public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngwoo Cho
- Department of Plant Medicine, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Smart Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Saeyoull Cho
- Department of Plant Medicine, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Interdisciplinary Program in Smart Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Life Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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16
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Li X, Wang M, Feng K, Sun H, Tang F. The Function of Termicin from Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) in the Defense against Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Beauveria bassiana (Bb) Infection. INSECTS 2024; 15:360. [PMID: 38786916 PMCID: PMC11122213 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) is a subterranean termite species known for causing severe damage to trees and structures such as dams. During the synergistic evolution of O. formosanus with pathogenic bacteria, the termite has developed a robust innate immunity. Termicin is a crucial antimicrobial peptide in termites, significantly contributing to the defense against external infections. Building upon the successful construction and expression of the dsRNA-HT115 engineering strains of dsOftermicin1 and dsOftermicin2 in our laboratory, this work employs the ultrasonic breaking method to establish an inactivated dsOftermicins-HT115 technological system capable of producing a substantial quantity of dsRNA. This approach also addresses the limitation of transgenic strains which cannot be directly applied. Treatment of O. formosanus with dsOftermicins produced by this method could enhance the virulence of both Bt and Bb to the termites. This study laid the theoretical groundwork for the development of novel termite immunosuppressants and for the advancement and application of termite biological control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.L.); (M.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Mingyu Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.L.); (M.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Kai Feng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.L.); (M.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Jiangsu Province Rural Water Conservancy Science and Technology Development Center, Nanjing 210029, China;
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China; (X.L.); (M.W.); (K.F.)
- College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
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17
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Genç TT, Kaya S, Günay M, Çakaloğlu Ç. Humoral immune response of Galleria mellonella after mono- and co-injection with Hypericum perforatum extract and Candida albicans. APMIS 2024; 132:358-370. [PMID: 38344892 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13383] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Galleria mellonella is used as a model organism to study the innate immune response of insects. In this study, the humoral immune response was assessed by examining phenoloxidase activity, fungal burden, and the expression of phenoloxidase and antimicrobial peptide genes at different time point following separate and combined injections of Hypericum perforatum extract and a nonlethal dose of Candida albicans. The administration of a plant extract at low doses increased phenoloxidase activity, while higher doses had no effect. Similarly, co-injection of a low dose of the extract with the pathogen allowed half of the yeast cells to survive after 24 h. Co-injection of plant extract with the pathogen decreased the phenoloxidase activity at the end of 4 h compared to C. albicans mono-injection. The phenoloxidase gene expressions was reduced in all experimental conditions with respect to the control. When plant extracts and the pathogen were administered together, gallerimycin and hemolin gene expressions were considerably higher compared to mono-injections of plant extracts and the pathogen. The results of this study reveal that gene activation and regulatory mechanisms may change for each immune gene, and that recognition and signaling pathways may differ depending on the involved immunoregulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tülay Turgut Genç
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Serhat Kaya
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Melih Günay
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Çağla Çakaloğlu
- Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
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18
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Shamjana U, Vasu DA, Hembrom PS, Nayak K, Grace T. The role of insect gut microbiota in host fitness, detoxification and nutrient supplementation. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2024; 117:71. [PMID: 38668783 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-024-01970-0] [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: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Insects are incredibly diverse, ubiquitous and have successfully flourished out of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of evolutionary processes. The resident microbiome has accompanied the physical and biological adaptations that enable their continued survival and proliferation in a wide array of environments. The host insect and microbiome's bidirectional relationship exhibits their capability to influence each other's physiology, behavior and characteristics. Insects are reported to rely directly on the microbial community to break down complex food, adapt to nutrient-deficit environments, protect themselves from natural adversaries and control the expression of social behavior. High-throughput metagenomic approaches have enhanced the potential for determining the abundance, composition, diversity and functional activities of microbial fauna associated with insect hosts, enabling in-depth investigation into insect-microbe interactions. We undertook a review of some of the major advances in the field of metagenomics, focusing on insect-microbe interaction, diversity and composition of resident microbiota, the functional capability of endosymbionts and discussions on different symbiotic relationships. The review aims to be a valuable resource on insect gut symbiotic microbiota by providing a comprehensive understanding of how insect gut symbionts systematically perform a range of functions, viz., insecticide degradation, nutritional support and immune fitness. A thorough understanding of manipulating specific gut symbionts may aid in developing advanced insect-associated research to attain health and design strategies for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Shamjana
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Deepa Azhchath Vasu
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Preety Sweta Hembrom
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Karunakar Nayak
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India
| | - Tony Grace
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod, Kerala, 671316, India.
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19
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Hall DR, Johnson RM, Kwon H, Ferdous Z, Laredo-Tiscareño SV, Blitvich BJ, Brackney DE, Smith RC. Mosquito immune cells enhance dengue and Zika virus dissemination in Aedes aegypti. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.03.587950. [PMID: 38617257 PMCID: PMC11014501 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.03.587950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses cause more than 400 million annual infections and place over half of the world's population at risk. Despite this importance, the mechanisms by which arboviruses infect the mosquito host and disseminate to tissues required for transmission are not well understood. Here, we provide evidence that mosquito immune cells, known as hemocytes, play an integral role in the dissemination of dengue virus (DENV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. We establish that phagocytic hemocytes are a focal point for virus infection and demonstrate that these immune cell populations facilitate virus dissemination to the ovaries and salivary glands. Additional transfer experiments confirm that virus-infected hemocytes confer a virus infection to non-infected mosquitoes more efficiently than free virus in acellular hemolymph, revealing that hemocytes are an important tropism to enhance virus dissemination in the mosquito host. These data support a "trojan horse" model of virus dissemination where infected hemocytes transport virus through the hemolymph to deliver virus to mosquito tissues required for transmission and parallels vertebrate systems where immune cell populations promote virus dissemination to secondary sites of infection. In summary, this study significantly advances our understanding of virus infection dynamics in mosquitoes and highlights conserved roles of immune cells in virus dissemination across vertebrate and invertebrate systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. Hall
- Interdepartmental Program in Genetics and Genomics, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Rebecca M. Johnson
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Hyeogsun Kwon
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Zannatul Ferdous
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Bradley J. Blitvich
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Doug E. Brackney
- Center for Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, Department of Entomology, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
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20
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Moore CO, André MR, Šlapeta J, Breitschwerdt EB. Vector biology of the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:324-337. [PMID: 38458883 PMCID: PMC11168582 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.02.006] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Ctenocephalides felis, the cat flea, is among the most prevalent and widely dispersed vectors worldwide. Unfortunately, research on C. felis and associated pathogens (Bartonella and Rickettsia spp.) lags behind that of other vectors and vector-borne pathogens. Therefore, we aimed to review fundamental aspects of C. felis as a vector (behavior, epidemiology, phylogenetics, immunology, and microbiome composition) with an emphasis on key techniques and research avenues employed in other vector species. Future laboratory C. felis experimental infections with Bartonella, Rickettsia, and Wolbachia species/strains should examine the vector-pathogen interface utilizing contemporary visualization, transcriptomic, and gene-editing techniques. Further environmental sampling will inform the range and prevalence of C. felis and associated pathogens, improving the accuracy of vector and pathogen modeling to improve infection/infestation risk assessment and diagnostic recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O Moore
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, North Carolina State University, NC, USA
| | - Marcos Rogério André
- Vector-Borne Bioagents Laboratory (VBBL), Department of Pathology, Reproduction, and One Health, Faculty of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences, São Paulo State University (FCAV/UNESP), Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Jan Šlapeta
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Edward B Breitschwerdt
- Intracellular Pathogens Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, North Carolina State University, NC, USA.
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21
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Jiao Z, Chen M, Zhao W, Wu Y, Guo G. Serine protease mediates Ovomermis sinensis-inhibited host immune responses by inducing apoptosis: implications for successful parasitism and host mortality. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:1968-1980. [PMID: 38105114 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7931] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mermithid nematodes are entomopathogens that parasitize and kill insect hosts and are used for biological control. It is widely believed that mermithid nematodes kill their host upon nematode emergence, unlike other parasites that depend on virulence factors. In this study, we disproved this theory by demonstrating that the mermithid nematode Ovomermis sinensis mediates host mortality by serine protease-induced apoptosis. RESULTS Successful parasitism of O. sinensis increased with the infection rate, and the inhibition of host immunity by O. sinensis increased with the parasitic load. A serine protease was identified from the host hemolymph. This protease belongs to the trypsin-like serine protease family, which is an apoptosis-inducing serine protease. Specifically, Os-sp was highly expressed only during the parasitic stage and could be induced by host hemocytes and the fat body. Importantly, host immune effectors (melanization, phenoloxidase activity, and encapsulation) were suppressed by the recombinant protein rOs-sp that induced apoptosis of hemocytes and fat body in a dose-dependent manner, which contributes to host death. CONCLUSION Serine protease mediates O. sinensis-inhibited host immune responses by inducing apoptosis that is lethal to the insect host. Our findings have broader implications for understanding the mechanism of successful parasitism and killing of host by nematodes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlong Jiao
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Mingming Chen
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yuanming Wu
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guo Guo
- The Key and Characteristic Laboratory of Modern Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
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22
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Paliwal D, Rabiey M, Mauchline TH, Hassani-Pak K, Nauen R, Wagstaff C, Andrews S, Bass C, Jackson RW. Multiple toxins and a protease contribute to the aphid-killing ability of Pseudomonas fluorescens PpR24. Environ Microbiol 2024; 26:e16604. [PMID: 38561900 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.16604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Aphids are globally important pests causing damage to a broad range of crops. Due to insecticide resistance, there is an urgent need to develop alternative control strategies. In our previous work, we found Pseudomonas fluorescens PpR24 can orally infect and kill the insecticide-resistant green-peach aphid (Myzus persicae). However, the genetic basis of the insecticidal capability of PpR24 remains unclear. Genome sequencing of PpR24 confirmed the presence of various insecticidal toxins such as Tc (toxin complexes), Rhs (rearrangement hotspot) elements, and other insect-killing proteases. Upon aphids infection with PpR24, RNA-Seq analysis revealed 193 aphid genes were differentially expressed with down-regulation of 16 detoxification genes. In addition, 1325 PpR24 genes (542 were upregulated and 783 downregulated) were subject to differential expression, including genes responsible for secondary metabolite biosynthesis, the iron-restriction response, oxidative stress resistance, and virulence factors. Single and double deletion of candidate virulence genes encoding a secreted protease (AprX) and four toxin components (two TcA-like; one TcB-like; one TcC-like insecticidal toxins) showed that all five genes contribute significantly to aphid killing, particularly AprX. This comprehensive host-pathogen transcriptomic analysis provides novel insight into the molecular basis of bacteria-mediated aphid mortality and the potential of PpR24 as an effective biocontrol agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Paliwal
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Mojgan Rabiey
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Tim H Mauchline
- Sustainable Soils and Crops, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, UK
| | | | | | - Carol Wagstaff
- School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Simon Andrews
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | | | - Robert W Jackson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
- School of Biosciences and Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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23
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Guo R, Zhang K, Zang H, Guo S, Liu X, Jing X, Song Y, Li K, Wu Y, Jiang H, Fu Z, Chen D. Dynamics and regulatory role of circRNAs in Asian honey bee larvae following fungal infection. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:261. [PMID: 38472661 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) plays a vital part in the regulation of immune responses, growth, and development in plants and animals. Here, the identification, characteristic analysis, and molecular verification of circRNAs in Apis cerana cerana worker larval guts were conducted, followed by in-depth investigation of the expression pattern of larval circRNAs during Ascosphaera apis infection and exploration of the potential regulatory part of differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in host immune responses. A total of 3178 circRNAs in the larval guts of A. c. cerana were identified, with a length distribution ranging from 15 to 96,007 nt. Additionally, 155, 95, and 86 DEcircRNAs were identified in the in the 4-, 5-, and 6-day-old larval guts following A. apis infection. These DEcircRNAs were predicted to target 29, 25, and 18 parental genes relevant to 12, 20, and 17 GO terms as well as 144, 114, and 61 KEGG pathways, including 5 cellular and 4 humoral immune pathways. Complex competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks were detected as being formed among DEcircRNAs, DEmiRNAs, and DEmRNAs. The target DEmRNAs were engaged in 36, 47, and 47 GO terms as well as 331, 332, and 331 pathways, including 6 cellular and 6 humoral immune pathways. Further, 19 DEcircRNAs, 5 DEmiRNAs, and 3 mRNAs were included in the sub-networks relative to 3 antioxidant enzymes. Finally, back-splicing sites within 15 circRNAs and the difference in the 15 DEcircRNAs' expression between uninoculated and A. apis-inoculated larval guts were confirmed based on molecular methods. These findings not only enrich our understanding of bee host-fungal pathogen interactions but also lay a foundation for illuminating the mechanism underlying the DEcircRNA-mediated immune defense of A. c. cerana larvae against A. apis invasion. KEY POINTS: • The expression pattern of circRNAs was altered in the A. cerana worker larval guts following A. apis infection. • Back-splicing sites within 15 A. cerana circRNAs were verified using molecular approaches. DEcircRNAs potentially modulated immune responses and antioxidant enzymes in A. apis-challenged host guts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
- National & Local United Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - He Zang
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Sijia Guo
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xin Jing
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Kunze Li
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin, Jilin, 132000, China
| | - Haibing Jiang
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin, Jilin, 132000, China
| | - Zhongmin Fu
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- National & Local United Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- National & Local United Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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24
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Rolandelli A, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Bogale HN, Singh N, Samaddar S, O'Neal AJ, Ferraz CR, Butnaru M, Mameli E, Xia B, Mendes MT, Butler LR, Marnin L, Cabrera Paz FE, Valencia LM, Rana VS, Skerry C, Pal U, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Serre D, Pedra JHF. Tick hemocytes have a pleiotropic role in microbial infection and arthropod fitness. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2117. [PMID: 38459063 PMCID: PMC10923820 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46494-3] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Uncovering the complexity of systems in non-model organisms is critical for understanding arthropod immunology. Prior efforts have mostly focused on Dipteran insects, which only account for a subset of existing arthropod species in nature. Here we use and develop advanced techniques to describe immune cells (hemocytes) from the clinically relevant tick Ixodes scapularis at a single-cell resolution. We observe molecular alterations in hemocytes upon feeding and infection with either the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi or the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We reveal hemocyte clusters exhibiting defined signatures related to immunity, metabolism, and proliferation. Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes affects hemocytin and astakine levels, two I. scapularis hemocyte markers, impacting blood-feeding, molting behavior, and bacterial acquisition. Mechanistically, astakine alters hemocyte proliferation, whereas hemocytin affects the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in I. scapularis. Altogether, we discover a role for tick hemocytes in immunophysiology and provide a valuable resource for comparative biology in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hanna J Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haikel N Bogale
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Rancho BioSciences, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Energy Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University; Knowledge Corridor, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anya J O'Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camila R Ferraz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew Butnaru
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Baolong Xia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - L Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Francy E Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa M Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vipin S Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ciaran Skerry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie E Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - David Serre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joao H F Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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25
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Chiang YR, Lin HT, Chang CW, Lin SM, Lin JHY. Dynamic expression of cathepsin L in the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) gut during Escherichia coli challenge. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298338. [PMID: 38451906 PMCID: PMC10919656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens, has the potential to serve as a valuable resource for waste bioconversion due to the ability of the larvae to thrive in a microbial-rich environment. Being an ecological decomposer, the survival of BSF larvae (BSFL) relies on developing an efficient defense system. Cathepsin L (CTSL) is a cysteine protease that plays roles in physiological and pathological processes. In this study, the full-length of CTSL was obtained from BSF. The 1,020-bp open reading frame encoded a preprotein of 339 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 32 kDa. The pro-domain contained the conserved ERFNIN, GNYD, and GCNGG motifs, which are all characteristic of CTSL. Homology revealed that the deduced amino acid sequence of BSF CTSL shared 74.22-72.99% identity with Diptera flies. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis showed the CTSL was predominantly localized in the gut, especially in the midgut. The mRNA expression of CTSL in different larval stages was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), which revealed that CTSL was expressed in the second to sixth instar, with the highest expression in the fifth instar. Following an immune challenge in vivo using Escherichia coli (E. coli), CTSL mRNA was significantly up-regulated at 6 h post-stimulation. The Z-Phe-Arg-AMC was gradually cleaved by the BSFL extract after 3 h post-stimulation. These results shed light on the potential role of CTSL in the defense mechanism that helps BSFL to survive against pathogens in a microbial-rich environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ru Chiang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Han-Tso Lin
- Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wei Chang
- Department of Biotechnology, Ming Chuan University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Lin
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioindustry Science, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - John Han-You Lin
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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26
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Perlmutter JI, Chapman JR, Wilkinson MC, Nevarez-Saenz I, Unckless RL. A single amino acid polymorphism in natural Metchnikowin alleles of Drosophila results in systemic immunity and life history tradeoffs. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011155. [PMID: 38466751 PMCID: PMC10957085 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are at the interface of interactions between hosts and microbes and are therefore expected to be rapidly evolving in a coevolutionary arms race with pathogens. In contrast, previous work demonstrated that insect AMPs tend to evolve more slowly than the genome average. Metchikowin (Mtk) is a Drosophila AMP that has a single amino acid residue that segregates as either proline (P) or arginine (R) in populations of four different species, some of which diverged more than 10 million years ago. These results suggest that there is a distinct functional importance to each allele. The most likely hypotheses are driven by two main questions: does each allele have a different efficacy against different specific pathogens (specificity hypothesis)? Or, is one allele a more potent antimicrobial, but with a host fitness cost (autoimmune hypothesis)? To assess their functional differences, we created D. melanogaster lines with the P allele, R allele, or Mtk null mutation using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and performed a series of life history and infection assays to assess them. In males, testing of systemic immune responses to a repertoire of bacteria and fungi demonstrated that the R allele performs as well or better than the P and null alleles with most infections. Females show some results that contrast with males, with Mtk alleles either not contributing to survival or with the P allele outperforming the R allele. In addition, measurements of life history traits demonstrate that the R allele is more costly in the absence of infection for both sexes. These results are consistent with both the specificity hypothesis (either allele can perform better against certain pathogens depending on context), and the autoimmune hypothesis (the R allele is generally the more potent antimicrobial in males, and carries a fitness cost). These results provide strong in vivo evidence that differential fitness with or without infection and sex-based functional differences in alleles may be adaptive mechanisms of maintaining immune gene polymorphisms in contrast with expectations of rapid evolution. Therefore, a complex interplay of forces including pathogen species and host sex may lead to balancing selection for immune genotypes. Strikingly, this selection may act on even a single amino acid polymorphism in an AMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessamyn I. Perlmutter
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Joanne R. Chapman
- Institute of Environmental and Scientific Research (ESR), Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Mason C. Wilkinson
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Isaac Nevarez-Saenz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Robert L. Unckless
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
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27
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Bergmann S, Graf E, Hoffmann P, Becker SC, Stern M. Localization of nitric oxide-producing hemocytes in Aedes and Culex mosquitoes infected with bacteria. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 395:313-326. [PMID: 38240845 PMCID: PMC10904431 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03862-1] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are significant vectors of various pathogens. Unlike vertebrates, insects rely solely on innate immunity. Hemocytes play a crucial role in the cellular part of the innate immune system. The gaseous radical nitric oxide (NO) produced by hemocytes acts against pathogens and also functions as a versatile transmitter in both the immune and nervous systems, utilizing cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) as a second messenger. This study conducted a parallel comparison of NO synthase (NOS) expression and NO production in hemocytes during Escherichia coli K12 infection in four vector species: Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens molestus, and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus. Increased NOS expression by NADPH diaphorase (NADPHd) staining and NO production by immunofluorescence against the by-product L-citrulline were observed in infected mosquito hemocytes distributed throughout the abdomens. NADPHd activity and citrulline labeling were particularly found in periostial hemocytes near the heart, but also on the ventral nerve chord (VNC). Pericardial cells of Ae. aegypti and Cx. p. molestus showed increased citrulline immunofluorescence, suggesting their involvement in the immune response. Oenocytes displayed strong NADPHd and citrulline labeling independent of infection status. This comparative study, consistent with findings in other species, suggests a widespread phenomenon of NO's role in hemocyte responses during E. coli infection. Found differences within and between genera highlight the importance of species-specific investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Bergmann
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Emily Graf
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Pascal Hoffmann
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefanie C Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Stern
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30173, Hannover, Germany.
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28
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Sun LN, Meng JY, Wang Z, Lin SY, Shen J, Yan S. Research progress of aphid immunity system: Potential effective target for green pest management. INSECT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38415382 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Due to the absence of acquired immunity, insects primarily rely on their innate immune system to resist pathogenic microorganisms and parasitoids in natural habitats. This innate immune system can be classified into cellular immunity and humoral immunity. Cellular immunity is mediated by hemocytes, which perform phagocytosis, aggregation, and encapsulation to fight against invaders, whereas the humoral immunity primarily activates the immune signaling pathways and induces the generation of immune effectors. Existing studies have revealed that the hemipteran aphids lack some crucial immune genes compared to other insect species, indicating the different immune mechanisms in aphids. The current review summarizes the adverse impacts of pathogenic microorganisms and parasitoids on aphids, introduces the cellular and humoral immune systems in insects, and analyzes the differences between aphids and other insect species. Furthermore, our review also discussed the existing prospects and challenges in aphid immunity research, and proposed the potential application of immune genes in green pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Na Sun
- Department of Plant Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Yu Meng
- Guizhou Tobacco Science Research Institute, Guiyang, China
| | - Zeng Wang
- Department of Plant Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Yang Lin
- Pu'er Agricultural Science Research Institute, Pu'er, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Plant Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Yan
- Department of Plant Biosecurity, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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29
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Wang J, Hu H, Pang S, Yin X, Cao B, Huang J, Xu X, Weng Q, Hu Q. Destruxin A inhibits the hemocytin-mediated hemolymph immunity of host insects to facilitate Metarhizium infection. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113686. [PMID: 38219149 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113686] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Insects have an effective innate immune system to protect themselves against fungal invasion. Metarhizium employs a toxin-based strategy using a nonribosomal peptide called destruxin A (DA) to counteract the host immune response. However, the mechanism by which DA inhibits insect immunity is still unclear. Here, we identified 48 DA-binding proteins in silkworm hemolymph, with the binding affinity (KD) ranging from 2 to 420 μM. Among these proteins, hemocytin, an important immune factor, was determined to be the strongest DA-binding protein. DA binds to hemocytin and regulates its conformation in a multisite manner. Furthermore, DA exerts a significant inhibitory effect on hemocytin-mediated hemocyte aggregation. By disrupting the interaction between hemocytin, actin A3, and gelsolin, DA prevents the transformation of granules into vesicles in hemocytes. These vesicles are responsible for storing, maturing, and exocytosing hemocytin. Therefore, hemocytin secretion is reduced, and the formation of structures that promote aggregation in outer hemocytes is inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China; College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwang Hu
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suyun Pang
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuyu Yin
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bihao Cao
- College of Horticulture, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jilei Huang
- Instrumental Analytical and Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Instrumental Analytical and Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qunfang Weng
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiongbo Hu
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Wushan RD483, Tianhe, Guangzhou, China.
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30
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Sułek M, Kordaczuk J, Mak P, Śmiałek-Bartyzel J, Hułas-Stasiak M, Wojda I. Immune priming modulates Galleria mellonella and Pseudomonas entomophila interaction. Antimicrobial properties of Kazal peptide Pr13a. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358247. [PMID: 38469316 PMCID: PMC10925678 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358247] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Galleria mellonella larvae repeatedly infected with Pseudomonas entomophila bacteria re-induced their immune response. Its parameters, i.e. the defence activities of cell-free hemolymph, the presence and activity of antimicrobial peptides, and the expression of immune-relevant genes were modulated after the re-challenge in comparison to non-primed infected larvae, resulting in better protection. No enhanced resistance was observed when the larvae were initially infected with other microorganisms, and larvae pre-infected with P. entomophila were not more resistant to further infection with other pathogens. Then, the peptide profiles of hemolymph from primed- and non-primed larvae infected with P. entomophila were compared by quantitative RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase - High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The level of carbonic anhydrase, anionic peptide-1, proline peptide-2, and finally, unknown so far, putative Kazal peptide Pr13a was higher in the primed infected animals than in the larvae infected with P. entomophila for the first time. The expression of the Pr13a gene increased two-fold after the infection, but only in the primed animals. To check whether the enhanced level of Pr13a could have physiological significance, the peptide was purified to homogeneity and checked for its defence properties. In fact, it had antibacterial activity: at the concentration of 15 µM and 7.5 µM it reduced the number of P. entomophila and Bacillus thuringiensis CFU, respectively, to about 40%. The antibacterial activity of Pr13a was correlated with changes observed on the surface of the peptide-treated bacteria, e.g. surface roughness and adhesion force. The presented results bring us closer to finding hemolymph constituents responsible for the effect of priming on the immune response in re-infected insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Sułek
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jakub Kordaczuk
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paweł Mak
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Śmiałek-Bartyzel
- Department of Analytical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Monika Hułas-Stasiak
- Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Wojda
- Department of Immunobiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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31
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Hong QM, Yang XJ, Zhang ME, Chen Q, Chen YH. Functional Characterization of A Deformed Epidermal Autoregulatory Factor 1 Gene in Litopenaeus vannamei. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 151:105084. [PMID: 37858612 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.105084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Innate immunity is crucial for invertebrate defense against pathogenic infections. Numerous studies have indicated that the Toll-NF-κB pathway plays an important role in this process, particularly in anti-bacterial and anti-fungal immunity. Although the function of this pathway has been studied extensively, there are still uncertainties regarding its role in shrimp. In this study, we investigated the functions of Deformed Epidermal Autoregulatory Factor 1 (LvDEAF1) in Litopenaeus vannamei, a member of the Toll-NF-κB pathway. Our findings revealed that LvDEAF1 interacts with L. vannamei Pellino1 (LvPellino1). LvDEAF1 enhances the promoter activity of certain antimicrobial peptide genes, such as Metchnikowin and Drosomycin, in Drosophila Schneider 2 (S2) cells by binding to the NF-κB binding site. LvDEAF1 and LvPellino1 exhibit positive and synergistic effects. Additionally, the expression of LvDEAF1 is induced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection and lipopolysaccharides or zymosan treatment. Knockdown LvDEAF1 expression resulted in a decrease in Penaeidins 4 expression and an increase in the cumulative mortality of shrimp infected with V. parahaemolyticus. These findings indicate that LvDEAF1 plays an important role in the Toll-NF-κB pathway of L. vannamei and is essential for its immune response against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Ming Hong
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering (IMASE), Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Xin-Jun Yang
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering (IMASE), Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Meng-En Zhang
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering (IMASE), Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Qi Chen
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering (IMASE), Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Yi-Hong Chen
- Institute of Modern Aquaculture Science and Engineering (IMASE), Key Laboratory for Healthy and Safe Aquaculture, College of Life Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, PR China.
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32
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Urbanová V, Lu S, Kalinová E, Martins L, Kozelková T, Dyčka F, Ribeiro JM, Hajdušek O, Perner J, Kopáček P. From the fat body to the hemolymph: Profiling tick immune and storage proteins through transcriptomics and proteomics. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 165:104072. [PMID: 38185274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Ticks are blood-feeding arachnids that are known to transmit various pathogenic microorganisms to their hosts. During blood feeding, ticks activate their metabolism and immune system to efficiently utilise nutrients from the host's blood and complete the feeding process. In contrast to insects, in which the fat body is known to be a central organ that controls essential metabolic processes and immune defense mechanisms, the function of the fat body in tick physiology is still relatively unexplored. To fill this gap, we sought to uncover the repertoire of genes expressed in the fat body associated with trachea (FB/Tr) by analyzing the transcriptome of individual, partially fed (previtellogenic) Ixodes ricinus females. The resulting catalog of individual mRNA sequences reveals a broad repertoire of transcripts encoding proteins involved in nutrient storage and distribution, as well as components of the tick immune system. To gain a detailed insight into the secretory products of FB/Tr specifically involved in inter-tissue transport and humoral immunity, the transcriptomic data were complemented with the proteome of soluble proteins in the hemolymph of partially fed female ticks. Among these proteins, the hemolipoglyco-carrier proteins were predominant. When comparing immune peptides and proteins from the fat body with those produced by hemocytes, we found that the fat body serves as a unique producer of certain immune components. Finally, time-resolved transcriptional regulation of selected immune transcripts from the FB/Tr was examined in response to experimental challenges with model microbes and analyzed by RT-qPCR. Overall, our data show that the fat body of ticks, similar to insects, is an important metabolic tissue that also plays a remarkable role in immune defense against invading microbes. These findings improve our understanding of tick biology and its impact on the transmission of tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Urbanová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Stephen Lu
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Eliška Kalinová
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Larissa Martins
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Neurological Infections and Immunity, Rocky Mountain Laboratories - NIH/NIAID, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Tereza Kozelková
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Dyčka
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - José M Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ondřej Hajdušek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopáček
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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33
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Sharpe SR, Morrow JL, Cook JM, Papanicolaou A, Riegler M. Transmission mode predicts coinfection patterns of insect-specific viruses in field populations of the Queensland fruit fly. Mol Ecol 2024; 33:e17226. [PMID: 38018898 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17226] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Insect-specific viruses (ISVs) can affect insect health and fitness, but can also interact with other insect-associated microorganisms. Despite this, ISVs are often studied in isolation from each other, in laboratory populations. Consequently, their diversity, prevalence and associations with other viruses in field populations are less known, yet these parameters are important to understanding virus epidemiology. To help address this knowledge gap, we assessed the diversity, prevalence and coinfections of three ISVs (horizontally transmitted cripavirus, biparentally transmitted sigmavirus and maternally transmitted iflavirus) in 29 field populations of Queensland fruit fly, Australia's most significant horticultural pest, in the context of their different transmission modes. We detected new virus variant diversity. In contrast to the very high virus prevalence in laboratory populations, 46.8% of 293 field flies carried one virus and 4.8% had two viruses. Cripavirus and sigmavirus occurred in all regions, while iflavirus was restricted to subtropical and tropical regions. Cripavirus was most prevalent (37.5%), followed by sigmavirus (13.7%) and iflavirus (4.4%). Cripavirus coinfected some flies with either one of the two vertically transmitted viruses. However, sigmavirus did not coinfect individuals with iflavirus. Three different modelling approaches detected negative association patterns between sigmavirus and iflavirus, consistent with the absence of such coinfections in laboratory populations. This may be linked with their maternal transmission and the ineffective paternal transmission of sigmavirus. Furthermore, we found that, unlike sigmavirus and iflavirus, cripavirus load was higher in laboratory than field flies. Laboratory and mass-rearing conditions may increase ISV prevalence and load due to increased transmission opportunities. We conclude that a combination of field and laboratory studies is needed to uncover ISV interactions and further our understanding of ISV epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen R Sharpe
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Morrow
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - James M Cook
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexie Papanicolaou
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Markus Riegler
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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Ragonese IG, Sarkar MR, Hall RJ, Altizer S. Extreme heat reduces host and parasite performance in a butterfly-parasite interaction. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232305. [PMID: 38228180 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2305] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental temperature fundamentally shapes insect physiology, fitness and interactions with parasites. Differential climate warming effects on host versus parasite biology could exacerbate or inhibit parasite transmission, with far-reaching implications for pollination services, biocontrol and human health. Here, we experimentally test how controlled temperatures influence multiple components of host and parasite fitness in monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) and their protozoan parasites Ophryocystis elektroscirrha. Using five constant-temperature treatments spanning 18-34°C, we measured monarch development, survival, size, immune function and parasite infection status and intensity. Monarch size and survival declined sharply at the hottest temperature (34°C), as did infection probability, suggesting that extreme heat decreases both host and parasite performance. The lack of infection at 34°C was not due to greater host immunity or faster host development but could instead reflect the thermal limits of parasite invasion and within-host replication. In the context of ongoing climate change, temperature increases above current thermal maxima could reduce the fitness of both monarchs and their parasites, with lower infection rates potentially balancing negative impacts of extreme heat on future monarch abundance and distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella G Ragonese
- Odum School of Ecology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Maya R Sarkar
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 5455, USA
| | - Richard J Hall
- Odum School of Ecology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Sonia Altizer
- Odum School of Ecology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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35
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Martin LE, Hillyer JF. Higher temperature accelerates the aging-dependent weakening of the melanization immune response in mosquitoes. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011935. [PMID: 38198491 PMCID: PMC10805325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The body temperature of mosquitoes, like most insects, is dictated by the environmental temperature. Climate change is increasing the body temperature of insects and thereby altering physiological processes such as immune proficiency. Aging also alters insect physiology, resulting in the weakening of the immune system in a process called senescence. Although both temperature and aging independently affect the immune system, it is unknown whether temperature alters the rate of immune senescence. Here, we evaluated the independent and combined effects of temperature (27°C, 30°C and 32°C) and aging (1, 5, 10 and 15 days old) on the melanization immune response of the adult female mosquito, Anopheles gambiae. Using a spectrophotometric assay that measures phenoloxidase activity (a rate limiting enzyme) in hemolymph, and therefore, the melanization potential of the mosquito, we discovered that the strength of melanization decreases with higher temperature, aging, and infection. Moreover, when the temperature is higher, the aging-dependent decline in melanization begins at a younger age. Using an optical assay that measures melanin deposition on the abdominal wall and in the periostial regions of the heart, we found that melanin is deposited after infection, that this deposition decreases with aging, and that this aging-dependent decline is accelerated by higher temperature. This study demonstrates that higher temperature accelerates immune senescence in mosquitoes, with higher temperature uncoupling physiological age from chronological age. These findings highlight the importance of investigating the consequences of climate change on how disease transmission by mosquitoes is affected by aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay E. Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Julián F. Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, United States of America
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36
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Zhou L, Dang Z, Wang S, Li S, Zou Y, Zhao P, Xia Q, Lu Z. Transcription factor STAT enhanced antimicrobial activities in Bombyx mori. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:127637. [PMID: 37898240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.127637] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
STAT, a transcription factor in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, regulates immune response to pathogens. In the silkworm (Bombyx mori), STAT exists as two split-forms, STAT-S and STAT-L. However, the role of STAT in silkworm immunity remains unclear. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of STAT on the expression of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes and resistance against pathogens. The expression levels of STAT-S and STAT-L were significantly up-regulated after induction by pathogenic microorganisms. In BmE cells, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), peptidoglycan (PGN) and β-glucan stimulated STAT-S and STAT-L to transfer from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. We found that overexpression of STAT-S and STAT-L in cells could promote the expression of AMPs. We generated transgenic silkworm lines overexpressing STAT-L or STAT-S (OE-STAT-S; OE-STAT-L) or interfering with STAT (A4-dsSTAT). Overexpression of STAT-S and STAT-L upregulated the expression of AMP genes in the OE-STAT-S and OE-STAT-L, increased the survival rates of the OE-STAT-S silkworms and lowered the mortality of OE-STAT-L silkworms infected with S. aureus or Beauveria bassiana. By contrast, the death rate of A4-dsSTAT silkworms was higher after infection with these pathogenic microorganisms. These findings may provide insights into the role of STAT in the antimicrobial immune response of silkworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Zhuo Dang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Shuyu Li
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Yan Zou
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Ping Zhao
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China
| | - Zhongyan Lu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, PR China.
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Zhang X, Ma S, Gu C, Hu M, Miao M, Quan Y, Yu W. K64 acetylation of heat shock protein 90 suppresses nucleopolyhedrovirus replication in Bombyx mori. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 115:e22079. [PMID: 38288491 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22079] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
HSP90 is a highly conserved chaperone that facilitates the proliferation of many viruses, including silkworm (bombyx mori) nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), but the underlying regulatory mechanism was unclear. We found that suppression of HSP90 by 17-AAG, a HSP90-specific inhibitor, significantly reduced the expression of BmNPV capsid protein gp64 and viral genome replication, whereas overexpression of B. mori HSP90(BmHSP90) promoted BmNPV replication. Furthermore, in a recent study of the lysine acetylome of B. mori infected with BmNPV, we focused on the reduced viral proliferation due to changes of BmHSP90 lysine acetylation. Site-directed introduction of acetylated (K/Q) or deacetylated (K/R) mimic mutations into BmHSP90 revealed that lysine 64 (K64) acetylation activated the JAK/STAT pathway and reduced BmHSP90 ATPase activity, leading to diminished chaperone activity and ultimately inhibiting BmNPV proliferation. In this study, a single lysine 64 acetylation change of BmHSP90 was elucidated as a model of posttranslational modifications occurring in the wake of host-virus interactions, providing novel insights into potential antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizhen Zhang
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiyi Ma
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chaoguang Gu
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miao Hu
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Miao
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanping Quan
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Department of Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Adegoke A, Hanson J, Smith RC, Karim S. Ehrlichia chaffeensis Co-Opts Phagocytic Hemocytes for Systemic Dissemination in the Lone Star Tick, Amblyomma americanum. J Innate Immun 2023; 16:66-79. [PMID: 38142680 PMCID: PMC10794049 DOI: 10.1159/000535986] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hematophagous arthropods can acquire and transmit several pathogens of medical importance. In ticks, the innate immune system is crucial in the outcome between vector-pathogen interaction and overall vector competence. However, the specific immune response(s) elicited by the immune cells known as hemocytes remains largely undefined in Ehrlichia chaffeensis and its competent tick vector, Amblyomma americanum. METHODS We utilized injection of clodronate liposome to deplete tick granulocytes combined with infection with E. chaffeensis to demonstrate their essential role in microbial infection. RESULTS Here, we show that granulocytes, professional phagocytic cells, are integral in eliciting immune responses against commensal and pathogen infection. The chemical depletion of granulocytes led to decreased phagocytic efficiency of tissue-associated hemocytes. We demonstrate that E. chaffeensis can infect circulating hemocytes, and both cell-free plasma and hemocytes from E. chaffeensis-infected ticks can establish Ehrlichia infection in recipient ticks. Lastly, we provide evidence to show that granulocytes play a dual role in E. chaffeensis infection. Depleting granulocytic hemocytes increased Ehrlichia load in the salivary gland and midgut tissues. In contrast, granulocyte depletion led to a reduced systemic load of Ehrlichia. CONCLUSION This study has identified multiple roles for granulocytic hemocytes in the control and systemic dissemination of E. chaffeensis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsalam Adegoke
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Julia Hanson
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Shahid Karim
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
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Contreras-Garduño J, Torres-Enciso P, Ramirez-Romero R. The immune response of the whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) when parasitized by Eretmocerus eremicus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296157. [PMID: 38128052 PMCID: PMC10734938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, the innate immune system is subdivided into cellular and humoral defenses. When parasitoids attack insects, both reactions can be activated and notably, the phenoloxidase (PO) cascade and lytic activity are part of both cellular and humoral defenses. However, to our knowledge, no study has characterized any immune response of the whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) to the attack of Eretmocerus eremicus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae). Therefore, the first objective of the present study was to determine whether whitefly nymphs recently parasitized by E. eremicus exhibit any immune response. For this, we estimate the level of prophenoloxidase (proPO), phenoloxidase (PO), and lytic activity by colorimetric assays. A second objective was to assess whether the observed whitefly immune response could be related to a previously reported preference of the predator Geocoris punctipes (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) for non-parasitized nymphs. We therefore offered non-parasitized and recently parasitized nymphs to the predator. Our results show that parasitism of whitefly nymphs by E. eremicus induced a highly estimated level of proPO and PO, and a lower level of lytic activity. In addition, we found that G. punctipes did not show a preference for non-parasitized over recently parasitized nymphs. The nymphs of T. vaporariorum activated the PO pathway against E. eremicus; however, the increase in proPO and PO levels was traded-off with decreased lytic activity. In addition, the previously reported preference for non-parasitized nymphs was not seen in our experiments, indicating that the induced immune response did not affect predator behavior by G. punctipes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro Torres-Enciso
- Laboratorio de Control Biológico (Lab CB-AIFEN), Departamento de Producción Agrícola, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
| | - Ricardo Ramirez-Romero
- Laboratorio de Control Biológico (Lab CB-AIFEN), Departamento de Producción Agrícola, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jalisco, México
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Garrigós M, Ylla G, Martínez-de la Puente J, Figuerola J, Ruiz-López MJ. Two avian Plasmodium species trigger different transcriptional responses on their vector Culex pipiens. Mol Ecol 2023:e17240. [PMID: 38108558 DOI: 10.1111/mec.17240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by protozoans of the genus Plasmodium that affects both humans and wildlife. The fitness consequences of infections by avian malaria are well known in birds, however, little information exists on its impact on mosquitoes. Here we study how Culex pipiens mosquitoes transcriptionally respond to infection by two different Plasmodium species, P. relictum and P. cathemerium, differing in their virulence (mortality rate) and transmissibility (parasite presence in exposed mosquitoes' saliva). We studied the mosquito response to the infection at three critical stages of parasite development: the formation of ookinetes at 24 h post-infection (hpi), the release of sporozoites into the hemocoel at 10 days post-infection (dpi), and the storage of sporozoites in the salivary glands at 21 dpi. For each time point, we characterized the gene expression of mosquitoes infected with each P. relictum and P. cathemerium and mosquitoes fed on an uninfected bird and, subsequently, compared their transcriptomic responses. Differential gene expression analysis showed that most transcriptomic changes occurred during the early infection stage (24 hpi), especially when comparing P. relictum and P. cathemerium-infected mosquitoes. Differentially expressed genes in mosquitoes infected with each species were related mainly to the metabolism of the immune response, trypsin, and other serine-proteases. We conclude that these differences in response may partly play a role in the differential virulence and transmissibility previously observed between P. relictum and P. cathemerium in Cx. pipiens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Garrigós
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Guillem Ylla
- Bioinformatics and Genome Biology Lab, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
| | - María José Ruiz-López
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, CSIC, Sevilla, Spain
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Sun M, Fan X, Long Q, Zang H, Zhang Y, Liu X, Feng P, Song Y, Li K, Wu Y, Jiang H, Chen D, Guo R. First Characterization and Regulatory Function of piRNAs in the Apis mellifera Larval Response to Ascosphaera apis Invasion. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16358. [PMID: 38003547 PMCID: PMC10671575 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216358] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
piRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that play essential roles in modulating gene expression and abundant biological processes. To decode the piRNA-regulated larval response of western honeybees (Apis mellifera) to Ascosphaera apis infection, the expression pattern of piRNAs in Apis mellifera ligustica larval guts after A. apis inoculation was analyzed based on previously obtained high-quality small RNA-seq datasets, followed by structural characterization, target prediction, regulatory network investigation, and functional dissection. Here, 504, 657, and 587 piRNAs were respectively identified in the 4-, 5-, and 6-day-old larval guts after inoculation with A. apis, with 411 ones shared. These piRNAs shared a similar length distribution and first base bias with mammal piRNAs. Additionally, 96, 103, and 143 DEpiRNAs were detected in the 4-, 5-, and 6-day-old comparison groups. Targets of the DEpiRNAs were engaged in diverse pathways such as the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, inositol phosphate metabolism, and Wnt signaling pathway. These targets were involved in three energy metabolism-related pathways, eight development-associated signaling pathways, and seven immune-relevant pathways such as the Jak-STAT signaling pathway. The expression trends of five randomly selected DEpiRNAs were verified using a combination of RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. The effective overexpression and knockdown of piR-ame-945760 in A. apis-infected larval guts were achieved by feeding a specific mimic and inhibitor. Furthermore, piR-ame-945760 negatively regulated the expression of two target immune mRNAs, SOCS5 and ARF1, in the larval gut during the A. apis infection. These findings indicated that the overall expression level of piRNAs was increased and the expression pattern of piRNAs in larval guts was altered due to the A. apis infection, DEpiRNAs were putative regulators in the A. apis-response of A. m. ligustica worker larvae. Our data provide not only a platform for the functional investigation of piRNAs in honeybees, especially in bee larvae, but also a foundation for illuminating the piRNA-involved mechanisms underlying the host response to the A. apis infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Sun
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Xiaoxue Fan
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Qi Long
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - He Zang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Peilin Feng
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Kunze Li
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Ying Wu
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin 132000, China; (Y.W.); (H.J.)
| | - Haibin Jiang
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin 132000, China; (Y.W.); (H.J.)
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
- National & Local United Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
| | - Rui Guo
- College of Animal Sciences (College of Bee Science), Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China; (M.S.); (X.F.); (Q.L.); (H.Z.); (Y.Z.); (X.L.); (P.F.); (Y.S.); (K.L.); (D.C.)
- National & Local United Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fuzhou 350002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou 350002, China
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Meier CJ, Martin LE, Hillyer JF. Mosquito larvae exposed to a sublethal dose of photosensitive insecticides have altered juvenile development but unaffected adult life history traits. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:412. [PMID: 37951916 PMCID: PMC10638795 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06004-8] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Larvicides are critical for the control of mosquito-borne diseases. However, even sublethal exposure to a larvicide can alter development and life history traits, which can then affect population density and disease transmission dynamics. Photosensitive insecticides (PSIs) are a promising class of larvicide that are toxic when ingested and activated by light. We investigated whether the time of day when exposure occurs, or the process of pupation, affects larval susceptibility to PSI phototoxicity in the mosquito Anopheles gambiae, and whether sublethal exposure to PSIs alters life history traits. METHODS Larvae were treated with lethal concentrations of the PSIs methylene blue (MB) and rose bengal (RB), and larval survival was measured at various times of day. Additionally, larvae were exposed to two concentrations of each PSI that resulted in low and medium mortality, and the life history traits of the surviving larvae were measured. RESULTS Pupation, which predominantly occurs in the evening, protected larvae from PSI toxicity, but the toxicity of PSIs against larvae that had yet to pupate was unaffected by time of day. Larval exposure to a sublethal concentration of MB, but not RB, shortened the time to pupation. However, larval exposure to a sublethal concentration of RB, but not MB, increased pupal mortality. Neither PSI had a meaningful effect on the time to eclosion, adult longevity, or adult melanization potential. CONCLUSIONS PSIs are lethal larvicides. Sublethal PSI exposure alters mosquito development, but does not affect adult life history traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole J Meier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-16342, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Lindsay E Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-16342, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Julián F Hillyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, VU Station B 35-16342, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.
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Hwang SH, Jang HA, Kojour MAM, Yun K, Lee YS, Han YS, Jo YH. Effects of TmTak1 silencing on AMP production as an Imd pathway component in Tenebrio molitor. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18914. [PMID: 37919359 PMCID: PMC10622451 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45978-4] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mealworms beetles, Tenebrio molitor, are the limelight next-generation food for humans due to their high nutrient contents. Since Tenebrio molitor is used as feed for pets and livestock in addition to their ability to decompose polystyrene and plastic waste, it is recognized as an insect with an industrial core value. Therefore, it is important to study the immune mechanism related to the development and infection of mealworms for mass breeding purposes. The immune deficiency (Imd) signaling is one of the main pathways with pivotal roles in the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Transforming growth factor-β activated kinase (TAK1) is one of the Imd pathway components, forms a complex with TAK1 binding protein 2 (TAB2) to ultimately help activate the transcription factor Relish and eventually induce host to produce AMPs. Relatively, little has been revealed about TAK1 in insect models, especially in the T. molitor. Therefore, this study was conducted to elucidate the function of TmTak1 in T. molitor. Our results showed that the highest and lowest mRNA expression of TmTak1 were found in egg and young larvae respectively. The tissue-specific expression patterns were reported in the gut of T. molitor larvae and the fat bodies of adults. Systemic microbial challenge illustrated TmTak1 high expression following the fungal infection in all dissected tissues except for the whole body. However, silencing TmTak1 experiments showed that the survivability of T. molitor larvae affected significantly following Escherichia coli infection. Accordingly, AMP induction after TmTak1 knock down was mainly reported in the integument and the fat bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Hyeon Hwang
- Division of Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Am Jang
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Maryam Ali Mohammadie Kojour
- Division of Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Keunho Yun
- Division of Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Seok Lee
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Soo Han
- Division of Plant Biotechnology, Institute of Environmentally-Friendly Agriculture (IEFA), College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hun Jo
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
- Korea Native Animal Resources Utilization Convergence Research Institute (KNAR), Soonchunhyang University, Asan, Chungnam, Republic of Korea.
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Malladi S, Sukkar D, Bonnefoy A, Falla-Angel J, Laval-Gilly P. Imidacloprid and acetamiprid synergistically downregulate spaetzle and myD88 of the Toll pathway in haemocytes of the European honeybee (Apis mellifera). ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 104:104323. [PMID: 37995888 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Pollinator health has been of critical concern over the last few decades. The prevalence of the honeybee Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), changing climate, and the rise of vector-borne honeybee diseases by Varroa destructor, have played a major role in the rapid decline of global honeybee populations. Honeybees are environmentally and economically significant actors in biodiversity. The impact of agricultural practices, such as pesticide use, has exacerbated the negative effects on honeybees. We demonstrate the synergistic effect of cocktails of the neonicotinoids imidacloprid and acetamiprid on honeybee haemocytes. Two genes responsible for critical immune responses, spaetzle and myD88, are consistently dysregulated following exposure to either neonicotinoid alone or as a mixture with or without an immune challenge. The 2018 ban of neonicotinoids in Europe, followed by the 2020 reauthorisation of imidacloprid in France and the current consideration to reinstate acetamiprid underscores the need to evaluate their cumulative impact on honeybee health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dani Sukkar
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000 Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, IUT Thionville-Yutz, Plateforme de Recherche, Transfert de Technologie et Innovation (PRTI), 57970 Yutz, France
| | - Antoine Bonnefoy
- Université de Lorraine, IUT Thionville-Yutz, Plateforme de Recherche, Transfert de Technologie et Innovation (PRTI), 57970 Yutz, France
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Eskin A, Nurullahoğlu ZU. Influence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the hemocyte count and hemocyte-mediated immune responses of the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). Drug Chem Toxicol 2023; 46:1176-1186. [PMID: 36330702 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2022.2139842] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we examined the effects of different doses (100, 500, 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm) of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the total hemocyte count and hemocyte-mediated immune responses of the Greater Wax Moth Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The results showed that NPs caused a decrease in hemocyte count at 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm doses. To investigate the effects of ZnO NPs on the encapsulation and melanization response of G. mellonella, the pre-dyed Sephadex chromatography beads were injected into the hemolymph of each last-instar larva. Larvae were dissected in the 4th and 24th hours after the injection. The level of the encapsulation response and melanization status around the beads were determined under microscopy. The analyses of the beads injected into the insects as encapsulation targets revealed that the number of weakly encapsulated beads increased significantly at 100, 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm doses when compared to the control group after a short (4-h) post-injection. The number of melanized beads increased significantly at 100, 1000, and 3000 ppm doses in comparison to the control group after the short (4-h) post-injection. Finally, the number of melanized beads decreased significantly at 1000 and 5000 ppm doses when compared to the control group after the long-term (24-h) post-injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ata Eskin
- Crop and Animal Production Department, Avanos Vocational School of Fine Arts, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Avanos, Turkey
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Trzebny A, Jedut S, Nahimova O, Dabert M. Differences in the proliferation trend of 'Microsporidium' sp. PL03 in Culex pipiens and C. torrentium larvae. J Invertebr Pathol 2023; 201:107990. [PMID: 37690679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jip.2023.107990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Our study aimed to examine whether there are differences in the proliferation trend of microsporidia in mosquito larvae of the same genus (Culex spp.). DNA-barcoding and quantitative analyses were used to determine microsporidian rDNA copies in 'early' (L1 + L2) and 'late' (L3 + L4) Culex larvae in a natural population. In the study area, C. pipiens and C. torrentium larvae were infected by 'Microsporidium' sp. PL03 at similar levels. Infection by this microsporidian species probably elicits a notable immune response in C. pipiens, whereas in C. torrentium, it may evade or suppress the host immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Trzebny
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Sylwia Jedut
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
| | - Olena Nahimova
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland; Genetics and Cytology Department, School of Biology, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Miroslawa Dabert
- Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
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Qiao P, Mei X, Li R, Xu Y, Qiu Z, Xia D, Zhao Q, Shen D. Transcriptome analysis of immune-related genes of Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis [Guenée]) after oral bacterial infection. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 114:1-16. [PMID: 37533191 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22044] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) is an important agricultural pest causing serious damage to economic crops, such as corn and sorghum. The gut is the first line of defense against pathogens that enter through the mouth. Staphylococcus aureus was used to infect the O. furnacalis midgut to understand the midgut immune mechanism against exogenous pathogens to provide new ideas and methods for the prevention and control of O. furnacalis. A sequencing platform was used for genome assembly and gene expression. The unigene sequences were annotated and functionally classified by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. Significant differences were found in the induced expression profiles before and after infection. Some differentially expressed genes have important relations with lipid metabolism and immune mechanism, suggesting that they play an important role in the innate immune response of O. furnacalis. Furthermore, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to identify the key genes involved in the signaling pathway, and the expression patterns of these key genes were confirmed. The results could help study the innate immune system of lepidopteran insects and provide theoretical support for the control of related pests and the protection of beneficial insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peitong Qiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xianghan Mei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruixiang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyong Qiu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dingguo Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiaoling Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongxu Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural Biology and Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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Spescha A, Zwyssig M, Hess Hermida M, Moix A, Bruno P, Enkerli J, Campos-Herrera R, Grabenweger G, Maurhofer M. When Competitors Join Forces: Consortia of Entomopathogenic Microorganisms Increase Killing Speed and Mortality in Leaf- and Root-Feeding Insect Hosts. MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2023; 86:1947-1960. [PMID: 36849610 PMCID: PMC10497674 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-023-02191-0] [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: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Combining different biocontrol agents (BCA) is an approach to increase efficacy and reliability of biological control. If several BCA are applied together, they have to be compatible and ideally work together. We studied the interaction of a previously selected BCA consortium of entomopathogenic pseudomonads (Pseudomonas chlororaphis), nematodes (Steinernema feltiae associated with Xenorhabdus bovienii), and fungi (Metarhizium brunneum). We monitored the infection course in a leaf- (Pieris brassicae) and a root-feeding (Diabrotica balteata) pest insect after simultaneous application of the three BCA as well as their interactions inside the larvae in a laboratory setting. The triple combination caused the highest mortality and increased killing speed compared to single applications against both pests. Improved efficacy against P. brassicae was mainly caused by the pseudomonad-nematode combination, whereas the nematode-fungus combination accelerated killing of D. balteata. Co-monitoring of the three BCA and the nematode-associated Xenorhabdus symbionts revealed that the four organisms are able to co-infect the same larva. However, with advancing decay of the cadaver there is increasing competition and cadaver colonization is clearly dominated by the pseudomonads, which are known for their high competitivity in the plant rhizosphere. Altogether, the combination of the three BCA increased killing efficacy against a Coleopteran and a Lepidopteran pest which indicates that this consortium could be applied successfully against a variety of insect pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Spescha
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Maria Zwyssig
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Hess Hermida
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Research Group Extension Arable Crops, Agroscope, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Moix
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pamela Bruno
- Division of Agricultural Entomology, Department of Crop Sciences, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jürg Enkerli
- Research Group Molecular Ecology, Agroscope, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raquel Campos-Herrera
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV), CSIC, Universidad de La Rioja, Gobierno de La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
| | | | - Monika Maurhofer
- Institute of Integrative Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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49
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Rolandelli A, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Bogale HN, Singh N, Samaddar S, O’Neal AJ, Ferraz CR, Butnaru M, Mameli E, Xia B, Mendes MT, Butler LR, Marnin L, Cabrera Paz FE, Valencia LM, Rana VS, Skerry C, Pal U, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Serre D, Pedra JH. Tick hemocytes have pleiotropic roles in microbial infection and arthropod fitness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.31.555785. [PMID: 37693411 PMCID: PMC10491215 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.31.555785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Uncovering the complexity of systems in non-model organisms is critical for understanding arthropod immunology. Prior efforts have mostly focused on Dipteran insects, which only account for a subset of existing arthropod species in nature. Here, we describe immune cells or hemocytes from the clinically relevant tick Ixodes scapularis using bulk and single cell RNA sequencing combined with depletion via clodronate liposomes, RNA interference, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats activation (CRISPRa) and RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We observe molecular alterations in hemocytes upon tick infestation of mammals and infection with either the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi or the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We predict distinct hemocyte lineages and reveal clusters exhibiting defined signatures for immunity, metabolism, and proliferation during hematophagy. Furthermore, we perform a mechanistic characterization of two I. scapularis hemocyte markers: hemocytin and astakine. Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes affects hemocytin and astakine levels, which impacts blood feeding and molting behavior of ticks. Hemocytin specifically affects the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, whereas astakine alters hemocyte proliferation in I. scapularis. Altogether, we uncover the heterogeneity and pleiotropic roles of hemocytes in ticks and provide a valuable resource for comparative biology in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haikel N. Bogale
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Camila R. Ferraz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Butnaru
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Baolong Xia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - M. Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Francy E. Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luisa M. Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vipin S. Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ciaran Skerry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie E. Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - David Serre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joao H.F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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50
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Lopes TBF, Aguiar RCM, de Souza RF, Nascimento CC, Dionísio JF, Mantovani MS, Semprebon SC, da Rosa R. Influence of temperature variation on gene expression and cocoon production in Bombyx mori Linnaeus, 1758 (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2023; 47:101111. [PMID: 37516100 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101111] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Silkworms (Bombyx mori) are lepidopterans of economic importance for global silk production. However, factors that directly affect the yield and quality of silkworm cocoon production, such as diseases and temperature fluctuations, cause great economic losses. Knowing how they respond to rearing temperature during the most critical stage of their life cycle (i.e., fifth instar) could provide information on their adaptation and improve silk production. In the current work, we analyzed transcriptional data from two groups of B. mori that were reared at 26 °C and 34 °C throughout the fifth instar. The silkworms and cocoons were weighed. In total, 3115 transcripts were differentially expressed (DE; including 1696 down-regulated and 1419 up-regulated) among the 29,157 sequences found by transcriptome assembly. We emphasize the genes associated with immunological response, transcription factors, silk biosynthesis, and heat shock proteins, among the DE transcripts in response to the temperature conditions. Silkworms reared at 34 °C presented a reduced mean body weight (-0.944 g in comparison to the 26 °C group), which had a direct impact on the weight of cocoons formed and the silk conversion rate. These changes were statistically significant when compared to silkworms reared at 26 °C. Mortality rates (6 and 9 %, at 26 °C and 34 °C, respectively) were similar to those obtained in breeding fields. The findings provide information on the biological processes involved in the temperature response mechanism of silkworms, as well as information that may be used in future climatization processes at rearing facilities and in breeding for improved thermotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thayná Bisson Ferraz Lopes
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Entomologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Rachel Colauto Milanezi Aguiar
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Entomologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Rogério Fernandes de Souza
- Laboratório de Bioinformática, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Cristianne Cordeiro Nascimento
- Departamento de Design Gráfico, Centro de Educação, Comunicação e Artes, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Jaqueline Fernanda Dionísio
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Entomologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Mario Sergio Mantovani
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
| | - Simone Cristine Semprebon
- Laboratório de Genética Toxicológica, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Renata da Rosa
- Laboratório de Citogenética e Entomologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
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