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Bi J, Liu P, Gao R, Jiang Y, Zhang C, Zhao T, Gao L, Wang Y. Silencing gram-negative bacteria binding protein 1 decreases the immunity of Tribolium castaneum against bacteria. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130631. [PMID: 38453114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130631] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria binding proteins (GNBPs) have the ability to recognize molecular patterns associated with microbial pathogens (PAMPs), leading to the activation of immune responses downstream. In the genome of Tribolium castaneum, three GNBP genes have been identified; however, their immunological roles remain unexplored. In our study, a GNBP1, designated as TcGNBP1, were identified from the cDNA library of T. castaneum. The coding sequence of TcGNBP1 consisted of 1137 bps and resulted in the synthesis of a protein comprising 378 amino acids. This protein encompasses a signal peptide, a low-complexity region, and a glycoside hydrolase 16 domain. TcGNBP1 was strongly expressed in early adult stages, and mainly distributed in hemolymph and gut. Upon being challenged with Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus, the transcript levels of TcGNBP1 were significantly changed at different time points. Through molecular docking and ELISA analysis, it was observed that TcGNBP1 has the ability to interact with lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycan, and β-1, 3-glucan. Based on these findings, it was further discovered that recombinant TcGNBP1 can directly bind to five different bacteria in a Ca2+-dependent manner. After knockdown of TcGNBP1 with RNA interference, expression of antimicrobial peptide genes and prophenoloxidase (proPO) activity were suppressed, the susceptibility of T. castaneum to E. coli or S. aureus infection was enhanced, leading to low survival rate. These results suggest a regulatory mechanism of TcGNBP1 in innate immunity of T. castaneum and provide a potential molecular target for dsRNA-based insect pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxiu Bi
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Pingxiang Liu
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yuying Jiang
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Lei Gao
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinan), Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China; Cooperative of Vegetable and Grain Cultivation, Liaocheng Yifeng Bloc, Liaocheng, Shandong, China.
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Wang H, Lu Z, Keyhani NO, Deng J, Zhao X, Huang S, Luo Z, Jin K, Zhang Y. Insect fungal pathogens secrete a cell wall-associated glucanase that acts to help avoid recognition by the host immune system. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011578. [PMID: 37556475 PMCID: PMC10441804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fungal insect pathogens have evolved diverse mechanisms to evade host immune recognition and defense responses. However, identification of fungal factors involved in host immune evasion during cuticular penetration and subsequent hemocoel colonization remains limited. Here, we report that the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana expresses an endo-β-1,3-glucanase (BbEng1) that functions in helping cells evade insect immune recognition/ responses. BbEng1 was specifically expressed during infection, in response to host cuticle and hemolymph, and in the presence of osmotic or oxidative stress. BbEng1 was localized to the fungal cell surface/ cell wall, where it acts to remodel the cell wall pathogen associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that can trigger host defenses, thus facilitating fungal cell evasion of host immune defenses. BbEng1 was secreted where it could bind to fungal cells. Cell wall β-1,3-glucan levels were unchanged in ΔBbEng1 cells derived from in vitro growth media, but was elevated in hyphal bodies, whereas glucan levels were reduced in most cell types derived from the BbEng1 overexpressing strain (BbEng1OE). The BbEng1OE strain proliferated more rapidly in the host hemocoel and displayed higher virulence as compared to the wild type parent. Overexpression of their respective Eng1 homologs or of BbEng1 in the insect fungal pathogens, Metarhizium robertsii and M. acridum also resulted in increased virulence. Our data support a mechanism by which BbEng1 helps the fungal pathogen to evade host immune surveillance by decreasing cell wall glucan PAMPs, promoting successful fungal mycosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuoyue Lu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nemat O. Keyhani
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Juan Deng
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuaishuai Huang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhibing Luo
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Jin
- Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biosafety and Green Production of Upper Yangtze River (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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Feng K, Jiang D, Luo J, Tang F. OfGNBP silencing enhances the toxicity of Serratia marcescens Bizio (SM1) to Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki). PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 189:105306. [PMID: 36549813 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2022.105306] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The immunity of insects plays a vital role in their survival. Our experiments found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) could influence the virulence of Serratia marcescens Bizio (SM1) to Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) by affecting the immunity. Gram-negative binding proteins (GNBPs) are an important pattern recognition proteins that play a crucial role in the innate immune system. Therefore, two OfGNBPs were cloned in O. formosanus. The expression of OfGNBPs was significantly changed by LPS,SM1 and GDL, not prick. In addition, the immune-related gene expression, the phenoloxidase activity and antibacterial activity of donor termites and recipient termites were significantly induced by SM1. Furthermore, the knockdown of OfGNBP by RNA interference reduced not only individual immunity but also social immunity in O. formosanus, which increased the virulence of SM1 to O. formosanus. Importantly, dsOfGNBP alone also had good control effect on O. formosanus. In summary, we concluded that dsOfGNBPs are important termite immunosuppressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Feng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Dabao Jiang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Luo
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China; College of Forestry, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, People's Republic of China.
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Scafati V, Troilo F, Ponziani S, Giovannoni M, Scortica A, Pontiggia D, Angelucci F, Di Matteo A, Mattei B, Benedetti M. Characterization of two 1,3-β-glucan-modifying enzymes from Penicillium sumatraense reveals new insights into 1,3-β-glucan metabolism of fungal saprotrophs. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS 2022; 15:138. [PMID: 36510318 PMCID: PMC9745967 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-022-02233-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 1,3-β-glucan is a polysaccharide widely distributed in the cell wall of several phylogenetically distant organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, plants and microalgae. The presence of highly active 1,3-β-glucanases in fungi evokes the biological question on how these organisms can efficiently metabolize exogenous sources of 1,3-β-glucan without incurring in autolysis. RESULTS To elucidate the molecular mechanisms at the basis of 1,3-β-glucan metabolism in fungal saprotrophs, the putative exo-1,3-β-glucanase G9376 and a truncated form of the putative glucan endo-1,3-β-glucosidase (ΔG7048) from Penicillium sumatraense AQ67100 were heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris and characterized both in terms of activity and structure. G9376 efficiently converted laminarin and 1,3-β-glucan oligomers into glucose by acting as an exo-glycosidase, whereas G7048 displayed a 1,3-β-transglucanase/branching activity toward 1,3-β-glucan oligomers with a degree of polymerization higher than 5, making these oligomers more recalcitrant to the hydrolysis acted by exo-1,3-β-glucanase G9376. The X-ray crystallographic structure of the catalytic domain of G7048, solved at 1.9 Å of resolution, consists of a (β/α)8 TIM-barrel fold characteristic of all the GH17 family members. The catalytic site is in a V-shaped cleft containing the two conserved catalytic glutamic residues. Molecular features compatible with the activity of G7048 as 1,3-β-transglucanase are discussed. CONCLUSIONS The antagonizing activity between ΔG7048 and G9376 indicates how opportunistic fungi belonging to Penicillium genus can feed on substrates similar for composition and structure to their own cell wall without incurring in a self-deleterious autohydrolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Scafati
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Troilo
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, P.Le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Ponziani
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Moira Giovannoni
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Anna Scortica
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Daniela Pontiggia
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Adele Di Matteo
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, P.Le Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mattei
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Manuel Benedetti
- grid.158820.60000 0004 1757 2611Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Ye B, Song Q, Li H, Shen J, Wu C, Shu J, Zhang Y. Cloning and Functional Characterization of a Novel β-GRP Gene From Melanotus cribricollis. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2022; 22:4. [PMID: 36082677 PMCID: PMC9459437 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a novel β-1,3-glucan recognition protein gene (β-GRP) was identified from Melanotus cribricollis, and its potential role in the immune response was investigated. The full length of β-GRP cDNA (Accession Number: MT941530) was 1644 bp, encoding a protein composed of 428 amino acids. The theoretical molecular weight and the isoelectric point were 51.53 kDa and 6.17, respectively. The amino acid sequence of β-GRP from M. cribricollis was closely related to that of. β-GRP-like from Photinus pyralis, and was predicted to contain conserved GH16 domain without glucanase active site. The results of real-time quantitative PCR showed that fungal infection of Metarhizium pingshaense may significantly upregulated the expression level of β-GRP gene. The RNAi suppression of β-GRP gene expression significantly increased the corrected cumulative mortality. Meanwhile, antimicrobial peptide genes defensin and lysozyme were significantly downregulated after interference of β-GRP. Taken together, these results suggest that β-GRP of M. cribricollis probably participates in the host immune system by mediating the expression of antimicrobial peptides. This study provides comprehensive insights into the innate immune system of insect larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihuan Ye
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Qiyan Song
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | - Jianjun Shen
- Zhejiang Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 310023, China
| | | | - Jinping Shu
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 311400, China
| | - Yabo Zhang
- Research Institute of Subtropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Hangzhou 311400, China
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Li S, Hao Z, Xu H, Gao Y, Zhang M, Liang J, Dang X. Silencing β-1,3-glucan binding protein enhances the susceptibility of Plutella xylostella to entomopathogenic fungus Isaria cicadae. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3117-3127. [PMID: 35442542 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella is a notorious pest of brassicaceae crops globally and has developed serious resistance to insecticide. Insects primarily rely on their innate immunity to defense against various pathogens. In this study, we investigated the immunological functions of a β-1,3-glucan binding protein from P. xylostella (PxβGBP) and evaluated its potential for biocontrolling P. xylostella. RESULTS The open reading frame of PxβGBP is 1422 bp encoding 473 amino acids residues. PxβGBP contained a CBM39 domain, a PAC domain and a GH16 domain and shared evolutionary conservation with other lepidoptera βGRPs. PxβGBP was strongly expressed in the third instar larvae and fat body. PxβGBP transcript levels increased significantly after the challenge with microbes, including Isaria cicadae, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. PxβGBP was identified in P. xylostella larvae challenged by I cicadae, but not in the naïve insects. Recombinant PxβGBP can directly bind fungal and bacterial cells, and also agglutinate the cells of I cicadae, S. aureus and E coli in a zinc-dependent manner. Knockdown of PxβGBP via RNA interference significantly down-regulated the expression of antimicrobial peptide gene gloverin, and enhanced the susceptibility of P. xylostella to I. cicadae infection, leading to high mortality. CONCLUSION These results indicated that PxβGBP plays an important role in the immune response of P. xylostella against I. cicadae infection, and could serve as a potential novel target for pest control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhongping Hao
- Crop Research Institute, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, China
| | - Huihui Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of High Technology for Plant Protection, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingyu Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jian Liang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiangli Dang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops, School of Plant Protection, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
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Caseiro C, Dias JNR, de Andrade Fontes CMG, Bule P. From Cancer Therapy to Winemaking: The Molecular Structure and Applications of β-Glucans and β-1, 3-Glucanases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063156. [PMID: 35328577 PMCID: PMC8949617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
β-glucans are a diverse group of polysaccharides composed of β-1,3 or β-(1,3-1,4) linked glucose monomers. They are mainly synthesized by fungi, plants, seaweed and bacteria, where they carry out structural, protective and energy storage roles. Because of their unique physicochemical properties, they have important applications in several industrial, biomedical and biotechnological processes. β-glucans are also major bioactive molecules with marked immunomodulatory and metabolic properties. As such, they have been the focus of many studies attesting to their ability to, among other roles, fight cancer, reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and control diabetes. The physicochemical and functional profiles of β-glucans are deeply influenced by their molecular structure. This structure governs β-glucan interaction with multiple β-glucan binding proteins, triggering myriad biological responses. It is then imperative to understand the structural properties of β-glucans to fully reveal their biological roles and potential applications. The deconstruction of β-glucans is a result of β-glucanase activity. In addition to being invaluable tools for the study of β-glucans, these enzymes have applications in numerous biotechnological and industrial processes, both alone and in conjunction with their natural substrates. Here, we review potential applications for β-glucans and β-glucanases, and explore how their functionalities are dictated by their structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Caseiro
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (J.N.R.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Nunes Ribeiro Dias
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (J.N.R.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro Bule
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal; (C.C.); (J.N.R.D.)
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Two GH16 Endo-1,3-β-D-Glucanases from Formosa agariphila and F. algae Bacteria Have Complete Different Modes of Laminarin Digestion. Mol Biotechnol 2021; 64:434-446. [PMID: 34724141 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00421-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a comparative analysis of primary structures and catalytic properties of two recombinant endo-1,3-β-D-glucanases from marine bacteria Formosa agariphila KMM 3901 and previously reported F. algae KMM 3553. Both enzymes had the same molecular mass 61 kDa, temperature optimum 45 °C, and comparable ranges of thermal stability and Km. While the set of products of laminarin hydrolysis with endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae was stable of the reaction with pH 4-9, the pH stability of the products of laminarin hydrolysis with endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila varied at pH 5-6 for DP 2, at pH 4 and 7-8 for DP 5, and at pH 9 for DP 3. There were differences in modes of action of these enzymes on laminarin and 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucoside (Umb), indicating the presence of transglycosylating activity of endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae and its absence in endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila. While endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. algae produced transglycosylated laminarioligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization 2-10 (predominately 3-4), endo-1,3-β-D-glucanase from F. agariphila did not catalyze transglycosylation in our lab parameters.
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Fuzita FJ, Palmisano G, Pimenta DC, Terra WR, Ferreira C. A proteomic approach to identify digestive enzymes, their exocytic and microapocrine secretory routes and their compartmentalization in the midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 257:110670. [PMID: 34438074 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2021.110670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A proteomic approach was used to identify the digestive enzymes secreted by exocytosis and by microapocrine vesicles and enzyme midgut compartmentalization in Spodoptera frugiperda larvae. For this, proteomic analyses were performed in isolated midgut enterocyte microvillar membrane, in a fraction enriched in microapocrine vesicles (separated in soluble and membrane fractions), in the washings of the peritrophic membrane to isolate its loosely- and tightly-bound proteins, and in the peritrophic membrane contents. PM washings correspond to proteins extracted from the mucus layer surrounding PM. Serine endopeptidases (trypsins, chymotrypsins and serine endopeptidase homologs that have substitutions in the catalytic residues) and lipases are mainly secreted by exocytosis. Aminopeptidases are mainly microvillar enzymes and some are secreted membrane-bound to microapocrine vesicles, whereas carboxypeptidase isoforms follow different secretory routes. The results also showed that most polymer hydrolases (such as amylase and endopeptidases) are not retained in the ectoperitrophic fluid (found in PM washings but absent from PM contents). On the contrary, most enzymes involved in intermediate digestion (exemplified by carboxypeptidase and aminopeptidase) do not pass through the peritrophic membrane. Finally, the data revealed that the protein composition of PM includes peritrophins classified as peritrophic membrane proteins, PMP, and chitin deacetylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe J Fuzita
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Giuseppe Palmisano
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-000 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel C Pimenta
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biofísica, Instituto Butantan, Avenida Vital Brasil, 1500, São Paulo 05503-900, Brazil
| | - Walter R Terra
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Clélia Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 748, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil.
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Ferreira TN, Barufi JB, Horta PA, Castro DP, Genta FA. Beta-1,3-glucanase inhibitors in Brazilian brown seaweed. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2021; 93:e20191402. [PMID: 34378638 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202120191402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Beta-1,3-glucanases are enzymes that hydrolyze beta-1,3-glucans, and they are essential for the metabolism of seaweed, plants and fungi. These enzymes also participate in the digestion of herbivore and fungivore animals. Because of the importance of these enzymes in insects, beta-1,3-glucanase inhibitors may be used for the development of new control strategies against agricultural pests and disease vectors. Beta-1,3-glucanase inhibitors have been described in the brown seaweed Laminaria cichorioides, but were never recorded in Brazilian seaweed species. We evaluated the presence of beta-1,3-glucanase inhibitors in samples of Padina gymnospora, Dictyota sp., Colpomenia sinuosa, and Lobophora sp., collected in Arraial d'Ajuda (Bahia). Ethanolic or buffer extracts were used in inhibition tests against the beta-1,3-glucanase of Trichoderma sp. Extracts in buffer showed no inhibition, but ethanolic extracts from all species showed different extents of inhibition. Samples from Dictyota sp. and P. gymnospora showed inhibitions above 75% (absolute ethanol) or 50% (ethanol 50%). In summary, extraction with absolute ethanol resulted in better inhibitions, and P. gymnospora showed the higher inhibitions. Brazilian seaweed may be good sources of beta-1,3-glucanase inhibitors for biochemical and physiological studies of these enzymes. Besides that, these molecules show potential for the development of new biotechnological tools for insect control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tainá N Ferreira
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Pav. Leônidas Deane, sala 207, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José B Barufi
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Laboratório de Ficologia, Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Universitário Trindade, Rua Engenheiro Agronômico Andrei Cristian Ferreira, 216, Carvoeira, 88040-535 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Paulo A Horta
- Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Laboratório de Ficologia, Departamento de Botânica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Campus Universitário Trindade, Rua Engenheiro Agronômico Andrei Cristian Ferreira, 216, Carvoeira, 88040-535 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Daniele P Castro
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Pav. Leônidas Deane, sala 207, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco D-SS, Sala 05, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, 21941902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Genta
- Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Laboratório de Bioquímica e Fisiologia de Insetos, Pav. Leônidas Deane, sala 207, Av. Brasil, 4365, 21040-360 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Bloco D-SS, Sala 05, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Cidade Universitária, 21941902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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11
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Yang L, Kaziem AE, Lin Y, Li C, Tan Y, Huang S, Cheng D, Xu H, Zhang Z. Carboxylated β-cyclodextrin anchored hollow mesoporous silica enhances insecticidal activity and reduces the toxicity of indoxacarb. Carbohydr Polym 2021; 266:118150. [PMID: 34044957 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.118150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study, a pesticide controlled release system with dual response characteristics of pH and enzyme triggering was developed. Indoxacarb (IDC) was loaded into hollow mesoporous silica (HMS) nanoparticles, carboxylated β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) acted as a capping molecule to couple with the amino-functionalized HMS, and their well-defined morphological structures were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the prepared IDC loaded HMS-CD had high loading efficiency (26.42%, w/w) and showed excellent dual response properties to pH and the α-amylase enzyme. IDC loaded HMS-CD nanoparticles showed better insecticidal activity against Spodoptera frugiperda than applying the same dose of IDC emulsifiable concentrate, and the toxicity of IDC loaded HMS-CD to zebrafish was reduced by more than 5-fold, indicating that insecticide delivery systems based on β-CD-anchored HMS nanoparticles could potentially be applied for sustainable control of pests and reduce harm to non-target organisms and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liupeng Yang
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Amir E Kaziem
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Department of Environmental Agricultural Science, Institute of Environmental Studies and Research, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Yigang Lin
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chao Li
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yuting Tan
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Suqing Huang
- Department of Environmental Agricultural Science, Institute of Environmental Studies and Research, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Dongmei Cheng
- College of Agriculture and Biology, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China
| | - HanHong Xu
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Zhixiang Zhang
- Guangdong Biological Pesticide Engineering Technology Research Center, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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12
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Liu D, Wang R, Yang J, Yang Q. Cloning, expression, and functional analysis of the β-1,3-glucanase gene in Ostrinia furnacalis. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2021; 69:642-649. [PMID: 33650240 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2139] [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: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The β-1,3-glucanase gene in Ostrinia furnacalis was first obtained by RT-PCR. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed that the expression level of β-1,3-glucanase in the midgut of O. furnacalis was higher than in other tissues. Moreover, the expression level in the larval stage was higher in egg, pupa, and adult stages. The optimal pH of recombinant O. furnacalis β-1,3-glucanase OfLam to the substrate laminarin was 4.5, and the optimum reaction temperature was 50°C. The enzyme exhibited a KM of 1.59 ± 0.28 mg/mL and a kcat of 15.8 ± 0.66 s-1 . Ostrinia furnacalis β-1,3-glucanase has a similar catalytic efficiency to other insect-derived β-1,3-glucanases. The recombinant OfLam has a broad substrate spectrum and can hydrolyze fungal cell walls, suggesting a new source of enzymes for biological control strategies that target fungal cell walls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danmei Liu
- Agricultural College, Eastern Liaoning University, Dandong, China.,State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Rui Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Jun Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Qing Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection and Shenzhen Agricultural Genome Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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13
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Usoltseva RV, Belik AA, Kusaykin MI, Malyarenko OS, Zvyagintsevа TN, Ermakova SP. Laminarans and 1,3-β-D-glucanases. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 163:1010-1025. [PMID: 32663561 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The laminarans are biologically active water-soluble polysaccharide (1,3;1,6-β-D-glucans) of brown algae. These polysaccharides are an attractive object for research due to its relatively simple structure, low toxicity, and various biological effects. 1,3-β-D-glucanases are an effective tool for studying the structure of laminarans, and can also be used to obtain new biologically active derivatives. This review is to outline what is currently known about laminarans and enzymes that catalyze of their transformation. We focused on information about sources, structure and properties of laminarans and 1,3-β-D-glucanases, methods of obtaining and structural elucidation of laminarans, and biological activity of laminarans and products of their enzymatic transformation. It has an increased focus on the immunomodulating and anticancer activity of laminarans and their derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roza V Usoltseva
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022, 159, 100 Let Vladivostoku prosp., Vladivostok, Russian Federation.
| | - Aleksei A Belik
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022, 159, 100 Let Vladivostoku prosp., Vladivostok, Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail I Kusaykin
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022, 159, 100 Let Vladivostoku prosp., Vladivostok, Russian Federation.
| | - Olesya S Malyarenko
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022, 159, 100 Let Vladivostoku prosp., Vladivostok, Russian Federation.
| | - Tatiana N Zvyagintsevа
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022, 159, 100 Let Vladivostoku prosp., Vladivostok, Russian Federation.
| | - Svetlana P Ermakova
- G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 690022, 159, 100 Let Vladivostoku prosp., Vladivostok, Russian Federation
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14
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Han P, Gong Q, Fan J, Zhang M, Abbas M, Zhu W, Deng S, Xing S, Zhang J. 20-Hydroxyecdysone regulates the prophenoloxidase cascade to immunize Metarhizium anisopliae in Locusta migratoria. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:3149-3158. [PMID: 32310328 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PPO (prophenoloxidase) cascade plays an important role in resisting invasion of entomogenous fungus. The 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) exerts potent effect on the innate immunity in many insects. However, whether 20E controls the PPO cascade system against fungi and the regulatory mechanism in insects remains unclear. RESULTS In this study, both the proteome and transcriptome of Locusta migratoria were determined followed by the induction of 20E. Pattern recognition receptor GNBP-2 (Gram-negative binding proteins) has been identified that responded to 20E at both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. The PPO gene expression in fat body and PO (phenoloxidase) activity in plasma was found significantly induced after 20E injection and during the high-20E developmental stage. However, when 20E signal was blocked by RNA interference (RNAi) of ecdysone receptor, the expression level of PPO and PO activity failed to be increased by 20E. Thus, 20E could not significantly induce the expression of PPO gene and PO activity after RNAi of GNBP-2. Furthermore, 20E treatment notably enhanced the resistance of L. migratoria against Metarhizium anisopliae. Followed by of GNBP-2 silencing, the mortality of nymphs was significantly increased under the stress of Metarhizium anisopliae, and 20E injection could not increase the resistance. CONCLUSION The 20E regulates the PPO system to resist fungal invasion via regulating GNBP-2 in worldwide pest L. migratoria. Our results provide insight into the mechanism of how 20E enhances the antimicrobial immunity, and will be beneficial for modification of entomogenous fungi targeting on hormones and the immune system. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Han
- Institute of Applied Biology and College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qitian Gong
- Institute of Applied Biology and College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiqiao Fan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology and College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Mureed Abbas
- Institute of Applied Biology and College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenya Zhu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Shanxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Sufang Deng
- Institute of Applied Biology and College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shuping Xing
- Institute of Applied Biology and College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology and College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management in Agriculture, Taiyuan, China
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15
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Li J, Cao C, Jiang Y, Huang Q, Shen Y, Ni J. A Novel Digestive GH16 β-1,3(4)-Glucanase from the Fungus-Growing Termite Macrotermes barneyi. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2020; 192:1284-1297. [PMID: 32725373 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-020-03368-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
β-1,3-glucanases are the main digestive enzymes of plant and fungal cell wall. Transcriptomic analysis of the fungus-growing termite Macrotermes barneyi revealed a high expression of a predicted β-1,3(4)-glucanase (Mbbgl) transcript in termite gut. Here, we described the cDNA cloning, heterologous expression, and enzyme characterization of Mbbgl. Sequence analysis and RT-PCR results showed that Mbbgl is a termite-origin GH16 β-1,3(4)-glucanase. The recombinant enzyme showed the highest activity towards laminarin and was active optimally at 50 °C, pH 5.5. The enzyme displayed endo/exo β-1,3(4)-glucanase activities. Moreover, Mbbgl had weak transglycosylation activity. The results indicate that Mbbgl is an endogenous digestive β-1,3(4)-glucanase, which contributes to the decomposition of plant biomass and fungal hyphae. Additionally, the multiple activities, pH, and ion stabilities make Mbbgl a potential candidate for application in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Chunjing Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.,Biotechnology Development Institute, Qilu Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Yutong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Qihong Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Yulong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Jinfeng Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, School of Life Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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16
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Waldron R, McGowan J, Gordon N, Mitchell EB, Fitzpatrick DA, Doyle S. Characterisation of three novel β-1,3 glucanases from the medically important house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (airmid). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 115:103242. [PMID: 31520716 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.103242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The European house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is a major source of airborne allergens worldwide and is found in half of European homes. Interactions between microbes and house dust mites (HDM) are considered important factors that allow them to persist in the home. Laboratory studies indicate the European HDM, D. pteronyssinus is a mycophagous mite, capable of utilising a variety of fungi for nutrients, however specific mycolytic digestive enzymes are unknown. Our previous work identified a number of putative glycosyl hydrolases present in the predicted proteome of D. pteronyssinus airmid and validated the expression of 42 of these. Of note, three GH16 proteins with predicted β-1,3 glucanase activity were found to be consistently present in the mite body and excretome. Here, we performed an extensive bioinformatic, proteomic and biochemical study to characterize three-novel β-1,3 glucanases from this medically important house dust mite. The genes encoding novel β-1,3 glucanases designated Glu1, Glu2 and Glu3 were identified in D. pteronyssinus airmid, each exhibited more than 59% amino acid identity to one another. These enzymes are encoded by Glu genes present in a tri-gene cluster and protein homologs are found in other acari. The patchy phyletic distribution of Glu proteins means their evolutionary history remains elusive, however horizontal gene transfer cannot be completely excluded. Recombinant Glu1 and Glu2 exhibit hydrolytic activity toward laminarin, pachyman and barley glucan. Excreted β-1,3 glucanase activity was increased in response to D. pteronyssinus airmid feeding on baker's yeast. Active β-1,3 glucanases are expressed and excreted in the faeces of D. pteronyssinus airmid indicating they are digestive enzymes capable of breaking down β-1,3 glucans of fungi present in house dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Waldron
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Trinity Enterprise Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jamie McGowan
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Natasha Gordon
- Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Trinity Enterprise Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - E Bruce Mitchell
- Airmid Healthgroup Ltd., Trinity Enterprise Campus, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David A Fitzpatrick
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland; Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Sean Doyle
- Department of Biology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
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17
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Linton SM. Review: The structure and function of cellulase (endo-β-1,4-glucanase) and hemicellulase (β-1,3-glucanase and endo-β-1,4-mannase) enzymes in invertebrates that consume materials ranging from microbes, algae to leaf litter. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 240:110354. [PMID: 31647988 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.110354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the reaction catalysed, and the structure and function of the cellulase, endo-β-1,4-glucanase and the hemicellulase enzymes, β-1,3-glucanase and endo-β-1,4-mannase that are present in numerous invertebrate groups with a diverse range of feeding specialisations. These range from microbial deposit and filter feeders, micro and macrophagous algal feeders, omnivores to herbivorous leaf litter and wood feeders. Endo-β-1,4-glucanase from glycosyl hydrolase family 9 (GH9) digests cellulose like β-1,4-glucans from a range of materials. As it hydrolyses crystalline cellulose very slowly, it is a poor cellulase. Where tested, the enzyme has dual endo-β-1,4-glucanase and lichenase activity. Its presence does not necessarily indicate the ability of an animal to digest cellulose. It only indicates the ability to digest β-1,4-glucans and its function, which is discussed in this review, should be considered with reference to the substrates present in the diet. β-1,3-glucanase (laminarinase) belongs to glycosyl hydrolase family 16 (GH16) and hydrolyses β-1.3-glucans. These polysaccharides are present in the cell walls of algae, protozoans and yeast, and they also occur as storage polysaccharides within protozoans and algae. Depending on their site of expression, these enzymes may function as a digestive enzyme or may be involved in innate immunity. Enzymes present in the digestive fluids or tissues, would be digestive. Haemolymph GH16 proteins may be involved in innate immunity through the activation of the phenol oxidase system. Insect GH16 proteins expressed within the haemolymph have lost their catalytic residues and function as β-glucan binding proteins. In contrast, crustacean GH16 proteins expressed within the same tissue, have retained the catalytic residues and thus possibly their β-1,3-glucanase activity. The potential function of which is discussed. Endo-β-1,4-mannase from glycosyl hydrolase family 5, subfamily 10 (GH5_10) hydrolyses mannan, glucomannan and galactomannan. These hemicelluloses are present in the cell walls of plants and algae and also function as storage polysaccharides within legume and palm seeds. They are digestive enzymes whose high expression in some species suggests they are a major contributor to hemicellulose digestion. They may also provide the animal with substantial amounts of monosaccharides for energy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart M Linton
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, VIC 3216, Australia.
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18
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Fuzita FJ, Pimenta DC, Palmisano G, Terra WR, Ferreira C. Detergent-resistant domains in Spodoptera frugiperda midgut microvillar membranes and their relation to microapocrine secretion. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 235:8-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Molecular cloning and characterization of the β-1,3-glucan recognition protein in Anatolica polita. Gene X 2019; 697:144-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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20
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Souza RS, Gama MDVF, Schama R, Lima JBP, Diaz-Albiter HM, Genta FA. Biochemical and Functional Characterization of Glycoside Hydrolase Family 16 Genes in Aedes aegypti Larvae: Identification of the Major Digestive β-1,3-Glucanase. Front Physiol 2019; 10:122. [PMID: 30873040 PMCID: PMC6403176 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect β-1,3-glucanases belong to Glycoside Hydrolase Family 16 (GHF16) and are involved in digestion of detritus and plant hemicellulose. In this work, we investigated the role of GHF16 genes in Aedes aegypti larvae, due to their detritivore diet. Aedes aegypti genome has six genes belonging to GHF16 (Aae GH16.1 – Aae GH16.6), containing two to six exons. Sequence analysis suggests that five of these GHF16 sequences (Aae GH16.1, 2, 3, 5, and 6) contain the conserved catalytic residues of this family and correspond to glucanases. All genomes of Nematocera analyzed showed putative gene duplications corresponding to these sequences. Aae GH16.4 has no conserved catalytic residues and is probably a β-1,3-glucan binding protein involved in the activation of innate immune responses. Additionally, Ae. aegypti larvae contain significant β-1,3-glucanase activities in the head, gut and rest of body. These activities have optimum pH about 5–6 and molecular masses between 41 and 150 kDa. All GHF16 genes above showed different levels of expression in the larval head, gut or rest of the body. Knock-down of AeGH16.5 resulted in survival and pupation rates lower than controls (dsGFP and water treated). However, under stress conditions, severe mortalities were observed in AeGH16.1 and AeGH16.6 knocked-down larvae. Enzymatic assays of β-1,3-glucanase in AeGH16.5 silenced larvae exhibited lower activity in the gut and no change in the rest of the body. Chromatographic activity profiles from gut samples after GH16.5 silencing showed suppression of enzymatic activity, suggesting that this gene codes for the digestive larval β-1,3-glucanase of Ae. aegypti. This gene and enzyme are attractive targets for new control strategies, based on the impairment of normal gut physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Santos Souza
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maiara do Valle Faria Gama
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renata Schama
- Laboratory of Systems and Computational Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Bento Pereira Lima
- Laboratory of Physiology and Control of Arthropod Vectors, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando Ariel Genta
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology for Molecular Entomology, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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21
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Luo C, Li Y, Liao H, Yang Y. De novo transcriptome assembly of the bamboo snout beetle Cyrtotrachelus buqueti reveals ability to degrade lignocellulose of bamboo feedstock. BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BIOFUELS 2018; 11:292. [PMID: 30386429 PMCID: PMC6204003 DOI: 10.1186/s13068-018-1291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bamboo weevil Cyrtotrachelus buqueti, which is considered a pest species, damages bamboo shoots via its piercing-sucking mode of feeding. C. buqueti is well known for its ability to transform bamboo shoot biomass into nutrients and energy for growth, development and reproduction with high specificity and efficacy of bioconversion. Woody bamboo is a perennial grass that is a potential feedstock for lignocellulosic biomass because of its high growth rate and lignocellulose content. To verify our hypothesis that C. buqueti efficiently degrades bamboo lignocellulose, we assessed the bamboo lignocellulose-degrading ability of this insect through RNA sequencing for identifying a potential route for utilisation of bamboo biomass. RESULTS Analysis of carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) family genes in the developmental transcriptome of C. buqueti revealed 1082 unigenes, including 55 glycoside hydrolases (GH) families containing 309 GHs, 51 glycosyltransferases (GT) families containing 329 GTs, 8 carbohydrate esterases (CE) families containing 174 CEs, 6 polysaccharide lyases (PL) families containing 11 PLs, 8 auxiliary activities (AA) families containing 131 enzymes with AAs and 17 carbohydrate-binding modules (CBM) families containing 128 CBMs. We used weighted gene co-expression network analysis to analyse developmental RNA sequencing data, and 19 unique modules were identified in the analysis. Of these modules, the expression of MEyellow module genes was unique and the module included numerous CAZyme family genes. CAZyme genes in this module were divided into two groups depending on whether gene expression was higher in the adult/larval stages or in the egg/pupal stages. Enzyme assays revealed that cellulase activity was highest in the midgut whereas lignin-degrading enzyme activity was highest in the hindgut, consistent with findings from intestinal gene expression studies. We also analysed the expression of CAZyme genes in the transcriptome of C. buqueti from two cities and found that several genes were also assigned to CAZyme families. The insect had genes and enzymes associated with lignocellulose degradation, the expression of which differed with developmental stage and intestinal region. CONCLUSION Cyrtotrachelus buqueti exhibits lignocellulose degradation-related enzymes and genes, most notably CAZyme family genes. CAZyme family genes showed differences in expression at different developmental stages, with adults being more effective at cellulose degradation and larvae at lignin degradation, as well as at different regions of the intestine, with the midgut being more cellulolytic than the hindgut. This degradative system could be utilised for the bioconversion of bamboo lignocellulosic biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaobing Luo
- Bamboo Diseases and Pests Control and Resources Development Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778, Riverside Road, Central District, Leshan, 614000 China
| | - Yuanqiu Li
- Bamboo Diseases and Pests Control and Resources Development Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778, Riverside Road, Central District, Leshan, 614000 China
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Liao
- Bamboo Diseases and Pests Control and Resources Development Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778, Riverside Road, Central District, Leshan, 614000 China
| | - Yaojun Yang
- Bamboo Diseases and Pests Control and Resources Development Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Life Science, Leshan Normal University, No. 778, Riverside Road, Central District, Leshan, 614000 China
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Lai AG, Aboobaker AA. Comparative genomic analysis of innate immunity reveals novel and conserved components in crustacean food crop species. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:389. [PMID: 28521727 PMCID: PMC5437397 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing global demands for crustacean food crop species have driven large investments in aquaculture research worldwide. However, large-scale production is susceptible to pathogen-mediated destruction particularly in developing economies. Thus, a thorough understanding of the immune system components of food crop species is imperative for research to combat pathogens. RESULTS Through a comparative genomics approach utilising extant data from 55 species, we describe the innate immune system of the class Malacostraca, which includes all food crop species. We identify 7407 malacostracan genes from 39 gene families implicated in different aspects of host defence and demonstrate dynamic evolution of innate immunity components within this group. Malacostracans have achieved flexibility in recognising infectious agents through divergent evolution and expansion of pathogen recognition receptors genes. Antiviral RNAi, Toll and JAK-STAT signal transduction pathways have remained conserved within Malacostraca, although the Imd pathway appears to lack several key components. Immune effectors such as the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have unique evolutionary profiles, with many malacostracan AMPs not found in other arthropods. Lastly, we describe four putative novel immune gene families, potentially representing important evolutionary novelties of the malacostracan immune system. CONCLUSION Our analyses across the broader Malacostraca have allowed us to not only draw analogies with other arthropods but also to identify evolutionary novelties in immune modulation components and form strong hypotheses as to when key pathways have evolved or diverged. This will serve as a key resource for future immunology research in crustacean food crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvina G Lai
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK.
| | - A Aziz Aboobaker
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Tinbergen Building, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK.
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A transcriptomic survey of Migdolus fryanus (sugarcane rhizome borer) larvae. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173059. [PMID: 28248990 PMCID: PMC5332103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sugarcane, a major crop grown in the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, is produced mainly for sucrose, which is used as a sweetener or for the production of bioethanol. Among the numerous pests that significantly affect the yield of sugarcane, the sugarcane rhizome borer (Migdolus fryanus, a cerambycidae beetle) is known to cause severe damage to the crops in Brazil. The absence of molecular information about this insect reinforces the need for studies and an effective method to control this pest. In this study, RNA-Seq technology was employed to study different parts of M. fryanus larvae. The generated data will help in further investigations about the taxonomy, development, and adaptation of this insect. RNA was extracted from six different parts (head, fat body, integument, hindgut, midgut, and foregut) using Trizol methodology. Using Illumina paired-end sequencing technology and the Trinity platform, trimming and de novo assembly was performed, resulting in 44,567 contigs longer than 200 nt for a reunion of data from all transcriptomes, with a mean length of 1,095.27 nt. Transcripts were annotated using BLAST against different protein databanks (Uniprot/Swissprot, PFAM, KEEG, SignalP 4.1, Gene Ontology, and CAZY) and were compared for similarity using a Venn diagram. Differential expression patterns were studied for select genes through qPCR and FPKM comprising important protein families (digestive peptidases, glucosyl hydrolases, serine protease inhibitors and otopetrin), which allowed a better understanding of the insect’s digestion, immunity and gravity sensorial mechanisms.
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Toprak U, Erlandson M, Baldwin D, Karcz S, Wan L, Coutu C, Gillott C, Hegedus DD. Identification of the Mamestra configurata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) peritrophic matrix proteins and enzymes involved in peritrophic matrix chitin metabolism. INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 23:656-674. [PMID: 25846407 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The peritrophic matrix (PM) is essential for insect digestive system physiology as it protects the midgut epithelium from damage by food particles, pathogens, and toxins. The PM is also an attractive target for development of new pest control strategies due to its per os accessibility. To understand how the PM performs these functions, the molecular architecture of the PM was examined using genomic and proteomic approaches in Mamestra configurata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a major pest of cruciferous oilseed crops in North America. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses of the PM identified 82 proteins classified as: (i) peritrophins, including a new class with a CBDIII domain; (ii) enzymes involved in chitin modification (chitin deacetylases), digestion (serine proteases, aminopeptidases, carboxypeptidases, lipases and α-amylase) or other reactions (β-1,3-glucanase, alkaline phosphatase, dsRNase, astacin, pantetheinase); (iii) a heterogenous group consisting of polycalin, REPATs, serpin, C-Type lectin and Lsti99/Lsti201 and 3 novel proteins without known orthologs. The genes encoding PM proteins were expressed predominantly in the midgut. cDNAs encoding chitin synthase-2 (McCHS-2), chitinase (McCHI), and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (McNAG) enzymes, involved in PM chitin metabolism, were also identified. McCHS-2 expression was specific to the midgut indicating that it is responsible for chitin synthesis in the PM, the only chitinous material in the midgut. In contrast, the genes encoding the chitinolytic enzymes were expressed in multiple tissues. McCHS-2, McCHI, and McNAG were expressed in the midgut of feeding larvae, and NAG activity was present in the PM. This information was used to generate an updated model of the lepidopteran PM architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Toprak
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ankara, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Martin Erlandson
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Doug Baldwin
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Steve Karcz
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Lianglu Wan
- Plant Biotechnology Institute, National Research Council of Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Cathy Coutu
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Cedric Gillott
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Dwayne D Hegedus
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
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Souza RS, Diaz-Albiter HM, Dillon VM, Dillon RJ, Genta FA. Digestion of Yeasts and Beta-1,3-Glucanases in Mosquito Larvae: Physiological and Biochemical Considerations. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151403. [PMID: 27007411 PMCID: PMC4805253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti larvae ingest several kinds of microorganisms. In spite of studies regarding mosquito digestion, little is known about the nutritional utilization of ingested cells by larvae. We investigated the effects of using yeasts as the sole nutrient source for A. aegypti larvae. We also assessed the role of beta-1,3-glucanases in digestion of live yeast cells. Beta-1,3-glucanases are enzymes which hydrolyze the cell wall beta-1,3-glucan polyssacharide. Larvae were fed with cat food (controls), live or autoclaved Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and larval weight, time for pupation and adult emergence, larval and pupal mortality were measured. The presence of S. cerevisiae cells inside the larval gut was demonstrated by light microscopy. Beta-1,3-glucanase was measured in dissected larval samples. Viability assays were performed with live yeast cells and larval gut homogenates, with or without addition of competing beta-1,3-glucan. A. aegypti larvae fed with yeast cells were heavier at the 4th instar and showed complete development with normal mortality rates. Yeast cells were efficiently ingested by larvae and quickly killed (10% death in 2h, 100% in 48h). Larvae showed beta-1,3-glucanase in head, gut and rest of body. Gut beta-1,3-glucanase was not derived from ingested yeast cells. Gut and rest of body activity was not affected by the yeast diet, but head homogenates showed a lower activity in animals fed with autoclaved S. cerevisiae cells. The enzymatic lysis of live S. cerevisiae cells was demonstrated using gut homogenates, and this activity was abolished when excess beta-1,3-glucan was added to assays. These results show that live yeast cells are efficiently ingested and hydrolyzed by A. aegypti larvae, which are able to fully-develop on a diet based exclusively on these organisms. Beta-1,3-glucanase seems to be essential for yeast lytic activity of A. aegypti larvae, which possess significant amounts of these enzyme in all parts investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Santos Souza
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 4365 Brasil Av, Leonidas Deane Building, room 207, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21040–360
| | - Hector Manuel Diaz-Albiter
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 4365 Brasil Av, Leonidas Deane Building, room 207, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21040–360
| | - Vivian Maureen Dillon
- Institute of Integrative Biology, Biosciences Building, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, United Kingdom
| | - Rod J. Dillon
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Furness Building, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, LA1 4YG, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Molecular Entomology, 373 Carlos Chagas Filho Av., Center for Health Science, Building D, Basement, room 5, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21941–590
| | - Fernando Ariel Genta
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, 4365 Brasil Av, Leonidas Deane Building, room 207, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21040–360
- National Institute of Science and Technology for Molecular Entomology, 373 Carlos Chagas Filho Av., Center for Health Science, Building D, Basement, room 5, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 21941–590
- * E-mail:
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Linton SM, Cameron MS, Gray MC, Donald JA, Saborowski R, von Bergen M, Tomm JM, Allardyce BJ. A glycosyl hydrolase family 16 gene is responsible for the endogenous production of β-1,3-glucanases within decapod crustaceans. Gene 2015; 569:203-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Revised: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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28
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Kola VSR, Renuka P, Madhav MS, Mangrauthia SK. Key enzymes and proteins of crop insects as candidate for RNAi based gene silencing. Front Physiol 2015; 6:119. [PMID: 25954206 PMCID: PMC4406143 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a mechanism of homology dependent gene silencing present in plants and animals. It operates through 21-24 nucleotides small RNAs which are processed through a set of core enzymatic machinery that involves Dicer and Argonaute proteins. In recent past, the technology has been well appreciated toward the control of plant pathogens and insects through suppression of key genes/proteins of infecting organisms. The genes encoding key enzymes/proteins with the great potential for developing an effective insect control by RNAi approach are actylcholinesterase, cytochrome P450 enzymes, amino peptidase N, allatostatin, allatotropin, tryptophan oxygenase, arginine kinase, vacuolar ATPase, chitin synthase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, trehalose phosphate synthase, vitellogenin, hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, and hormone receptor genes. Through various studies, it is demonstrated that RNAi is a reliable molecular tool which offers great promises in meeting the challenges imposed by crop insects with careful selection of key enzymes/proteins. Utilization of RNAi tool to target some of these key proteins of crop insects through various approaches is described here. The major challenges of RNAi based insect control such as identifying potential targets, delivery methods of silencing trigger, off target effects, and complexity of insect biology are very well illustrated. Further, required efforts to address these challenges are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maganti Sheshu Madhav
- Department of Biotechnology, Directorate of Rice Research, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice ResearchHyderabad, India
| | - Satendra K. Mangrauthia
- Department of Biotechnology, Directorate of Rice Research, ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice ResearchHyderabad, India
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Ferreira C, Rebola KGO, Cardoso C, Bragatto I, Ribeiro AF, Terra WR. Insect midgut carboxypeptidases with emphasis on S10 hemipteran and M14 lepidopteran carboxypeptidases. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 24:222-239. [PMID: 25488368 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We compared the whole complement of midgut carboxypeptidases from 10 insects pertaining to five orders based on transcriptomes obtained by deep sequencing and biochemical data. Most of the carboxypeptidases were metallocarboxypeptidases from family M14, with carboxypeptidase A (CPA) predominating over carboxypeptidase B (CPB). They were found in all of the insects studied except for the hemipterans and a bruchid beetle. M14 carboxypeptidases were expressed only in the midgut of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera). The most expressed CPA from this insect (SfCPA) was cloned, sequenced and expressed as a recombinant enzyme. This enzyme was used to generate antibodies used to demonstrate that SfCPA is secreted by an exocytic route. Serine carboxypeptidases from family S10 were found in all of the insects studied here. In S. frugiperda, they are expressed in all tissues besides the midgut, in accordance with their presumed lysosomal role. In the hemipteran Dysdercus peruvianus, S10 carboxypeptidases are expressed only in midgut, suggesting that they are digestive enzymes. This was confirmed by enzyme assays of midgut contents. Furthermore, the substrate specificity of D. peruvianus S10 carboxypeptidases are predicted to be one CPC (preferring hydrophobic residues) and one CPD (preferring basic residues), thus able to hydrolyse the peptides formed by their digestive cathepsin D and cathepsin L, respectively. The role of S10 carboxypeptidases in bruchid beetles are suggested to be the same as in hemipterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ferreira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Huang W, Xu X, Freed S, Zheng Z, Wang S, Ren S, Jin F. Molecular cloning and characterization of a β-1,3-glucan recognition protein from Plutella xylostella (L.). N Biotechnol 2015; 32:290-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Revised: 01/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Moraes CDS, Diaz-Albiter HM, Faria MDV, Sant'Anna MRV, Dillon RJ, Genta FA. Expression pattern of glycoside hydrolase genes in Lutzomyia longipalpis reveals key enzymes involved in larval digestion. Front Physiol 2014; 5:276. [PMID: 25140153 PMCID: PMC4122206 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The sand fly Lutzomyia longipalpis is the most important vector of American Visceral Leishmaniasis. Adults are phytophagous (males and females) or blood feeders (females only), and larvae feed on solid detritus. Digestion in sand fly larvae has scarcely been studied, but some glycosidase activities putatively involved in microorganism digestion were already described. Nevertheless, the molecular nature of these enzymes, as the corresponding genes and transcripts, were not explored yet. Catabolism of microbial carbohydrates in insects generally involves β-1,3-glucanases, chitinases, and digestive lysozymes. In this work, the transcripts of digestive β-1,3-glucanase and chitinases were identified in the L. longipalpis larvae throughout analysis of sequences and expression patterns of glycoside hydrolases families 16, 18, and 22. The activity of one i-type lysozyme was also registered. Interestingly, this lysozyme seems to play a role in immunity, rather than digestion. This is the first attempt to identify the molecular nature of sand fly larval digestive enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline da Silva Moraes
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hector M Diaz-Albiter
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maiara do Valle Faria
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maurício R V Sant'Anna
- Parasitology Department, Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, Brazil ; Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University Lancaster, UK
| | - Rod J Dillon
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Lancaster University Lancaster, UK
| | - Fernando A Genta
- Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil ; National Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Molecular Entomology, Laboratory of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Molecular evolution of glycoside hydrolase genes in the Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera). PLoS One 2014; 9:e94052. [PMID: 24718603 PMCID: PMC3981738 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellulose is an important nutritional resource for a number of insect herbivores. Digestion of cellulose and other polysaccharides in plant-based diets requires several types of enzymes including a number of glycoside hydrolase (GH) families. In a previous study, we showed that a single GH45 gene is present in the midgut tissue of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). However, the presence of multiple enzymes was also suggested by the lack of a significant biological response when the expression of the gene was silenced by RNA interference. In order to clarify the repertoire of cellulose-degrading enzymes and related GH family proteins in D. v. virgifera, we performed next-generation sequencing and assembled transcriptomes from the tissue of three different developmental stages (eggs, neonates, and third instar larvae). Results of this study revealed the presence of seventy-eight genes that potentially encode GH enzymes belonging to eight families (GH45, GH48, GH28, GH16, GH31, GH27, GH5, and GH1). The numbers of GH45 and GH28 genes identified in D. v. virgifera are among the largest in insects where these genes have been identified. Three GH family genes (GH45, GH48, and GH28) are found almost exclusively in two coleopteran superfamilies (Chrysomeloidea and Curculionoidea) among insects, indicating the possibility of their acquisitions by horizontal gene transfer rather than simple vertical transmission from ancestral lineages of insects. Acquisition of GH genes by horizontal gene transfers and subsequent lineage-specific GH gene expansion appear to have played important roles for phytophagous beetles in specializing on particular groups of host plants and in the case of D. v. virgifera, its close association with maize.
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Rosengaus RB, Mead K, Du Comb WS, Benson RW, Godoy VG. Nest sanitation through defecation: antifungal properties of wood cockroach feces. THE SCIENCE OF NATURE - NATURWISSENSCHAFTEN 2013; 100:1051-9. [PMID: 24271031 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-013-1110-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The wood cockroach Cryptocercus punctulatus nests as family units inside decayed wood, a substrate known for its high microbial load. We tested the hypothesis that defecation within their nests, a common occurrence in this species, reduces the probability of fungal development. Conidia of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae, were incubated with crushed feces and subsequently plated on potato dextrose agar. Relative to controls, the viability of fungal conidia was significantly reduced following incubation with feces and was negatively correlated with incubation time. Although the cockroach's hindgut contained abundant β-1,3-glucanase activity, its feces had no detectable enzymatic function. Hence, these enzymes are unlikely the source of the fungistasis. Instead, the antifungal compound(s) of the feces involved heat-sensitive factor(s) of potential microbial origin. When feces were boiled or when they were subjected to ultraviolet radiation and subsequently incubated with conidia, viability was "rescued" and germination rates were similar to those of controls. Filtration experiments indicate that the fungistatic activity of feces results from chemical interference. Because Cryptocercidae cockroaches have been considered appropriate models to make inferences about the factors fostering the evolution of termite sociality, we suggest that nesting in microbe-rich environments likely selected for the coupling of intranest defecation and feces fungistasis in the common ancestor of wood cockroaches and termites. This might in turn have served as a preadaptation that prevented mycosis as these phylogenetically related taxa diverged and evolved respectively into subsocial and eusocial organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca B Rosengaus
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Northeastern University, 134 Mugar Life Sciences Building, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115-5000, USA,
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Calderón-Cortés N, Quesada M, Watanabe H, Cano-Camacho H, Oyama K. Endogenous Plant Cell Wall Digestion: A Key Mechanism in Insect Evolution. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ECOLOGY EVOLUTION AND SYSTEMATICS 2012. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-110411-160312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The prevailing view that insects lack endogenous enzymes for plant cell wall (PCW) digestion had led to the hypothesis that PCW digestion evolved independently in different insect taxa through the establishment of symbiotic relationships with microorganisms. However, recent studies reporting endogenous PCW-degrading genes and enzymes for several insects, including phylogenetically basal insects and closely related arthropod groups, challenge this hypothesis. Here, we summarize the molecular and biochemical evidence on the mechanisms of PCW digestion in insects to analyze its evolutionary pathways. The evidence reveals that the symbiotic-independent mechanism may be the ancestral mechanism for PCW digestion. We discuss the implications of this alternative hypothesis in the evolution of plant-insect interactions and suggest that changes in the composition of lignocellulolytic complexes were involved in the evolution of feeding habits and diet specializations in insects, playing important roles in the evolution of plant-insect interactions and in the diversification of insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Calderón-Cortés
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 58190, Michoacán, México;, ,
| | - Mauricio Quesada
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 58190, Michoacán, México;, ,
| | - Hirofumi Watanabe
- Insect-Microbe Research Unit, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Horacio Cano-Camacho
- Centro Multidisciplinario de Estudios en Biotecnología, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, 58262, Michoacán, México
| | - Ken Oyama
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ecosistemas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 58190, Michoacán, México;, ,
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Vale VF, Moreira BH, Moraes CS, Pereira MH, Genta FA, Gontijo NF. Carbohydrate digestion in Lutzomyia longipalpis' larvae (Diptera - Psychodidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 58:1314-1324. [PMID: 22841889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Lutzomyia longipalpis is the principal species of phlebotomine incriminated as vector of Leishmania infantum, the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Americas. Despite its importance as vector, almost nothing related to the larval biology, especially about its digestive system has been published. The objective of the present study was to obtain an overview of carbohydrate digestion by the larvae. Taking in account that phlebotomine larvae live in the soil rich in decaying materials and microorganisms we searched principally for enzymes capable to hydrolyze carbohydrates present in this kind of substrate. The principal carbohydrases encountered in the midgut were partially characterized. One of them is a α-amylase present in the anterior midgut. It is probably involved with the digestion of glycogen, the reserve carbohydrate of fungi. Two other especially active enzymes were present in the posterior midgut, a membrane bound α-glucosidase and a membrane bound trehalase. The first, complete the digestion of glycogen and the other probably acts in the digestion of trehalose, a carbohydrate usually encountered in microorganisms undergoing hydric stress. In a screening done with the use of p-nitrophenyl-derived substrates other less active enzymes were also observed in the midgut. A general view of carbohydrate digestion in L. longipalpis was presented. Our results indicate that soil microorganisms appear to be the main source of nutrients for the larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir F Vale
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Jin P, Zhou L, Song X, Qian J, Chen L, Ma F. Particularity and universality of a putative Gram-negative bacteria-binding protein (GNBP) gene from amphioxus (Branchiostoma belcheri): insights into the function and evolution of GNBP. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 33:835-845. [PMID: 22986589 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2012.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Gram-negative bacteria-binding proteins (GNBPs) are important pattern recognition proteins (PRPs), which can initiate host defense in response to pathogen surface molecules. The roles of GNBP in innate immunity of arthropods and molluscs have recently been reported. However, the GNBP gene has not been characterized in the species of higher evolutionary status yet. In this study, we identified and characterized an amphioxus GNBP gene (designated as AmphiGNBP). First, we identified and cloned the AmphiGNBP and found that the AmphiGNBP encodes a putative protein with 558 amino acids, which contains a conserved β-1, 3-glucan recognizing and binding domain. Second, we found that the AmphiGNBP encodes two extra WSC (cell Wall integrity and Stress response Component) domains, which are unique in AmphiGNBP protein. The two WSC domains of AmphiGNBP protein coupled with the expansion of amphioxus immunity repertoire might undergo intensive domain shuffling during the age of the Cambrian explosion. Finally, we found that the AmphiGNBP was mainly expressed in immune tissues, such as hepatic cecum and intestine, and the expression of AmphiGNBP was affected after LPS stimulation. In conclusion, our findings disclose the particularity and universality of AmphiGNBP and provide profound insights into the function and evolution of GNBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Jin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210046, China
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Moraes CS, Lucena SA, Moreira BHS, Brazil RP, Gontijo NF, Genta FA. Relationship between digestive enzymes and food habit of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) larvae: Characterization of carbohydrases and digestion of microorganisms. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2012; 58:1136-1145. [PMID: 22684112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz and Neiva, 1912) is the main vector of American Visceral Leishmaniasis. In spite of its medical importance and several studies concerning adult digestive physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, very few studies have been carried out to elucidate the digestion in sandfly larvae. Even the breeding sites and food sources of these animals in the field are largely uncharacterized. In this paper, we describe and characterize several carbohydrases from the gut of L. longipalpis larvae, and show that they are probably not acquired from food. The enzyme profile of this insect is consistent with the digestion of fungal and bacterial cells, which were proved to be ingested by larvae under laboratory conditions. In this respect, sandfly larvae might have a detritivore habit in nature, being able to exploit microorganisms usually encountered in the detritus as a food source.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Moraes
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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38
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Evolution of the βGRP/GNBP/β-1,3-glucanase family of insects. Immunogenetics 2012; 64:549-58. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-012-0610-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Hamilton C, Bulmer MS. Molecular antifungal defenses in subterranean termites: RNA interference reveals in vivo roles of termicins and GNBPs against a naturally encountered pathogen. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 36:372-377. [PMID: 21824492 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Revised: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Subterranean termites face strong pathogenic pressures from the ubiquitous soil fungus Metarhizium anisopliae, and rely on innate humoral and cellular, as well as behavioral immune defenses for protection. Reticulitermes termites secrete antifungal enzymes that exhibit strong β-1,3-glucanase activity associated with Gram-negative bacteria binding proteins (GNBPs), which prevent M. anisopliae from invading the hemocoel where it can evade immune responses. Molecular evolutionary studies of Reticulitermes termicin genes, which code for defensin-like antifungal peptides, suggest that these proteins may be important effector molecules in antifungal defenses. In this study we show that the RNAi knockdown of termicin and GNBP2 expression via the ingestion of dsRNA significantly increases mortality in termites exposed to a naturally encountered strain of M. anisopliae. Termicin and GNBP2 knockdown also decrease external cuticular antifungal activity, indicating a direct role for these proteins in an external antifungal defense strategy that depends on the active dissemination of antifungal secretions among nestmates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Hamilton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, Towson, MD 21252, USA.
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Hamilton C, Lay F, Bulmer MS. Subterranean termite prophylactic secretions and external antifungal defenses. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:1259-1266. [PMID: 21708164 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Termites exploit environments that make them susceptible to infection and rapid disease transmission. Gram-negative bacteria binding proteins (GNBPs) signal the presence of microbes and in some insects directly damage fungal pathogens with β-1,3-glucanase activity. The subterranean termites Reticulitermes flavipes and Reticulitermes virginicus encounter soil entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliae, which can evade host immune responses after penetrating the cuticle. An external defense that prevents invasion of fungal pathogens could be crucial in termites, allowing them to thrive under high pathogenic pressures. We investigated the role of secreted β-1,3-glucanases in Reticulitermes defenses against M. anisopliae. Our results show that these termites secrete antifungal β-1,3-glucanases on the cuticle, and the specific inhibition of GNBP associated β-1,3-glucanase activity with d-δ-gluconolactone (GDL) reduces this activity and can cause significant increases in mortality after exposure to M. anisopliae. Secreted β-1,3-glucanases appear to be essential in preventing infection by breaking down fungi externally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey Hamilton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, MD 21252, USA.
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