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Weger AA, Rittschof CC. The diverse roles of insulin signaling in insect behavior. FRONTIERS IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 4:1360320. [PMID: 38638680 PMCID: PMC11024295 DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2024.1360320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
In insects and other animals, nutrition-mediated behaviors are modulated by communication between the brain and peripheral systems, a process that relies heavily on the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS). Previous studies have focused on the mechanistic and physiological functions of insulin-like peptides (ILPs) in critical developmental and adult milestones like pupation or vitellogenesis. Less work has detailed the mechanisms connecting ILPs to adult nutrient-mediated behaviors related to survival and reproductive success. Here we briefly review the range of behaviors linked to IIS in insects, from conserved regulation of feeding behavior to evolutionarily derived polyphenisms. Where possible, we incorporate information from Drosophila melanogaster and other model species to describe molecular and neural mechanisms that connect nutritional status to behavioral expression via IIS. We identify knowledge gaps which include the diverse functional roles of peripheral ILPs, how ILPs modulate neural function and behavior across the lifespan, and the lack of detailed mechanistic research in a broad range of taxa. Addressing these gaps would enable a better understanding of the evolution of this conserved and widely deployed tool kit pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clare C. Rittschof
- Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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2
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Li MM, Yang Q, Chen LH, Li YY, Wu JX, Xu XL. Effect of short neuropeptide F signaling on larval feeding in Mythimna separata. INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 31:417-434. [PMID: 37464946 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Mythimna separata is a notorious phytophagous pest which poses serious threats to cereal crops owing to the gluttony of the larvae. Because short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and its receptor sNPFR are involved in a diversity of physiological functions, especially in functions related to feeding in insects, it is a molecular target for pest control. Herein, an sNPF and 2 sNPFRs were identified and cloned from M. separata. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the sNPF and its receptors had a highly conserved RLRFamide C-terminus and 7 transmembrane domains, respectively. The sNPF and its receptor genes were distributed across larval periods and tissues, but 2 receptors had distinct expression patterns. The starvation-induced assay elucidated that sNPF and sNPFR expression levels were downregulated under food deprivation and recovered with subsequent re-feeding. RNA interference knockdown of sNPF, sNPFR1, and sNPFR2 by injection of double-stranded RNA into larvae not only suppressed food consumption and increased body size and weight, but also led to decrease of glycogen and total lipid contents, and increase of trehalose compared with double-stranded green fluorescent protein injection. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed on the interaction mode between sNPFR protein and its ligand sNPF based on the 3-dimensional models constructed by AlphaFold; the results indicated that both receptors were presumably activated by the mature peptide sNPF-2. These results revealed that sNPF signaling played a considerably vital role in the feeding regulation of M. separata and represents a potential control target for this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Mei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Li-Hui Chen
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yan-Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jun-Xiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiang-Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province, China
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3
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Guo R, Zhang K, Zang H, Guo S, Liu X, Jing X, Song Y, Li K, Wu Y, Jiang H, Fu Z, Chen D. Dynamics and regulatory role of circRNAs in Asian honey bee larvae following fungal infection. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:261. [PMID: 38472661 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) plays a vital part in the regulation of immune responses, growth, and development in plants and animals. Here, the identification, characteristic analysis, and molecular verification of circRNAs in Apis cerana cerana worker larval guts were conducted, followed by in-depth investigation of the expression pattern of larval circRNAs during Ascosphaera apis infection and exploration of the potential regulatory part of differentially expressed circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) in host immune responses. A total of 3178 circRNAs in the larval guts of A. c. cerana were identified, with a length distribution ranging from 15 to 96,007 nt. Additionally, 155, 95, and 86 DEcircRNAs were identified in the in the 4-, 5-, and 6-day-old larval guts following A. apis infection. These DEcircRNAs were predicted to target 29, 25, and 18 parental genes relevant to 12, 20, and 17 GO terms as well as 144, 114, and 61 KEGG pathways, including 5 cellular and 4 humoral immune pathways. Complex competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks were detected as being formed among DEcircRNAs, DEmiRNAs, and DEmRNAs. The target DEmRNAs were engaged in 36, 47, and 47 GO terms as well as 331, 332, and 331 pathways, including 6 cellular and 6 humoral immune pathways. Further, 19 DEcircRNAs, 5 DEmiRNAs, and 3 mRNAs were included in the sub-networks relative to 3 antioxidant enzymes. Finally, back-splicing sites within 15 circRNAs and the difference in the 15 DEcircRNAs' expression between uninoculated and A. apis-inoculated larval guts were confirmed based on molecular methods. These findings not only enrich our understanding of bee host-fungal pathogen interactions but also lay a foundation for illuminating the mechanism underlying the DEcircRNA-mediated immune defense of A. c. cerana larvae against A. apis invasion. KEY POINTS: • The expression pattern of circRNAs was altered in the A. cerana worker larval guts following A. apis infection. • Back-splicing sites within 15 A. cerana circRNAs were verified using molecular approaches. DEcircRNAs potentially modulated immune responses and antioxidant enzymes in A. apis-challenged host guts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
- National & Local United Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, 350002, China.
| | - Kaiyao Zhang
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - He Zang
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Sijia Guo
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xin Jing
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yuxuan Song
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Kunze Li
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Ying Wu
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin, Jilin, 132000, China
| | - Haibing Jiang
- Apiculture Science Institute of Jilin Province, Jilin, Jilin, 132000, China
| | - Zhongmin Fu
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- National & Local United Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Dafu Chen
- College of Bee Science and Biomedicine, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- National & Local United Engineering Laboratory of Natural Biotoxin, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Apitherapy Research Institute of Fujian Province, Fuzhou, 350002, China
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Medla M, Daubnerová I, Koči J, Roller L, Slovák M, Žitňan D. Identification and expression of short neuropeptide F and its receptors in the tick Ixodes ricinus. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 147:104524. [PMID: 37201579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2023.104524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, the tick Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector of numerous pathogens that are transmitted during blood feeding on their vertebrate hosts. To elucidate mechanisms controlling blood intake and associated transmission of pathogens we identified and described expression of short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and its receptors which are known to regulate feeding in insects. Using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) we stained numerous neurons producing sNPF in the central nervous system (CNS; synganglion), while a few peripheral neurons were detected anteriorly to the synganglion, and on the surface of the hindgut and leg muscles. Apparent sNPF expression was also found in enteroendocrine cells individually scattered in anterior lobes of the midgut. In silico analyses and BLAST search for sNPF receptors revealed two putative G protein-coupled receptors (sNPFR1 and sNPFR2) in the I. ricinus genome. Aequorin-based functional assay in CHO cells showed that both receptors were specific and sensitive to sNPF in nanomolar concentrations. Increased expression levels of these receptors in the gut during blood intake suggest that sNPF signaling may be involved in regulation of feeding and digestion processes of I. ricinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Medla
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Daubnerová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Koči
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Institute of Virology, Biomedical Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Roller
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mirko Slovák
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Žitňan
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Identification of the Short Neuropeptide F and Short Neuropeptide F Receptor Genes and Their Roles of Food Intake in Dendroctonus armandi. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12090844. [PMID: 34564284 PMCID: PMC8469826 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The short neuropeptide F (sNPF) is an essential signaling molecule that is evolutionarily conserved and involved in a broad range of physiological functions in the invertebrates, by interacting with sNPF receptors, which belong to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR). However, the function of sNPF in regulating the food intake of Dendroctonus armandi has been unclear. In this study, we cloned and characterized cDNAs encoding sNPF and sNPF receptor in the D. armandi and made bioinformatics predictions on the deduced amino acid sequences. They had a high degree of similarity to that of Dendroctonus ponderosa. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that the transcript levels of both sNPF and sNPFR varied across developmental stages and body parts. In addition, the sNPF and sNPFR expression levels were upregulated in starved beetles, and the expression levels recovered after re-feeding. Furthermore, RNAi knockdown by the injection of sNPF and sNPFR dsRNA into beetles significantly increased mortality and reduced their food intake and body weight, and also caused decrease of glycogen and free fatty acid and increase of trehalose. These results indicate that sNPF signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of food intake and provides a potential molecular target for the eco-friendly control strategies of this pest.
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Fadda M, Hasakiogullari I, Temmerman L, Beets I, Zels S, Schoofs L. Regulation of Feeding and Metabolism by Neuropeptide F and Short Neuropeptide F in Invertebrates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:64. [PMID: 30837946 PMCID: PMC6389622 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous neuropeptide systems have been implicated to coordinately control energy homeostasis, both centrally and peripherally. However, the vertebrate neuropeptide Y (NPY) system has emerged as the best described one regarding this biological process. The protostomian ortholog of NPY is neuropeptide F, characterized by an RXRF(Y)amide carboxyterminal motif. A second neuropeptide system is short NPF, characterized by an M/T/L/FRF(W)amide carboxyterminal motif. Although both short and long NPF neuropeptide systems display carboxyterminal sequence similarities, they are evolutionary distant and likely already arose as separate signaling systems in the common ancestor of deuterostomes and protostomes, indicating the functional importance of both. Both NPF and short-NPF systems seem to have roles in the coordination of feeding across bilaterian species, but during chordate evolution, the short NPF system appears to have been lost or evolved into the prolactin releasing peptide signaling system, which regulates feeding and has been suggested to be orthologous to sNPF. Here we review the roles of both NPF and sNPF systems in the regulation of feeding and metabolism in invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Liliane Schoofs
- Department of Biology, Functional Genomics and Proteomics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Nagata S. Feeding modulation in insects through factors in the hemolymph. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2019; 83:33-38. [DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2018.1536515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
In insect hemolymph, many factors are present that can influence feeding motivation, such as lipids, carbohydrates, and other metabolites. Levels of these hemolymph factors fluctuate according to metabolic, nutrient and feeding states, eventually affecting feeding motivation and consequent regularly occurring feeding cycles. Such fluctuations contribute to energy homeostasis and innate feeding behavior in insects possibly by endocrine systems. Ultimately, orchestration of bioactive factors in the hemolymph modulate feeding motivation and nutrient selective behavior in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Nagata
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, the University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
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Christ P, Hill SR, Schachtner J, Hauser F, Ignell R. Functional characterization of mosquito short neuropeptide F receptors. Peptides 2018; 103:31-39. [PMID: 29550617 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito blood feeding transiently inhibits sugar- and host seeking through neuropeptide signaling. Short neuropeptide F (sNPF) is one of the neuromodulators involved in this regulation. Here, we identified the genes for the sNPF precursor and the sNPF receptor in the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus. Comparative analyses are made with the genes of the sNPF precursor and receptor from two other important vectors, Aedes aegypti and Anopheles coluzzii. We functionally characterized the receptors in all three species using endogenous neuropeptides, and quantified their transcript expression following a blood meal and a sugar meal. Our analysis reveals several Cx. quinquefasciatus-specific duplications of the sNPF-3 isoform on the sNPF precursor, which are not reflected in the precursors of the other two species. In contrast, the structure of the sNPF receptors is highly conserved within mosquitoes, and a putative ligand binding region is proposed and discussed. Reflecting the high structural conservation, the sNPF receptor sensitivity to endogenous sNPF isoforms is conserved across mosquito species. Using quantitative real time PCR, we demonstrate that transcript abundance of the sNPF receptor and precursor is regulated following feeding, only in Cx. quinquefasciatus. We discuss our findings in relation to previous work on sNPF signaling and its role in feeding regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Christ
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 102, Sundsvägen 14, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden.
| | - Sharon R Hill
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 102, Sundsvägen 14, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden.
| | - Joachim Schachtner
- Neurobiology/Ethology, Department of Biology, Philipps University Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Straße 8, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Frank Hauser
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Rickard Ignell
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 102, Sundsvägen 14, 23053, Alnarp, Sweden.
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Christ P, Reifenrath A, Kahnt J, Hauser F, Hill SR, Schachtner J, Ignell R. Feeding-induced changes in allatostatin-A and short neuropeptide F in the antennal lobes affect odor-mediated host seeking in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188243. [PMID: 29166650 PMCID: PMC5699834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is a model species in which the endogenous regulation of odor-mediated host seeking behavior has received some attention. Sugar feeding and host seeking in female A. aegypti are transiently inhibited following a blood meal. This inhibition is partially mediated by short neuropeptide F (sNPF). The paired antennal lobes (ALs), as the first processing centers for olfactory information, has been shown to play a significant role in the neuropeptidergic regulation of odor-mediated behaviors in insects. The expression of sNPF, along with other peptides in the ALs of A. aegypti, indicate parallel neuromodulatory systems that may affect olfactory processing. To identify neuropeptides involved in regulating the odor-mediated host seeking behavior in A. aegypti, we use a semi-quantitative neuropeptidomic analysis of single ALs to analyze changes in the levels of five individual neuropeptides in response to different feeding regimes. Our results show that the level of sNPF-2, allatostatin-A-5 (AstA-5) and neuropeptide-like precursor-1-5 (NPLP-1-5), but not of tachykinin-related-peptides and SIFamide (SIFa), in the AL of female mosquitoes, changes 24 h and 48 h post-blood meal, and are dependent on prior access to sugar. To assess the role of these neuropeptides in modulating host seeking behavior, when systemically injected individually, sNPF-2 and AstA-5 significantly reduced host seeking behavior. However, only the injection of the binary mixture of the two neuropeptides lead to a host seeking inhibition similar to that observed in blood fed females. We conclude that modulation of the odor mediated host seeking behavior of A. aegypti is likely regulated by a dual neuropeptidergic pathway acting in concert in the ALs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Christ
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Anna Reifenrath
- Neurobiology/Ethology, Department of Biology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Kahnt
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg, Germany
| | - Frank Hauser
- Center for Functional and Comparative Insect Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sharon Rose Hill
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Joachim Schachtner
- Neurobiology/Ethology, Department of Biology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rickard Ignell
- Unit of Chemical Ecology, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
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Chen N, Fan YL, Bai Y, Li XD, Zhang ZF, Liu TX. Cytochrome P450 gene, CYP4G51, modulates hydrocarbon production in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 76:84-94. [PMID: 27425674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial insects deposit a layer of hydrocarbons (HCs) as waterproofing agents on their epicuticle. The insect-specific CYP4G genes, subfamily members of P450, have been found in all insects with sequenced genomes to date. They are critical for HC biosynthesis in Drosophila; however, their functional roles in other insects including the piercing-sucking hemipterous aphids remain unknown. In this study, we presented the molecular characterization and a functional study of the CYP4G51 gene in the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). CYP4G51 transcript was detectable across the whole life cycle of A. pisum, and was prominently expressed in the aphid head and abdominal cuticle. Up-regulation of CYP4G51 under desiccation stress was more significant in the third instar nymphs compared with the adults. Also, up-regulation of CYP4G51 was observed when the aphids fed on an artificial diet compared with those fed on the broad bean plant, and was positively correlated with a high level of cuticular HCs (CHCs). RNAi knockdown of CYP4G51 significantly reduced its expression and caused reductions in both internal and external HCs. A deficiency in CHCs resulted in aphids being more susceptible to desiccation, with increased mortality under desiccation stress. The current results confirm that CYP4G51 modulates HC biosynthesis to protect aphids from desiccation. Moreover, our data also indicate that saturated and straight-chain HCs play a major role in cuticular waterproofing in the pea aphid. A. pisum CYP4G51 could be considered as a novel RNAi target in the field of insect pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Yong-Liang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Yu Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Xiang-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Zhan-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on the Loess Plateau of Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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11
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Caers J, Peymen K, Van Hiel MB, Van Rompay L, Van Den Abbeele J, Schoofs L, Beets I. Molecular characterization of a short neuropeptide F signaling system in the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans morsitans. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 235:142-149. [PMID: 27288635 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides of the short neuropeptide F (sNPF) family are widespread among arthropods and found in every sequenced insect genome so far. Functional studies have mainly focused on the regulatory role of sNPF in feeding behavior, although this neuropeptide family has pleiotropic effects including in the control of locomotion, osmotic homeostasis, sleep, learning and memory. Here, we set out to characterize and determine possible roles of sNPF signaling in the haematophagous tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans, a vector of African Trypanosoma parasites causing human and animal African trypanosomiasis. We cloned the G. m. morsitans cDNA sequences of an sNPF-like receptor (Glomo-sNPFR) and precursor protein encoding four Glomo-sNPF neuropeptides. All four Glomo-sNPF peptides concentration-dependently activated Glomo-sNPFR in a cell-based calcium mobilization assay, with EC50 values in the nanomolar range. Gene expression profiles in adult female tsetse flies indicate that the Glomo-sNPF system is mainly restricted to the nervous system. Glomo-snpfr transcripts were also detected in the hindgut of adult females. In contrast to the Drosophila sNPF system, tsetse larvae lack expression of Glomo-snpf and Glomo-snpfr genes. While Glomo-snpf transcript levels are upregulated in pupae, the onset of Glomo-snpfr expression is delayed to adulthood. Expression profiles in adult tissues are similar to those in other insects suggesting that the tsetse sNPF system may have similar functions such as a regulatory role in feeding behavior, together with a possible involvement of sNPFR signaling in osmotic homeostasis. Our molecular data will enable further investigations into the functions of sNPF signaling in tsetse flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle Caers
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Katleen Peymen
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Matthias B Van Hiel
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Van Rompay
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jan Van Den Abbeele
- Unit of Veterinary Protozoology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium; Laboratory of Zoophysiology, Department of Physiology, University of Ghent, Krijgslaan 281, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Isabel Beets
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Lin X, Yu N, Smagghe G. Insulin receptor regulates food intake through sulfakinin signaling in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Peptides 2016; 80:89-95. [PMID: 26972481 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Insects obtain energy and nutrients via feeding to support growth and development. The insulin signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of feeding; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we show that insulin signaling regulates food intake via crosstalk with neuropeptide sulfakinin in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Silencing of the insulin receptor (InR) decreased the food intake in the penultimate and final instar stages, leading to a decrease of weight gain and mortality during larval-pupal metamorphosis. Interestingly, the knockdown of InR co-occurred with an increased expression of sulfakinin (sk), a gene encoding neuropeptide SK functioning as a satiety signal. In parallel, double silencing of sk and InR eliminated the inhibitory effect on food intake as induced by silencing of InR and the larvae died as prepupae. In conclusion, this study shows, for the first time, that the insulin/InR signaling regulates food intake through the sulfakinin signaling pathway in the larval stages of this important model and pest insect, indicating a novel target for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianyu Lin
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Na Yu
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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