1
|
Chen R, Yan J, Wickham JD, Gao Y. Genomic identification and evolutionary analysis of chemosensory receptor gene families in two Phthorimaea pest species: insights into chemical ecology and host adaptation. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:493. [PMID: 38762533 PMCID: PMC11102633 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10428-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insects rely on sophisticated sensitive chemosensory systems to sense their complex chemical environment. This sensory process involves a combination of odorant receptors (ORs), gustatory receptors (GRs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs) in the chemosensory system. This study focused on the identification and characterization of these three types of chemosensory receptor genes in two closely related Phthorimaea pest species, Phthorimaea operculella (potato tuber moth) and Phthorimaea absoluta (tomato leaf miner). RESULTS Based on manual annotation of the genome, we identified a total of 349 chemoreceptor genes from the genome of P. operculella, including 93 OR, 206 GR and 50 IR genes, while for P. absoluta, we identified 72 OR, 122 GR and 46 IR genes. Through phylogenetic analysis, we observed minimal differences in the number and types of ORs and IRs between the potato tuber moth and tomato leaf miner. In addition, we found that compared with those of tomato leaf miners, the gustatory receptor branch of P. operculella has undergone a large expansion, which may be related to P. absoluta having a narrower host range than P. operculella. Through analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of male and female antennae, we uncovered 45 DEGs (including 32ORs, 9 GRs, and 4 IRs). CONCLUSIONS Our research provides a foundation for exploring the chemical ecology of these two pests and offers new insights into the dietary differentiation of lepidopteran insects, while simultaneously providing molecular targets for developing environmentally friendly pest control methods based on insect chemoreception.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Junjie Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jacob D Wickham
- A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia
- Department of Entomology, Rutgers University, 93 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Yulin Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tang R, Guo H, Chen JQ, Huang C, Kong XX, Cao L, Wan FH, Han RC. Tandemly expanded OR17b in Himalaya ghost moth facilitates larval food allocation via olfactory reception of plant-derived tricosane. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131503. [PMID: 38663697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024]
Abstract
Herbivorous insects utilize intricate olfactory mechanisms to locate food plants. The chemical communication of insect-plant in primitive lineage offers insights into evolutionary milestones of divergent olfactory modalities. Here, we focus on a system endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau to unravel the chemical and molecular basis of food preference in ancestral Lepidoptera. We conducted volatile profiling, neural electrophysiology, and chemotaxis assays with a panel of host plant organs to identify attractants for Himalaya ghost moth Thitarodes xiaojinensis larvae, the primitive host of medicinal Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus. Using a DREAM approach based on odorant induced transcriptomes and subsequent deorphanization tests, we elucidated the odorant receptors responsible for coding bioactive volatiles. Contrary to allocation signals in most plant-feeding insects, T. xiaojinensis larvae utilize tricosane from the bulbil as the main attractant for locating native host plant. We deorphanized a TxiaOR17b, an indispensable odorant receptor resulting from tandem duplication of OR17, for transducing olfactory signals in response to tricosane. The discovery of this ligand-receptor pair suggests a survival strategy based on food location via olfaction in ancestral Lepidoptera, which synchronizes both plant asexual reproduction and peak hatch periods of insect larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Hao Guo
- College of Life Science, Institute of life Science and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Jia-Qi Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Cong Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Xiang-Xin Kong
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Li Cao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Fang-Hao Wan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China; Shenzhen Branch, Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen 518120, China; College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ri-Chou Han
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lizana P, Mutis A, Palma-Millanao R, González-González A, Ceballos R, Quiroz A, Bardehle L, Hidalgo A, Torres F, Romero-López A, Venthur H. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of chemoreceptors in two sympatric scarab beetles, Hylamorpha elegans and Brachysternus prasinus. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2024; 49:101174. [PMID: 38096641 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2023.101174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Chemoreception through odorant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs) and gustatory receptors (GRs) represents the functions of key proteins in the chemical ecology of insects. Recent studies have identified chemoreceptors in coleopterans, facilitating the evolutionary analysis of not only ORs but also IRs and GRs. Thus, Cerambycidae, Tenebrionidae and Curculionidae have received increased attention. However, knowledge of the chemoreceptors from Scarabaeidae is still limited, particularly for those that are sympatric. Considering the roles of chemoreceptors, this analysis could shed light on evolutionary processes in the context of sympatry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and compare the repertoires of ORs, GRs and IRs between two sympatric scarab beetles, Hylamorpha elegans and Brachysternus prasinus. Here, construction of the antennal transcriptomes of both scarab beetle species and analyses of their phylogeny, molecular evolution and relative expression were performed. Thus, 119 new candidate chemoreceptors were identified for the first time, including 17 transcripts for B. prasinus (1 GR, 3 IRs and 13 ORs) and 102 for H. elegans (22 GRs, 14 IRs and 66 ORs). Orthologs between the two scarab beetle species were found, revealing specific expansions as well as absence in some clades. Purifying selection appears to have occurred on H. elegans and B. prasinus ORs. Further efforts will be focused on target identification to characterize kairomone and/or pheromone receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Lizana
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Ana Mutis
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente (CIBAMA), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Rubén Palma-Millanao
- Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Angélica González-González
- Laboratorio de Interacciones Insecto-Planta, Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747, Talca, Chile
| | - Ricardo Ceballos
- Laboratorio de Ecología Química, Centro Tecnológico de Control Biológico, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA)-Quilamapu, Chillán, Chile
| | - Andrés Quiroz
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente (CIBAMA), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Leonardo Bardehle
- Departamento de Producción Agropecuaria, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Forestales, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Alejandro Hidalgo
- Departamento de Ciencias Preclínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Fernanda Torres
- Carrera de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Angel Romero-López
- Laboratorio de Infoquímicos y Otros Productos Bióticos, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Mexico
| | - Herbert Venthur
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Recursos Naturales, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile; Centro de Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio Ambiente (CIBAMA), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schuh E, Cassau S, Ismaieel AR, Stieber R, Krieger J, Hansson BS, Sachse S, Bisch-Knaden S. Females smell differently: characteristics and significance of the most common olfactory sensilla of female silkmoths. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20232578. [PMID: 38228178 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2578] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
In the silkmoth Bombyx mori, the role of male sensilla trichodea in pheromone detection is well established. Here we study the corresponding female sensilla, which contain two olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and come in two lengths, each representing a single physiological type. Only OSNs in medium trichoids respond to the scent of mulberry, the silkworm's exclusive host plant, and are more sensitive in mated females, suggesting a role in oviposition. In long trichoids, one OSN is tuned to (+)-linalool and the other to benzaldehyde and isovaleric acid, both odours emitted by silkworm faeces. While the significance of (+)-linalool detection remains unclear, isovaleric acid repels mated females and may therefore play a role in avoiding crowded oviposition sites. When we examined the underlying molecular components of neurons in female trichoids, we found non-canonical co-expression of Ir8a, the co-receptor for acid responses, and ORco, the co-receptor of odorant receptors, in long trichoids, and the unexpected expression of a specific odorant receptor in both trichoid sensillum types. In addition to elucidating the function of female trichoids, our results suggest that some accepted organizational principles of the insect olfactory system may not apply to the predominant sensilla on the antenna of female B. mori.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Schuh
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Research Group Olfactory Coding, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sina Cassau
- Institute of Biology/Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Ahmed R Ismaieel
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Regina Stieber
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jürgen Krieger
- Institute of Biology/Zoology, Department of Animal Physiology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Hoher Weg 8, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bill S Hansson
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Silke Sachse
- Research Group Olfactory Coding, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sonja Bisch-Knaden
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yan XZ, Ma L, Li XF, Chang L, Liu QZ, Song CF, Zhao JY, Qie XT, Deng CP, Wang CZ, Hao C. Identification and evaluation of cruciferous plant volatiles attractive to Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:5270-5282. [PMID: 37602963 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, has developed resistance to almost all insecticides used for its control. The 'push-pull' method has been shown as an effective control strategy to address this resistance challenge of P. xylostella. The key focus of the strategy is the identification of attractive or repellent volatile components. The aim of this study was to identify attractive volatile compounds released from host plants. Identified compounds were applied in the biological control of this pest. RESULTS Nine active compounds released into the headspace of seven cruciferous plant species were identified using gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Electroantennographic detection-active compounds included five green leaf volatiles (hexanal, trans-2-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, cis-3-hexenyl acetate, and 1-penten-3-ol), three isothiocyanates (isopropyl isothiocyanate, allyl isothiocyanate, and butyl isothiocyanate), and nonanal. Except for nonanal, all the identified green leaf volatiles and isothiocyanates elicited strong electrophysiological and behavioral responses in P. xylostella. The strongest attractive compounds, trans-2-hexen-1-ol and isopropyl isothiocyanate, were further evaluated in oviposition and field-trapping assays. Results showed that they both lured female moths to lay eggs, and were highly attractive to P. xylostella adults in field, especially when used in combination with yellow and green sticky boards. However, a blend of the two compounds showed no synergistic effect, but rather an antagonistic effect. CONCLUSIONS Green leaf volatiles and isothiocyanates were identified as key olfactory cues for host selection of P. xylostella. Trans-2- hexen-1-ol and isopropyl isothiocyanate were identified as candidate attractive compounds to serve in a 'push-pull' strategy for P. xylostella control. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Zhong Yan
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Ma
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Li
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Le Chang
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Qing-Zhao Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Cheng-Fei Song
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Jin-Yu Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Xing-Tao Qie
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Cai-Ping Deng
- College of Forestry, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| | - Chen-Zhu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chi Hao
- College of Plant Protection, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mu N, Tang JC, Zhao J, Fu QC, Ma YF, Tang R, Dong WX. Caterpillar Responses to Gustatory Stimuli in Potato Tuber Moths: Electrophysiological and Behavioral Insights. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2174. [PMID: 38004314 PMCID: PMC10672149 DOI: 10.3390/life13112174] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This research investigates how fourth-instar larvae of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella, respond to plant secondary metabolites (sucrose, glucose, nicotine, and tannic acid) both in terms of gustatory electrophysiology and feeding behavior. The objective is to establish a theoretical foundation for employing plant-derived compounds in potato tuber moth control. We employed single-sensillum recording techniques and dual-choice leaf disk assays to assess the gustatory electrophysiological responses and feeding preferences of these larvae towards the mentioned compounds. Sensory neurons responsive to sucrose, glucose, nicotine, and tannic acid were identified in the larvae's medial and lateral sensilla styloconica. Neuronal activity was influenced by stimulus type and concentration. Notably, the two types of sensilla styloconica displayed distinct response patterns for sucrose and glucose while they had similar firing patterns towards nicotine and tannic acid. Sucrose and glucose significantly promoted larval feeding, while nicotine and tannic acid had significant inhibitory effects. These findings demonstrate that the medial and lateral sensilla styloconica house sensory neurons sensitive to both feeding stimulants and inhibitors, albeit with differing response profiles and sensitivities. This study suggests that sucrose and glucose are promising candidates for feeding stimulants, while nicotine and tannic acid show potential as effective feeding inhibitors of P. operculella larvae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ni Mu
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (N.M.); (J.-C.T.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jia-Cai Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (N.M.); (J.-C.T.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (N.M.); (J.-C.T.); (J.Z.)
| | - Qi-Chun Fu
- Plant Protection and Quarantine Station of Daguan County in Yunnan Province, Daguan 657400, China;
| | - Yan-Fen Ma
- Department of Agronomy and Biological Science, Dehong Teacher’s College, Mangshi 678400, China;
| | - Rui Tang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization—Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Wen-Xia Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, China; (N.M.); (J.-C.T.); (J.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang R, Lun X, Zhang Y, Zhao Y, Xu X, Zhang Z. Characterization of Ionotropic Receptor Gene EonuIR25a in the Tea Green Leafhopper, Empoasca onukii Matsuda. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:2034. [PMID: 37653951 PMCID: PMC10223087 DOI: 10.3390/plants12102034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Ionotropic receptors (IRs) play a central role in detecting chemosensory information from the environment and guiding insect behaviors and are potential target genes for pest control. Empoasca onukii Matsuda is a major pest of the tea plant Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Ktze, and seriously influences tea yields and quality. In this study, the ionotropic receptor gene EonuIR25a in E. onukii was cloned, and the expression pattern of EonuIR25a was detected in various tissues. Behavioral responses of E. onukii to volatile compounds emitted by tea plants were determined using olfactometer bioassay and field trials. To further explore the function of EonuIR25a in olfactory recognition of compounds, RNA interference (RNAi) of EonuIR25a was carried out by ingestion of in vitro synthesized dsRNAs. The coding sequence (CDS) length of EonuIR25a was 1266 bp and it encoded a 48.87 kD protein. EonuIR25a was enriched in the antennae of E. onukii. E. onukii was more significantly attracted by 1-phenylethanol at a concentration of 100 µL/mL. Feeding with dsEonuIR25a significantly downregulated the expression level of EonuIR25a, after 3 h of treatment, which disturbed the behavioral responses of E. onukii to 1-phenylethanol at a concentration of 100 µL/mL. The response rate of E. onukii to 1-phenylethanol was significantly decreased after dsEonuIR25a treatment for 12 h. In summary, the ionotropic receptor gene EonuIR25a was highly expressed in the antennae of E. onukii and was involved in olfactory recognition of the tea plant volatile 1-phenylethanol. The present study may help us to use the ionotropic receptor gene as a target for the behavioral manipulation of E. onukii in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruirui Zhang
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyue Lun
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| | - Yunhe Zhao
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| | - Xiuxiu Xu
- Tea Research Institute, Shandong Academy of Agricultural Science, Ji’nan 250100, China
| | - Zhengqun Zhang
- College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an 271000, China; (R.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Dong JF, Hu ZJ, Dong BX, Tian CH. A mouthpart transcriptome for Spodoptera frugiperda adults: identification of candidate chemoreceptors and investigation of expression patterns. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1193085. [PMID: 37179830 PMCID: PMC10166800 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1193085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Moth mouthparts, consisting of labial palps and proboscis, not only are the feeding device but also are chemosensory organs for the detection of chemical signals from surrounding environment. Up to now, the chemosensory systems in the mouthpart of moths are largely unknown. Here, we performed systematic analyses of the mouthpart transcriptome of adult Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a notorious pest that spreads worldwide. A total of 48 chemoreceptors, including 29 odorant receptors (ORs), 9 gustatory receptors (GRs), and 10 ionotropic receptors (IRs), were annotated. Further phylogenetic analyses with these genes and homologs from other insect species determined that specific genes, including ORco, carbon dioxide receptors, pheromone receptor, IR co-receptors, and sugar receptors, were transcribed in the mouthpart of S. frugiperda adults. Subsequently, expression profiling in different chemosensory tissues demonstrated that the annotated ORs and IRs were mainly expressed in S. frugiperda antennae, but one IR was also highly expressed in the mouthparts. In comparison, SfruGRs were mainly expressed in the mouthparts, but 3 GRs were also highly expressed in the antennae or the legs. Further comparison of the mouthpart-biased chemoreceptors using RT-qPCR revealed that the expression of these genes varied significantly between labial palps and proboscises. This study provides the first large-scale description of chemoreceptors in the mouthpart of adult S. frugiperda and provides a foundation for further functional studies of chemoreceptors in the mouthpart of S. frugiperda as well as of other moth species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Dong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Zhen-Jie Hu
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Bing-Xin Dong
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan Province, China
| | - Cai-Hong Tian
- Institute of Plant Protection, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Fan XB, Mo BT, Li GC, Huang LQ, Guo H, Gong XL, Wang CZ. Mutagenesis of the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) reveals severe olfactory defects in the crop pest moth Helicoverpa armigera. BMC Biol 2022; 20:214. [PMID: 36175945 PMCID: PMC9524114 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01411-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Odorant receptors (ORs) as odorant-gated ion channels play a crucial role in insect olfaction. They are formed by a heteromultimeric complex of the odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) and a ligand-selective Or. Other types of olfactory receptor proteins, such as ionotropic receptors (IRs) and some gustatory receptors (GRs), are also involved in the olfactory system of insects. Orco as an obligatory subunit of ORs is highly conserved, providing an opportunity to systematically evaluate OR-dependent olfactory responses. RESULTS Herein, we successfully established a homozygous mutant (Orco-/-) of Helicoverpa armigera, a notorious crop pest, using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technique. We then compared the olfactory response characteristics of wild type (WT) and Orco-/- adults and larvae. Orco-/- males were infertile, while Orco-/- females were fertile. The lifespan of Orco-/- females was longer than that of WT females. The expressions of most Ors, Irs, and other olfaction-related genes in adult antennae of Orco-/- moths were not obviously affected, but some of them were up- or down-regulated. In addition, there was no change in the neuroanatomical phenotype of Orco-/- moths at the level of the antennal lobe (including the macroglomerular complex region of the male). Using EAG and SSR techniques, we discovered that electrophysiological responses of Orco-/- moths to sex pheromone components and many host plant odorants were absent. The upwind flight behaviors toward sex pheromones of Orco-/- males were severely reduced in a wind tunnel experiment. The oviposition selectivity of Orco-/- females to the host plant (green pepper) has completely disappeared, and the chemotaxis toward green pepper was also lost in Orco-/- larvae. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that OR-mediated olfaction is essential for pheromone communication, oviposition selection, and larval chemotaxis of H. armigera, suggesting a strategy in which mate searching and host-seeking behaviors of moth pests could be disrupted by inhibiting or silencing Orco expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Bin Fan
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bao-Tong Mo
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo-Cheng Li
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling-Qiao Huang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Guo
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xin-Lin Gong
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen-Zhu Wang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101 People’s Republic of China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ai D, Dong C, Yang B, Yu C, Wang G. A fructose receptor gene influences development and feed intake in Helicoverpa armigera. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:993-1005. [PMID: 34780113 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Gustatory receptors (GRs) are critical for multiple life activities of insects. Owing to the rapid development of genome and transcriptome sequencing, numerous insect GRs have been identified. However, the expression patterns and functions of these receptors are poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the expression pattern of GRs in Helicoverpa armigera and found that the fructose receptor HarmGR9 was highly expressed in the foregut and abdomen. The function of HarmGR9 was identified using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system. Knockout of the HarmGR9 gene shortened the developmental period of the larval stages and increased food consumption in both larvae and adults. This study revealed the tissue distribution of sugar-sense-related receptors in H. armigera and thereby expanded the understanding of insect feeding regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Ai
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Caihong Yu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang XX, Yang B, Sun DD, Guo MB, Zhang J, Wang GR. Ionotropic receptor 8a is involved in the attraction of Helicoverpa armigera to acetic acid. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:657-668. [PMID: 34427396 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Ionotropic receptors (IRs) were first found in Drosophila melanogaster, and derive from ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs), which are implicated in detecting acids, ammonia, amine, temperature and humidity. Although IRs are involved in sensing acid odors in a few insects, such as D. melanogaster, Aedes aegypti, and Manduca sexta, the function of IRs in Helicoverpa armigera is still unknown. IR8a was confirmed to be a co-receptor associated with acid detection. From the results of phylogenetic analysis, HarmIR8a displayed high similarity compared to homologs in D. melanogaster, M. sexta, and A. aegypti, suggesting that HarmIR8a might have a consistent function as a co-receptor for acid detection. In this study, clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)-mediated genome editing was implemented to knockout HarmIR8a for in vivo functional analysis. Electrophysiological and behavioral assays were performed to compare the differences between HarmIR8a knockout mutants and wild type individuals. From electroantennogram (EAG) analysis, we found that wild type H. armigera adults could detect short-chain carboxylic acids. In addition, wind tunnel experiments showed that 1% acetic acid attracted wild type H. armigera adults. However, acid sensing and attraction were reduced or abolished in the HarmIR8a knockout mutants. Our data suggest that HarmIR8a is important for H. armigera to detect short-chain carboxylic acids and mediate attraction behavior to acetic acid.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Xuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Bin Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Dong Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Meng-Bo Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gui-Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
- Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Modern Agriculture, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Characterizations of botanical attractant of Halyomorpha halys and selection of relevant deorphanization candidates via computational approach. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4170. [PMID: 35264639 PMCID: PMC8907264 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07840-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Halyomorpha halys has been recognized as a global cross-border pest species. Along with well-established pheromone trapping approaches, there have been many attempts to utilize botanical odorant baits for field monitoring. Due to sensitivity, ecological friendliness, and cost-effectiveness for large-scale implementation, the selection of botanical volatiles as luring ingredients and/or synergists for H. halys is needed. In the current work, botanical volatiles were tested by olfactometer and electrophysiological tests. Results showed that linalool oxide was a potential candidate for application as a behavioral modifying chemical. It drove remarkable attractiveness toward H. halys adults in Y-tube assays, as well as eliciting robust electroantennographic responsiveness towards antennae. A computational pipeline was carried out to screen olfactory proteins related to the reception of linalool oxide. Simulated docking activities of four H. halys odorant receptors and two odorant binding proteins to linalool oxide and nerolidol were performed. Results showed that all tested olfactory genes were likely to be involved in plant volatile-sensing pathways, and they tuned broadly to tested components. The current work provides insights into the later development of field demonstration strategies using linalool oxide and its molecular targets.
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen WB, Du LX, Gao XY, Sun LL, Chen LL, Xie GY, An SH, Zhao XC. Identification of Odorant-Binding and Chemosensory Protein Genes in Mythimna separata Adult Brains Using Transcriptome Analyses. Front Physiol 2022; 13:839559. [PMID: 35295575 PMCID: PMC8918689 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.839559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Large numbers of chemosensory genes have been identified in the peripheral sensory organs of the pest Mythimna separata (Walker) to increase our understanding of chemoreception-related molecular mechanisms and to identify molecular targets for pest control. Chemosensory-related genes are expressed in various tissues, including non-sensory organs, and they play diverse roles. To better understand the functions of chemosensory-related genes in non-sensory organs, transcriptomic analyses of M. separata brains were performed. In total, 29 odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and 16 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) putative genes were identified in the transcriptomic data set. The further examination of sex- and tissue-specific expression using RT-PCR suggested that eight OBPs (OBP5, -7, -11, -13, -16, -18, -21, and -24) and eight CSPs (CSP2–4, -8, CSP10–12, and -15) genes were expressed in the brain. Furthermore, bands representing most OBPs and CSPs could be detected in antennae, except for a few that underwent sex-biased expression in abdomens, legs, or wings. An RT-qPCR analysis of the expression profiles of six OBPs (OBP3–5, -9, -10, and -16) and two CSPs (CSP3 and CSP4) in different tissues and sexes indicated that OBP16 was highly expressed in male brain, and CSP3 and CSP4 were female-biased and highly expressed in brain. The expression levels of OBP5 and OBP10 in brain were not significantly different between the sexes. The findings expand our current understanding of the expression patterns of OBPs and CSPs in M. separata sensory and non-sensory tissues. These results provide valuable reference data for exploring novel functions of OBPs and CSPs in M. separata and may help in developing effective biological control strategies for managing this pest by exploring novel molecular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Bo Chen
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Xiao Du
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Gao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Long-Long Sun
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin-Lin Chen
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Gui-Ying Xie
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shi-Heng An
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin-Cheng Zhao
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Green Pest Control, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xin-Cheng Zhao,
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Yang C, Cheng J, Lin J, Zheng Y, Yu X, Sun J. Sex Pheromone Receptors of Lepidopteran Insects. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.797287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The sex pheromone receptors (SPRs) of Lepidopteran insects play important roles in chemical communication. In the sex pheromone detection processes, sex pheromone molecule (SPM), SPR, co-receptor (Orco), pheromone binding protein (PBP), sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP), and pheromone degradation enzyme (PDE) play individual and cooperative roles. Commonly known as butterfly and moth, the Lepidopteran insects are widely distributed throughout the world, most of which are pests. Comprehensive knowledge of the SPRs of Lepidopteran insects would help the development of sex lure technology and the sex communication pathway research. In this review, we summarized SPR/Orco information from 10 families of Lepidopteran insects from corresponding studies. According to the research progress in the literature, we speculated the evolution of SPRs/Orcos and phylogenetically analyzed the Lepidopteran SPRs and Orcos with the neighbor-joining tree and further concluded the relationship between the cluster of SPRs and their ligands; we analyzed the predicted structural features of SPRs and gave our prediction results of SPRs and Orcos with Consensus Constrained TOPology Prediction (CCTOP) and SwissModel; we summarized the functional characterization of Lepidopteran SPRs and SPR-ligand interaction and then described the progress in the sex pheromone signaling pathways and metabotropic ion channel. Further studies are needed to work out the cryo-electron microscopy (EM) structure of SPR and the SPR-ligand docking pattern in a biophysical perspective, which will directly facilitate the understanding of sex pheromone signal transduction pathways and provide guidance in the sex lure technology in field pest control.
Collapse
|
15
|
Hou XQ, Zhang DD, Powell D, Wang HL, Andersson MN, Löfstedt C. Ionotropic receptors in the turnip moth Agrotis segetum respond to repellent medium-chain fatty acids. BMC Biol 2022; 20:34. [PMID: 35130883 PMCID: PMC8822749 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01235-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In insects, airborne chemical signals are mainly detected by two receptor families, odorant receptors (ORs) and ionotropic receptors (IRs). Functions of ORs have been intensively investigated in Diptera and Lepidoptera, while the functions and evolution of the more ancient IR family remain largely unexplored beyond Diptera. Results Here, we identified a repertoire of 26 IRs from transcriptomes of female and male antennae, and ovipositors in the moth Agrotis segetum. We observed that a large clade formed by IR75p and IR75q expansions is closely related to the acid-sensing IRs identified in Diptera. We functionally assayed each of the five AsegIRs from this clade using Xenopus oocytes and found that two receptors responded to the tested ligands. AsegIR75p.1 responded to several compounds but hexanoic acid was revealed to be the primary ligand, and AsegIR75q.1 responded primarily to octanoic acid, and less so to nonanoic acid. It has been reported that the C6-C10 medium-chain fatty acids repel various insects including many drosophilids and mosquitos. We show that the C6-C10 medium-chain fatty acids elicited antennal responses of both sexes of A. segetum, while only octanoic acid had repellent effect to the moths in a behavioral assay. In addition, using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we demonstrated that the five IRs and their co-receptor AsegIR8a are not located in coeloconic sensilla as found in Drosophila, but in basiconic or trichoid sensilla. Conclusions Our results significantly expand the current knowledge of the insect IR family. Based on the functional data in combination with phylogenetic analysis, we propose that subfunctionalization after gene duplication plays an important role in the evolution of ligand specificities of the acid-sensing IRs in Lepidoptera. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01235-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qing Hou
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.,Present address: Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zhang
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Daniel Powell
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.,Present address: Global Change Ecology Research Group, School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, QLD, Sunshine Coast, Australia
| | - Hong-Lei Wang
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Martin N Andersson
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christer Löfstedt
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wu L, Zhai X, Li L, Li Q, Liu F, Zhao H. Identification and Expression Profile of Chemosensory Genes in the Small Hive Beetle Aethina tumida. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12080661. [PMID: 34442228 PMCID: PMC8396569 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080661] [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: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aethina tumida is a parasite and predator of honeybee causing severe loss to the bee industry. No effective and environmentally friendly methods are available to control this pest at present. Chemosensory genes play key roles in insect behavior which can potentially be used as targets for developing environmentally friendly pest control agents. In this study, the putative chemosensory genes in antennae and forelegs of A. tumida involved in olfaction or contact chemical communication of adults were investigated using RNA transcriptome sequencing and PCR methods. Based on transcriptomic data, unigenes encoding 38 odorant receptors (ORs), 24 ionotropic receptors (IRs), 14 gustatory receptors (GRs), 3 sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 29 odorant binding proteins (OBPs), and 22 chemosensory proteins (CSPs) were identified. The analyses of tissue expression profiles revealed that genes encoding 38 ORs, 13 antennal IRs, 11 GRs, 1 SNMP, 24 OBPs, and 12 CSPs were predominately expressed in antennae. No significant differences in expression levels of these genes were found between males and females. Genes encoding 5 non-NMDA iGluRs, 3 GRs, 2 SNMPs, 5 OBPs, and 12 CSPs were predominately expressed in forelegs. RT-PCR assays for SNMPs, OBPs and CSPs further revealed that 3 OBPs (AtumOBP3, 26 and 28) and 3 CSPs (AtumCSP7, 8 and 21) were highly expressed in antennae. Our results enrich the gene inventory of A. tumida and facilitate the discovery of potential novel targets for developing new pest control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (L.W.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (Q.L.)
| | - Xin Zhai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (L.W.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (Q.L.)
| | - Liangbin Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (L.W.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (Q.L.)
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (L.W.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (Q.L.)
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (L.W.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (Q.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hongxia Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510260, China; (L.W.); (X.Z.); (L.L.); (Q.L.)
- Correspondence: (F.L.); (H.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Identification and expression profiling of chemosensory membrane protein genes in Achelura yunnanensis (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 40:100876. [PMID: 34246924 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade, antennal transcriptome sequencing has been applied to at least 50 species from 16 families of the Lepidoptera order of insects, emphasizing the identification and characterization of chemosensory-related genes. However, little is known about the chemosensory genes in the Zygaenidae family of Lepidoptera. Herein, we report the transmembrane protein gene repertoires involved in chemoreception from Achelura yunnanensis (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae) through transcriptome sequencing, bioinformatics, phylogenetics and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approaches. Transcriptome analysis led to the generation of 555.47 million clean reads and accumulation of 83.30 gigabases of data. From this transcriptome, 132 transcripts encoding 69 odorant receptors (ORs), 33 gustatory receptors (GRs), 26 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and four sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) were identified, 69 of which were full-length sequences. Notably, the number of SNMPs in A. yunnanensis was the largest set in Lepidoptera to date. Phylogenetic analysis combined with sequence homology highlighted several conserved groups of chemoreceptors, including pheromone receptors (a so-called pheromone receptor (PR) clade: AyunOR50 and novel PR members: AyunOR39 and OR40), a phenylacetaldehyde-sensing OR (AyunOR28), carbon dioxide receptors (AyunGR1-3), and antennal IRs (13 A-IRs). In addition, a Zygaenidae-specific OR expansion was observed, including 15 A. yunnanensis members. Expression profiles revealed 99 detectable chemosensory genes in the antennae and 20 in the reproductive tissues, some of which displayed a sex-biased expression. This study identifies potential olfactory molecular candidates for sensing sex pheromones, phenylacetaldehyde or other odorants, and provides preliminary evidence for the putative reproductive function of chemosensory membrane protein genes in A. yunnanensis.
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang C, Wang B, Wang G. Functional Characterization of Sex Pheromone Neurons and Receptors in the Armyworm, Mythimna separata (Walker). Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:673420. [PMID: 33994962 PMCID: PMC8113758 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.673420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pheromone receptors (PRs) of moths are expressed on the dendritic membrane of odorant receptor neurons (ORNs) housed in the long trichoid sensilla (TS) of antennae and are essential to sex pheromone reception. The function of peripheral neurons of Mythimna separata in recognizing sex pheromones is still unclear. In this study, electroantennogram recordings were performed from male and female antennae of M. separata, and showed that the major component of sex pheromones, (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald), evoked the strongest response of male antennae with significant differences between sexes. Single sensillum recording was used to record responses of neurons housed in TS of male M. separata. The results revealed four types of TS with three neurons housed in each type, based on profiles of responses to sex pheromone components and pheromone analogs. ORN-B of type-I TS was specifically tuned to the major sex pheromone component Z11-16:Ald; ORN-Bs in type-III and type-IV TSs were, respectively, activated by minor components (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-yl acetate (Z11-16:OAc) and hexadecenal (16:Ald); and ORNs in type-II TS were mainly activated by the sex pheromone analogs. We further cloned full-length sequences of six putative PR genes and an Orco gene. Functional characterization of PRs in the Xenopus oocyte system demonstrated that male antennae-biased MsepPR1 responded strongly to (Z)-9-tetradecenal (Z9-14:Ald), suggesting that MsepPR1 may be expressed in type-II TS. MsepPR6 was exclusively tuned to (Z)-9-tetradecen-1-yl acetate (Z9-14:OAc). MsepPR2 and MsepPR4 showed no responses to any tested components. Female antennae-biased MespPR5 was broadly tuned to Z9-14:Ald, Z9-14:OAc, Z11-16:Ald, and (Z)-11-hexadecen-1-ol (Z11-16:OH). Our results further enriched the sex pheromone recognition mechanism in the peripheral nervous system of moth M. separata.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chan Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Shenzhen, Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu J, Liu H, Yi J, Mao Y, Li J, Sun D, An Y, Wu H. Transcriptome Characterization and Expression Analysis of Chemosensory Genes in Chilo sacchariphagus (Lepidoptera Crambidae), a Key Pest of Sugarcane. Front Physiol 2021; 12:636353. [PMID: 33762968 PMCID: PMC7982955 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.636353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect chemoreception involves many families of genes, including odourant/pheromone binding proteins (OBP/PBPs), chemosensory proteins (CSPs), odourant receptors (ORs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), and sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), which play irreplaceable roles in mediating insect behaviors such as host location, foraging, mating, oviposition, and avoidance of danger. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of olfactory reception in Chilo sacchariphagus, which is a major pest of sugarcane. A set of 72 candidate chemosensory genes, including 31 OBPs/PBPs, 15 CSPs, 11 ORs, 13 IRs, and two SNMPs, were identified in four transcriptomes from different tissues and genders of C. sacchariphagus. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted on gene families and paralogs from other model insect species. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that most of these chemosensory genes exhibited antennae-biased expression, but some had high expression in bodies. Most of the identified chemosensory genes were likely involved in chemoreception. This study provides a molecular foundation for the function of chemosensory proteins, and an opportunity for understanding how C. sacchariphagus behaviors are mediated via chemical cues. This research might facilitate the discovery of novel strategies for pest management in agricultural ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianbai Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Pesticide and Fertilizer, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Pesticide and Fertilizer, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- College of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Jiequn Yi
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Pesticide and Fertilizer, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongkai Mao
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Pesticide and Fertilizer, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jihu Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Pesticide and Fertilizer, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Donglei Sun
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Pesticide and Fertilizer, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxing An
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Pesticide and Fertilizer, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han Wu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Pesticide and Fertilizer, Institute of Bioengineering, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yin NN, Nuo SM, Xiao HY, Zhao YJ, Zhu JY, Liu NY. The ionotropic receptor gene family in Lepidoptera and Trichoptera: Annotation, evolutionary and functional perspectives. Genomics 2020; 113:601-612. [PMID: 33002624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.09.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) and Trichoptera (caddisflies), belonging to the superorder Amphiesmenoptera, are the most diverse insect orders as representatives of the terrestrial and aquatic insects, respectively. The insects of the two orders possess different biological and behavioral characteristics, especially their larvae, presumably resulting in the differences of the ionotropic receptor (IR) genes in numbers, sequence characteristics or gene structure. Here, we employed genomics, transcriptomics, bioinformatics, phylogenetics and molecular biology strategies to characterize the IR gene repertoire in Lepidoptera and Trichoptera. Genome and transcriptome analyses with exhaustive homology-based searches and manual efforts, in 32 lepidopterans and five trichopterans, led to the identification of 1449 genes encoding IRs with 1170 full-length sequences, representing the most comprehensive set of chemoreceptor superfamilies across the Amphiesmenoptera. Analysis of gene gains and losses in orthologous groups implied that some IRs were lost in related species, and multiple gene copies occurred mainly in divergent IRs (D-IRs) by gene duplications. Phylogenetic analysis of 2442 IR proteins from 67 species revealed that Lepidoptera and Trichoptera IRs could be classified into three subfamilies, i.e., 14 antennal IRs (A-IRs), five Lepidoptera-specific IRs (LS-IRs) and four D-IRs. Of the three subfamilies, A-IRs and LS-IRs members within orthologous groups exhibited high conservation of gene structure, but D-IRs shared extremely low amino acid identities (below 30%). Expression profiles revealed functional diversities of IRs from Bombyx mori and Papilio xuthus involving smell, taste or reproduction, in which some genes displayed sex-biased expression in antennae associated with specific chemosensory behaviors of female or male adults. Our current study has provided insights into the evolution, conservation and divergence of IRs between/within Lepidoptera and Trichoptera, and allows for further experiments to investigate IR functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Na Yin
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Shu-Mei Nuo
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Hai-Yan Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Yu-Jie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Jia-Ying Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Nai-Yong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control of Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dong JF, Jiang NJ, Zhao XC, Tang R. Antennal Lobe Atlas of an Emerging Corn Pest, Athetis dissimilis. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:23. [PMID: 32547373 PMCID: PMC7271962 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Moths develop sophisticated olfactory systems to sense the airborne chemical cues from the environment. Understanding the structural basis in the neuronal center is a fundamental neuroethological step. Little is known about the emerging crop pest Athetis dissimilis with regard to its morphology or its neuronal organizations. Through antibody staining and digital 3D modeling, we re-constructed the primary olfactory center-the antennal lobe of A. dissimilis. In the antennal lobes 68.8 ± 3.1 male glomeruli and 70.8 ± 1.0 female glomeruli were identified with obvious sexual dimorphism. In particular, male adults of A. dissimilis contain a macroglomerular complex (MGC) that consists of three subunits, while the female lobe has four relatively enlarged glomeruli at the entrance of the antennal nerve. Glomeruli were later clustered with deviation and variance, and referring to reported olfactory related receptor family genes in seven different moth species, we found that glomerular counts of these insects are better related to the sum of odorant receptor and ionotropic receptor numbers, suggesting olfactory receptors and ionotropic receptors may both involved in olfaction of Noctuidae moths.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Dong
- Forestry College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Nan-Ji Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin-Cheng Zhao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Rui Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|