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Wang XX, Ding MJ, Gao J, Zhao L, Cao R, Wang XW. Modulation of host lipid metabolism by virus infection leads to exoskeleton damage in shrimp. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012228. [PMID: 38739679 PMCID: PMC11115362 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The arthropod exoskeleton provides protection and support and is vital for survival and adaption. The integrity and mechanical properties of the exoskeleton are often impaired after pathogenic infection; however, the detailed mechanism by which infection affects the exoskeleton remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the damage to the shrimp exoskeleton is caused by modulation of host lipid profiles after infection with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). WSSV infection disrupts the mechanical performance of the exoskeleton by inducing the expression of a chitinase (Chi2) in the sub-cuticle epidermis and decreasing the cuticle chitin content. The induction of Chi2 expression is mediated by a nuclear receptor that can be activated by certain enriched long-chain saturated fatty acids after infection. The damage to the exoskeleton, an aftereffect of the induction of host lipogenesis by WSSV, significantly impairs the motor ability of shrimp. Blocking the WSSV-caused lipogenesis restored the mechanical performance of the cuticle and improved the motor ability of infected shrimp. Therefore, this study reveals a mechanism by which WSSV infection modulates shrimp internal metabolism resulting in phenotypic impairment, and provides new insights into the interactions between the arthropod host and virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xin Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ming-Jie Ding
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- Department of Food Engineering and Nutrition, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Rong Cao
- Department of Food Engineering and Nutrition, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao, China
| | - Xian-Wei Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
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2
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Geng DQ, Wang XL, Lyu XY, Raikhel AS, Zou Z. Ecdysone-controlled nuclear receptor ERR regulates metabolic homeostasis in the disease vector mosquito Aedes aegypti. PLoS Genet 2024; 20:e1011196. [PMID: 38466721 PMCID: PMC10957079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematophagous mosquitoes require vertebrate blood for their reproductive cycles, making them effective vectors for transmitting dangerous human diseases. Thus, high-intensity metabolism is needed to support reproductive events of female mosquitoes. However, the regulatory mechanism linking metabolism and reproduction in mosquitoes remains largely unclear. In this study, we found that the expression of estrogen-related receptor (ERR), a nuclear receptor, is activated by the direct binding of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and ecdysone receptor (EcR) to the ecdysone response element (EcRE) in the ERR promoter region during the gonadotropic cycle of Aedes aegypti (named AaERR). RNA interference (RNAi) of AaERR in female mosquitoes led to delayed development of ovaries. mRNA abundance of genes encoding key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism (CM)-glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) and pyruvate kinase (PYK)-was significantly decreased in AaERR knockdown mosquitoes, while the levels of metabolites, such as glycogen, glucose, and trehalose, were elevated. The expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS) was notably downregulated, and lipid accumulation was reduced in response to AaERR depletion. Dual luciferase reporter assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) determined that AaERR directly activated the expression of metabolic genes, such as GPI, PYK, and FAS, by binding to the corresponding AaERR-responsive motif in the promoter region of these genes. Our results have revealed an important role of AaERR in the regulation of metabolism during mosquito reproduction and offer a novel target for mosquito control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Qian Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Yang Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Alexander S. Raikhel
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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3
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Talyuli OAC, Oliveira JHM, Bottino-Rojas V, Silveira GO, Alvarenga PH, Barletta ABF, Kantor AM, Paiva-Silva GO, Barillas-Mury C, Oliveira PL. The Aedes aegypti peritrophic matrix controls arbovirus vector competence through HPx1, a heme-induced peroxidase. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011149. [PMID: 36780872 PMCID: PMC9956595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are the main vectors of arboviruses. The peritrophic matrix (PM) is an extracellular layer that surrounds the blood bolus. It acts as an immune barrier that prevents direct contact of bacteria with midgut epithelial cells during blood digestion. Here, we describe a heme-dependent peroxidase, hereafter referred to as heme peroxidase 1 (HPx1). HPx1 promotes PM assembly and antioxidant ability, modulating vector competence. Mechanistically, the heme presence in a blood meal induces HPx1 transcriptional activation mediated by the E75 transcription factor. HPx1 knockdown increases midgut reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by the DUOX NADPH oxidase. Elevated ROS levels reduce microbiota growth while enhancing epithelial mitosis, a response to tissue damage. However, simultaneous HPx1 and DUOX silencing was not able to rescue bacterial population growth, as explained by increased expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which occurred only after double knockdown. This result revealed hierarchical activation of ROS and AMPs to control microbiota. HPx1 knockdown produced a 100-fold decrease in Zika and dengue 2 midgut infection, demonstrating the essential role of the mosquito PM in the modulation of arbovirus vector competence. Our data show that the PM connects blood digestion to midgut immunological sensing of the microbiota and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octavio A. C. Talyuli
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Henrique M. Oliveira
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Bottino-Rojas
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Departments of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics and of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Gilbert O. Silveira
- Laboratório de Expressão Genica em Eucariotos, Instituto Butantan and Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia H. Alvarenga
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Beatriz F. Barletta
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Asher M. Kantor
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gabriela O. Paiva-Silva
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina Barillas-Mury
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Pedro L. Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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4
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Hoedjes KM, Kostic H, Flatt T, Keller L. A Single Nucleotide Variant in the PPARγ-homolog Eip75B Affects Fecundity in Drosophila. Mol Biol Evol 2023; 40:7005670. [PMID: 36703226 PMCID: PMC9922802 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msad018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Single nucleotide polymorphisms are the most common type of genetic variation, but how these variants contribute to the adaptation of complex phenotypes is largely unknown. Experimental evolution and genome-wide association studies have demonstrated that variation in the PPARγ-homolog Eip75B has associated with longevity and life-history differences in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Using RNAi knockdown, we first demonstrate that reduced expression of Eip75B in adult flies affects lifespan, egg-laying rate, and egg volume. We then tested the effects of a naturally occurring SNP within a cis-regulatory domain of Eip75B by applying two complementary approaches: a Mendelian randomization approach using lines of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, and allelic replacement using precise CRISPR/Cas9-induced genome editing. Our experiments reveal that this natural polymorphism has a significant pleiotropic effect on fecundity and egg-to-adult viability, but not on longevity or other life-history traits. Our results provide a rare functional validation at the nucleotide level and identify a natural allelic variant affecting fitness and life-history adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hristina Kostic
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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5
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Zheng W, Wu F, Ye Y, Li T, Zhang Z, Zhang H. Small GTPase Rab40C is upregulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone and insulin pathways to regulate ovarian development and fecundity. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1583-1600. [PMID: 35349758 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The insulin and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) pathways coordinately regulate insect vitellogenesis and ovarian development. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms such as the genes mediating the cooperation of the interaction of these 2 pathways in regulating insect reproductive development are not well understood. In the present study, a small GTPase, Rab40C, was identified from the notorious agricultural pest Bactrocera dorsalis. In addition to the well-known RAB domain, it also has a unique SOCS-box domain, which is different from other Rab-GTPases. Moreover, we found that Rab40C was enriched in the ovaries of sexually mature females. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of BdRab40C resulted in a decrease in vitellogenin synthesis, underdeveloped ovaries, and low fertility. Furthermore, depletion of insulin receptor InR or the heterodimer receptor of 20E (EcR or USP) by RNAi significantly decreased the transcription of BdRab40C and resulted in lower fecundity. Further studies revealed that the transcription of BdRab40C could be upregulated by the injection of insulin or 20E. These results indicate that Rab40C participates in the insulin and 20E pathways to coordinately regulate reproduction in B. dorsalis. Our results not only provide new insights into the insulin- and 20E-stimulated regulatory pathways controlling female reproduction in insects but also contribute to the development of potential eco-friendly strategies for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zheng
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangyu Wu
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yinhao Ye
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianran Li
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Key laboratory of Horticultural Plant Biology (MOE), Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control, Institute of Urban and Horticultural Entomology, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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6
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He Q, Zhang Y. Kr-h1, a Cornerstone Gene in Insect Life History. Front Physiol 2022; 13:905441. [PMID: 35574485 PMCID: PMC9092015 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.905441] [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: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insect life cycle is coordinated by hormones and their downstream effectors. Krüppel homolog1 (Kr-h1) is one of the crucial effectors which mediates the actions of the two critical hormones of insects, the juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). It is a transcription factor with a DNA-binding motif of eight C2H2 zinc fingers which is found to be conserved among insect orders. The expression of Kr-h1 is fluctuant during insect development with high abundance in juvenile instars and lower levels in the final instar and pupal stage, and reappearance in adults, which is governed by the coordination of JH, 20E, and miRNAs. The dynamic expression pattern of Kr-h1 is closely linked to its function in the entire life of insects. Over the past several years, accumulating studies have advanced our understanding of the role of Kr-h1 during insect development. It acts as a universal antimetamorphic factor in both hemimetabolous and holometabolous species by directly inhibiting the transcription of 20E signaling genes Broad-Complex (Br-C) and Ecdysone induced protein 93F (E93), and steroidogenic enzyme genes involved in ecdysone biosynthesis. Meanwhile, it promotes vitellogenesis and ovarian development in the majority of studied insects. In addition, Kr-h1 regulates insect behavioral plasticity and caste identity, neuronal morphogenesis, maturation of sexual behavior, as well as embryogenesis and metabolic homeostasis. Hence, Kr-h1 acts as a cornerstone regulator in insect life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu He
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Microbiology and Recycling of Argo-Waste in Cold Region, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Yuanxi Zhang
- Daqing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, Daqing, China
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7
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Lu K, Cheng YB, Li YM, Li WR, Song YY, Zeng RS, Sun ZX. The KNRL nuclear receptor controls hydrolase-mediated vitellin breakdown during embryogenesis in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 28:1633-1650. [PMID: 33191602 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Vitellin (Vn) homeostasis is central to the fecundity of oviparous insects. Most studies have focused on the synthesis and transportation of Vn as a building block for developing eggs during vitellogenesis; however, less is known about how the utilization of this nutrient reserve affects embryonic development. Here, we show that the single ortholog of the knirps and knirps-like nuclear receptors, KNRL, negatively regulates Vn breakdown by suppressing the expression of hydrolase genes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. KNRL was highly expressed in the ovary of adult females, and knockdown of KNRL by RNA interference resulted in the acceleration of Vn breakdown and the inhibition of embryonic development. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that numerous hydrolase genes, including cathepsins and trypsins were up-regulated after KNRL knockdown. At least eight of the nine significantly enriched Gene Ontology terms for the up-regulated genes were in proteolysis-related categories. The expression levels of five selected trypsin genes and the enzymatic activities of trypsin in the embryos were significantly increased after KNRL knockdown. Moreover, trypsin injection prolonged egg duration, delayed embryonic development, accelerated Vn breakdown and severely reduced egg hatchability, a pattern similar to that observed in KNRL-silenced N. lugens. These observations suggest that KNRL controls Vn breakdown in embryos via the transcriptional inhibition of hydrolases. Generally, this study provides a foundation for understanding how embryo nutrient reserves are mobilized during embryogenesis and identifies several genes and pathways that may prove valuable targets for pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Bei Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Min Li
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ru Li
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Song
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ren-Sen Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Xiang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Genetics, Breeding and Multiple Utilization of Crops, College of Agriculture, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
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8
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Elgendy AM, Mohamed AA, Duvic B, Tufail M, Takeda M. Involvement of Cis-Acting Elements in Molecular Regulation of JH-Mediated Vitellogenin Gene 2 of Female Periplaneta americana. Front Physiol 2021; 12:723072. [PMID: 34526913 PMCID: PMC8435907 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.723072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenins (Vgs) are yolk protein precursors that are regulated by juvenile hormone (JH) and/or 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) in insects. JH acts as the principal gonadotropin that stimulates vitellogenesis in hemimetabolous insects. In this study, we cloned and characterized the Periplaneta americana Vitellogenin 2 (Vg2) promoter. Multiple sites for putative transcription factor binding were predicted for the 1,804 bp Vg2 promoter region, such as the Broad-Complex, ecdysone response element (EcRE), GATA, Hairy, JH response element (JHRE), and Methoprene (Met)-binding motif, among others. Luciferase reporter assay has identified that construct -177 bp is enough to support JH III induction but not 20E suppression. This 38 bp region (from -177 to -139 bp) contains two conserved response element half-sites separated by 2 nucleotides spacer (DR2) and is designated as Vg2RE (-168GAGTCACGGAGTCGCCGCTG-149). Mutation assay and luciferase assay data using mutated constructs verified the crucial role of G residues in Vg2RE for binding the isolated fat body nuclear protein. In Sf9 cells, a luciferase reporter placed under the control of a minimal promoter containing Vg2RE was induced by JH III in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Nuclear proteins isolated from previtellogenic female fat body cells bound to Vg2RE, and this binding was outcompeted by a 50-fold excess of cold Drosophila melanogaster DR4 and Galleria mellonella JH binding protein response elements (Chorion factor-I/Ultraspiracle). Affinity pull-down experiment with nuclear extracts of previtellogenic female fat body, using 31-bp probe Vg2RE as bait, yielded a 71 kDa candidate nuclear protein that may mediate the regulatory action of the JH III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza M Elgendy
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.,Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Amr A Mohamed
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Muhammad Tufail
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan.,Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Makio Takeda
- Department of Agrobioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Hyogo, Japan
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9
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Cross-talk of insulin-like peptides, juvenile hormone, and 20-hydroxyecdysone in regulation of metabolism in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2023470118. [PMID: 33526700 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2023470118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Female mosquitoes feed sequentially on carbohydrates (nectar) and proteins (blood) during each gonadotrophic cycle to become reproductively competent and effective disease vectors. Accordingly, metabolism is synchronized to support this reproductive cyclicity. However, regulatory pathways linking metabolism to reproductive cycles are not fully understood. Two key hormones, juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysteroids (20-hydroxyecdysone, 20E, is the most active form) govern female mosquito reproduction. Aedes aegypti genome codes for eight insulin-like peptides (ILPs) that are critical for controlling metabolism. We examined the effects of the JH and 20E pathways on mosquito ILP expression to decipher regulation of metabolism in a reproducing female mosquito. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed genomic interactions between ilp genes and the JH receptor, methoprene-tolerant, a transcription factor, Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1), and two isoforms of the ecdysone response early gene, E74. The luciferase reporter assays showed that Kr-h1 activates ilps 2, 6, and 7, but represses ilps 4 and 5 The 20E pathway displayed the opposite effect in the regulation of ilps E74B repressed ilps 2 and 6, while E74A activated ilps 4 and 5 Combining RNA interference, CRISPR gene tagging and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we have shown that the JH and 20E regulate protein levels of all eight Ae. aegypti ILPs. Thus, we have established a regulatory axis between ILPs, JH, and 20E in coordination of metabolism during gonadotrophic cycles of Ae. aegypti.
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10
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McFarlane M, Laureti M, Levée T, Terry S, Kohl A, Pondeville E. Improved transient silencing of gene expression in the mosquito female Aedes aegypti. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:355-365. [PMID: 33715239 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing using RNA interference (RNAi) has become a widely used genetic technique to study gene function in many organisms. In insects, this technique is often applied through the delivery of dsRNA. In the adult female Aedes aegypti, a main vector of human-infecting arboviruses, efficiency of gene silencing following dsRNA injection varies greatly according to targeted genes. Difficult knockdowns using dsRNA can thus hamper gene function analysis. Here, by analysing silencing of three different genes in female Ae. aegypti (p400, ago2 and E75), we show that gene silencing can indeed be dsRNA sequence dependent but different efficiencies do not correlate with dsRNA length. Our findings suggest that silencing is likely also gene dependent, probably due to gene-specific tissue expression and/or feedback mechanisms. We demonstrate that use of high doses of dsRNA can improve knockdown efficiency, and injection of a transfection reagent along with dsRNA reduces the variability in efficiency between replicates. Finally, we show that gene silencing cannot be achieved using siRNA injection in Ae. aegypti adult females. Overall, this work should help future gene function analyses using RNAi in adult females Ae. aegypti, leading toward a better understanding of physiological and infectious processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M McFarlane
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - M Laureti
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - T Levée
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - S Terry
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Kohl
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - E Pondeville
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
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11
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Ekoka E, Maharaj S, Nardini L, Dahan-Moss Y, Koekemoer LL. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling as a promising target for the chemical control of malaria vectors. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:86. [PMID: 33514413 PMCID: PMC7844807 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04558-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rapid development and spread of resistance to insecticides among anopheline malaria vectors, the efficacy of current World Health Organization (WHO)-approved insecticides targeting these vectors is under threat. This has led to the development of novel interventions, including improved and enhanced insecticide formulations with new targets or synergists or with added sterilants and/or antimalarials, among others. To date, several studies in mosquitoes have revealed that the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway regulates both vector abundance and competence, two parameters that influence malaria transmission. Therefore, insecticides which target 20E signaling (e.g. methoxyfenozide and halofenozide) may be an asset for malaria vector control. While such insecticides are already commercially available for lepidopteran and coleopteran pests, they still need to be approved by the WHO for malaria vector control programs. Until recently, chemicals targeting 20E signaling were considered to be insect growth regulators, and their effect was mostly studied against immature mosquito stages. However, in the last few years, promising results have been obtained by applying methoxyfenozide or halofenozide (two compounds that boost 20E signaling) to Anopheles populations at different phases of their life-cycle. In addition, preliminary studies suggest that methoxyfenozide resistance is unstable, causing the insects substantial fitness costs, thereby potentially circumventing one of the biggest challenges faced by current vector control efforts. In this review, we first describe the 20E signaling pathway in mosquitoes and then summarize the mechanisms whereby 20E signaling regulates the physiological processes associated with vector competence and vector abundance. Finally, we discuss the potential of using chemicals targeting 20E signaling to control malaria vectors.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Ekoka
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. .,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Surina Maharaj
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Luisa Nardini
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Yael Dahan-Moss
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Lizette L Koekemoer
- WITS Research Institute for Malaria, School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,Centre for Emerging, Zoonotic & Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
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12
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Cheng Y, Li Y, Li W, Song Y, Zeng R, Lu K. Effect of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 on the fecundity of Nilaparvata lugens: Insights from RNA interference combined with transcriptomic analysis. Genomics 2020; 112:4585-4594. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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13
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Transcriptomic analyses of Aedes aegypti cultured cells and ex vivo midguts in response to an excess or deficiency of heme: a quest for transcriptionally-regulated heme transporters. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:604. [PMID: 32867680 PMCID: PMC7460771 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06981-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aedes aegypti is the principle vector of many arboviruses, including dengue virus and Zika virus, which are transmitted when an infected female mosquito takes a blood meal in order to initiate vitellogenesis. During blood digestion, ~ 10 mM heme-iron is ingested into the midgut lumen. While heme acts as both a nutrient and signaling molecule during blood digestion, it can also be highly toxic if left unchaperoned. Both signaling by, and degradation of, heme are intracellular processes, occurring in the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively. However, the precise mechanism of heme uptake into the midgut epithelium is not currently known. Results We used next generation RNA sequencing with the goal to identify genes that code for membrane bound heme import protein(s) responsible for heme uptake into the midgut epithelium. Heme deprivation increased uptake of a heme fluorescent analog in cultured cells, while treatment of midguts with an excess of heme decreased uptake, confirming physiological changes were occurring in these heme-sensitive cells/tissues prior to sequencing. A list of candidate genes was assembled for each of the experimental sample sets, which included Aag2 and A20 cultured cells as well as midgut tissue, based on the results of a differential expression analysis, soft cluster analysis and number of predicted transmembrane domains. Lastly, the functions related to heme transport were examined through RNAi knockdown. Conclusions Despite a large number of transmembrane domain containing genes differentially expressed in response to heme, very few were highly differentially expressed in any of the datasets examined. RNAi knockdown of a subset of candidates resulted in subtle changes in heme uptake, but minimal overall disruption to blood digestion/egg production. These results could indicate that heme import in Ae. aegypti may be controlled by a redundant system of multiple distinct transport proteins. Alternatively, heme membrane bound transport in Ae. aegypti could be regulated post-translationally.
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14
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Chapman EC, Bonsor BJ, Parsons DR, Rotchell JM. Influence of light and temperature cycles on the expression of circadian clock genes in the mussel Mytilus edulis. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 159:104960. [PMID: 32250881 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Clock genes and environmental cues regulate essential biological rhythms. The blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, is an ecologically and economically important intertidal bivalve undergoing seasonal reproductive rhythms. We previously identified seasonal expression differences in M. edulis clock genes. Herein, the effects of light/dark cycles, constant darkness, and daily temperature cycles on the circadian expression patterns of such genes are characterised. Clock genes Clk, Cry1, ROR/HR3, Per and Rev-erb/NR1D1, and Timeout-like, show significant mRNA expression variation, persisting in darkness indicating endogenous control. Rhythmic expression was apparent under diurnal temperature cycles in darkness for all except Rev-erb. Temperature cycles induced a significant expression difference in the non-circadian clock-associated gene aaNAT. Furthermore, Suppression Subtractive Hybridisation (SSH) was used to identify seasonal genes with potential links to molecular clock function and revealed numerous genes meriting further investigation. Understanding the relationship between environmental cues and molecular clocks is crucial in predicting the outcomes of environmental change on fundamental rhythmic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma C Chapman
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Brodie J Bonsor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R Parsons
- Department of Geography, Geology and Environment, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Jeanette M Rotchell
- Department of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom.
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15
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Haem Biology in Metazoan Parasites - 'The Bright Side of Haem'. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:213-225. [PMID: 30686614 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, host haem has been recognized as a cytotoxic molecule that parasites need to eliminate or detoxify in order to survive. However, recent evidence indicates that some lineages of parasites have lost genes that encode enzymes involved specifically in endogenous haem biosynthesis. Such lineages thus need to acquire and utilize haem originating from their host animal, making it an indispensable molecule for their survival and reproduction. In multicellular parasites, host haem needs to be systemically distributed throughout their bodies to meet the haem demands in all cell and tissue types. Host haem also gets deposited in parasite eggs, enabling embryogenesis and reproduction. Clearly, a better understanding of haem biology in multicellular parasites should elucidate organismal adaptations to obligatory blood-feeding.
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16
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Zhen C, Yang H, Luo S, Huang J, Wu J. Broad-complex Z3 contributes to the ecdysone-mediated transcriptional regulation of the vitellogenin gene in Bombus lantschouensis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207275. [PMID: 30440013 PMCID: PMC6237364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
During reproduction, vitellogenin (Vg), as an egg yolk precursor, is critical in sexually mature females of oviparous species including some insects. The transcription of Vg is usually mediated by hormones such as juvenile hormone (JH), ecdysteroids and some neuropeptides. In this study, the structure of the Vg gene from the bumblebee Bombus lantschouensis, (BlVg) was determined by sequencing and assembly. BlVg was found to be expressed at higher levels in reproductive queens than in virgins by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that BlVg was expressed at the highest levels in the fat bodies of both virgin and reproductive queens. Prediction of the BlVg promoter revealed the presence of ecdysteroid-responsive cis-regulatory elements (CREs) containing one Broad-Complex zinc-finger isoform 3 (BR-C Z3), and one ecdysone-induced protein 74A (E74A). In addition, luciferase reporter expression, driven by the 5' -regulatory region of the BlVg gene, from -1517 bp to +895 bp downstream of the start codon, was induced by treatment with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E). Moreover, the luciferase activity of the BlVg promoter was elevated by only BlBrC-Z3 when Sf9 cells were cotransfected with four BlBrC isoforms respectively. BlVg promoter-mediated luciferase activation was significantly reduced when the putative BrC-Z3 CRE in the promoter was mutated. In summary, this report describes the first study of vitellogenin gene regulation at the transcriptional level in bumblebees and demonstrates that the ecdysone-induced transcription of the BlVg gene is mediated by the binding of BlBrC-Z3 to the BrC-Z3 CRE in the BlVg promoter in bumblebees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congai Zhen
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Huipeng Yang
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shudong Luo
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- * E-mail: (JW); (JH)
| | - Jie Wu
- Key Laboratory for Insect-Pollinator Biology of the Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
- * E-mail: (JW); (JH)
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17
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Dong D, Zhang Y, Smykal V, Ling L, Raikhel AS. HR38, an ortholog of NR4A family nuclear receptors, mediates 20-hydroxyecdysone regulation of carbohydrate metabolism during mosquito reproduction. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 96. [PMID: 29526770 PMCID: PMC5959765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is the principal vector for many dangerous human viral diseases. Carbohydrate metabolism (CM) is essential for supplying the energy necessary for host seeking, blood digestion and rapid egg development of this vector insect. The steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and the ecdysone receptor (EcR) are important regulators of CM, coordinating it with female reproductive events. We report here that the NR4A nuclear receptor AHR38 plays a critical role in mediating these actions of 20E and EcR. AHR38 RNA interference (RNAi) depletion in female mosquitoes blocked the transcriptional activation of CM genes encoding phosphoglucomutase (PGM) and trehalose-6-phophate synthase (TPS); it caused an increase of glycogen accumulation and a decrease of the circulating sugar trehalose. This treatment also resulted in a dramatic reduction in fecundity. Considering that these phenotypes resulting from AHR38 RNAi depletion are similar to those of EcR RNAi, we investigated a possible connection between these transcription factors in CM regulation. EcR RNAi inhibits the AHR38 gene expression. Moreover, the 20E-induced EcR complex directly activates AHR38 by binding to the ecdysone response element (EcRE) in the upstream regulatory region of this gene. The present work has implicated AHR38 in the 20E-mediated control of CM and provided new insight into mechanisms of 20E regulation of metabolism during female mosquito reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dujuan Dong
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cells and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
| | - Vlastimil Smykal
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Lin Ling
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Alexander S Raikhel
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Institute for Integrative Genomic Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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18
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Tan YA, Zhao XD, Sun Y, Hao DJ, Zhao J, Jiang YP, Bai LX, Xiao LB. The nuclear hormone receptor E75A regulates vitellogenin gene (Al-Vg) expression in the mirid bug Apolygus lucorum. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:188-197. [PMID: 29193387 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Apolygus lucorum is the predominant pest of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) cotton in China. 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays a key role in the reproduction of this insect. To better understand the mechanism underlying 20E-regulated reproduction, the nuclear hormone receptor E75 isoform-A of Ap. lucorum (Al-E75A) was cloned and its expression analysed. A 2241-bp sequence of Al-E75A cDNA encoded an open reading frame of a polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 69.04 kDa. Al-E75A mRNA was detected in female adult stages of Ap. lucorum with peak expression in 7-day-old animals. Al-E75A was also expressed in several tissues, particularly in the fat body and ovary. A 3.2 kb Al-E75A mRNA was detected in all tissues by Northern blot. The fecundity and longevity were significantly decreased in female adults treated with Al-E75A small interfering RNA. The rates of egg incubation rates were considerably lower in the RNA interference-treated animals compared to the untreated controls. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the effects described above, vitellogenin (Al-Vg) was selected for further investigation. The expression pattern of Al-Vg was similar to that of Al-E75A and was up-regulated by 20E. After knockdown of Al-E75A, the expression profile of Al-Vg and the protein levels were down-regulated. These findings suggest that Al-E75A plays a crucial role in the regulation of Al-Vg expression in Ap. lucorum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y-A Tan
- College of Forestry, Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - X-D Zhao
- College of Forestry, Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Y Sun
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - D-J Hao
- College of Forestry, Co-Innovation Center for the Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - J Zhao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Y-P Jiang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - L-X Bai
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - L-B Xiao
- Institute of Plant Protection, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
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19
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Whiten SR, Eggleston H, Adelman ZN. Ironing out the Details: Exploring the Role of Iron and Heme in Blood-Sucking Arthropods. Front Physiol 2018; 8:1134. [PMID: 29387018 PMCID: PMC5776124 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme and iron are essential molecules for many physiological processes and yet have the ability to cause oxidative damage such as lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, and ultimately cell death if not controlled. Blood-sucking arthropods have evolved diverse methods to protect themselves against iron/heme-related damage, as the act of bloodfeeding itself is high risk, high reward process. Protective mechanisms in medically important arthropods include the midgut peritrophic matrix in mosquitoes, heme aggregation into the crystalline structure hemozoin in kissing bugs and hemosomes in ticks. Once heme and iron pass these protective mechanisms they are presumed to enter the midgut epithelial cells via membrane-bound transporters, though relatively few iron or heme transporters have been identified in bloodsucking arthropods. Upon iron entry into midgut epithelial cells, ferritin serves as the universal storage protein and transport for dietary iron in many organisms including arthropods. In addition to its role as a nutrient, heme is also an important signaling molecule in the midgut epithelial cells for many physiological processes including vitellogenesis. This review article will summarize recent advancements in heme/iron uptake, detoxification and exportation in bloodfeeding arthropods. While initial strides have been made at ironing out the role of dietary iron and heme in arthropods, much still remains to be discovered as these molecules may serve as novel targets for the control of many arthropod pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shavonn R Whiten
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Heather Eggleston
- Genetics Graduate Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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20
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Roy S, Saha TT, Zou Z, Raikhel AS. Regulatory Pathways Controlling Female Insect Reproduction. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2018; 63:489-511. [PMID: 29058980 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-ento-020117-043258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 276] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of vitellogenin and its uptake by maturing oocytes during egg maturation are essential for successful female reproduction. These events are regulated by the juvenile hormones and ecdysteroids and by the nutritional signaling pathway regulated by neuropeptides. Juvenile hormones act as gonadotropins, regulating vitellogenesis in most insects, but ecdysteroids control this process in Diptera and some Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. The complex crosstalk between the juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and nutritional signaling pathways differs distinctly depending on the reproductive strategies adopted by various insects. Molecular studies within the past decade have revealed much about the relationships among, and the role of, these pathways with respect to regulation of insect reproduction. Here, we review the role of juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and nutritional signaling, along with that of microRNAs, in regulating female insect reproduction at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Roy
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, and Center for Disease Vector Research, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA; , ,
| | - Tusar T Saha
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, and Center for Disease Vector Research, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA; , ,
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Alexander S Raikhel
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, and Center for Disease Vector Research, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA; , ,
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21
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Champion CJ, Xu J. The impact of metagenomic interplay on the mosquito redox homeostasis. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 105:79-85. [PMID: 27880869 PMCID: PMC5401789 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are exposed to oxidative challenges throughout their life cycle. The primary challenge comes from a blood meal. The blood digestion turns the midgut into an oxidative environment, which imposes pressure not only on mosquito fecundity and other physiological traits but also on the microbiota in the midgut. During evolution, mosquitoes have developed numerous oxidative defense mechanisms to maintain redox homeostasis in the midgut. In addition to antioxidants, SOD, catalase, and glutathione system, sufficient supply of the reducing agent, NADPH, is vital for a successful defense against oxidative stress. Increasing evidence indicates that in response to oxidative stress, cells reconfigure metabolic pathways to increase the generation of NADPH through NADP-reducing networks including the pentose phosphate pathway and others. The microbial homeostasis is critical for the functional contributions to various host phenotypes. The symbiotic microbiota is regulated largely by the Duox-ROS pathway in Drosophila. In mosquitoes, Duox-ROS pathway, heme-mediated signaling, antimicrobial peptide production and C-type lectins work in concert to maintain the dynamic microbial community in the midgut. Microbial mechanisms against oxidative stress in this context are not well understood. Emerging evidence that microbial metabolites trigger host oxidative response warrants further study on the metagenomic interplay in an oxidative environment like mosquito gut ecosystem. Besides the classical Drosophila model, hematophagous insects like mosquitoes provide an alternative model system to study redox homeostasis in a symbiotic metagenomic context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody J Champion
- Biology Department, New Mexico State University, PO BOX 30001, MSC 3AF, Las Cruces, NM 88003, United States
| | - Jiannong Xu
- Biology Department, New Mexico State University, PO BOX 30001, MSC 3AF, Las Cruces, NM 88003, United States.
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22
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Al-Wathiqui N, Dopman EB, Lewis SM. Postmating transcriptional changes in the female reproductive tract of the European corn borer moth. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 25:629-645. [PMID: 27329655 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mating triggers a cascade of physiological and behavioural responses in females that persist after copulation. In insects, seminal fluid proteins contained within male ejaculates are known to initiate some responses, but our understanding of how females mediate these reactions remains limited. Few studies have examined postmating transcriptional changes within ejaculate-receiving organs within females or how these changes might depend on the identity of the male. Furthermore, whereas males of many insects transfer packaged ejaculates, transcriptional dynamics have mainly been examined in dipterans, in which males transfer a free ejaculate. To identify genes that may be important in mediating female physiological responses in a spermatophore-producing species, we sequenced the transcriptomes of the ejaculate-receiving organs and examined postmating gene expression within and between pheromone strains of the European corn borer (ECB) moth, Ostrinia nubilalis. After within-strain mating, significant differential expression of 978 transcripts occurred in the female bursa or its associated bursal gland, including peptidases, transmembrane transporters, and hormone processing genes; such genes may potentially play a role in postmating male-female interactions. We also identified 14 transcripts from the bursal gland that were differentially expressed after females mated with cross-strain males, representing candidates for previously observed postmating reproductive isolation between ECB strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Al-Wathiqui
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - E B Dopman
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - S M Lewis
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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23
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Li K, Tian L, Guo Z, Guo S, Zhang J, Gu SH, Palli SR, Cao Y, Li S. 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) Primary Response Gene E75 Isoforms Mediate Steroidogenesis Autoregulation and Regulate Developmental Timing in Bombyx. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:18163-75. [PMID: 27365399 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.737072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The temporal control mechanisms that precisely control animal development remain largely elusive. The timing of major developmental transitions in insects, including molting and metamorphosis, is coordinated by the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). 20E involves feedback loops to maintain pulses of ecdysteroid biosynthesis leading to its upsurge, whereas the underpinning molecular mechanisms are not well understood. Using the silkworm Bombyx mori as a model, we demonstrated that E75, the 20E primary response gene, mediates a regulatory loop between ecdysteroid biosynthesis and 20E signaling. E75 isoforms A and C directly bind to retinoic acid receptor-related response elements in Halloween gene promoter regions to induce gene expression thus promoting ecdysteroid biosynthesis and developmental transition, whereas isoform B antagonizes the transcriptional activity of isoform A/C through physical interaction. As the expression of E75 isoforms is differentially induced by 20E, the E75-mediated regulatory loop represents a fine autoregulation of steroidogenesis, which contributes to the precise control of developmental timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Li
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Sciences and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China, the Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ling Tian
- the Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China, the Laboratory of Insect Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhongjian Guo
- the Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhengjiang 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sanyou Guo
- the Laboratory of Insect Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- the Research Institute of Applied Biology and College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Shi-Hong Gu
- the Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, 1 Kuan-Chien Road, Taichung 404, Taiwan, and
| | - Subba R Palli
- the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546
| | - Yang Cao
- the Laboratory of Insect Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Sheng Li
- From the Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Sciences and School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China, the Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China,
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Zheng W, Luo D, Wu F, Wang J, Zhang H. RNA sequencing to characterize transcriptional changes of sexual maturation and mating in the female oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:194. [PMID: 26946038 PMCID: PMC4779581 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2532-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Female reproductive potential plays a significant role in the survival and stability of species, and sexual maturation and mating processes are crucial. However, our knowledge of the reproductive genes involved in sexual maturation and mating has been largely limited to model organisms. The oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis is a highly invasive agricultural pest, known to cause major economic losses; thus, it is of great value to understand the transcriptional changes involved in sexual maturation and mating processes as well as the related genes. Here, we used a high-throughput sequencing method to identify multiple genes potentially involved in sexual maturation and mating in female B. dorsalis. RESULTS We sequenced 39,999 unique genes with an average length of 883 bp. In total, 3264 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected between mature virgin and immature Bactrocera dorsalis libraries, whereas only 83 DEGs were identified between flies that had mated or were mature virgins. These DEGs were functionally annotated using the GO and KEGG pathway annotation tools. Results showed that the main GO terms associated with the DEGs from the mature virgin vs. immature groups were primarily assigned to the metabolic and developmental processes, which we focused on, whereas those from the mated vs. mature virgin group largely belonged to the response to stimulus and immune system processes. Additionally, we identified multiple DEGs during sexual maturation that are involved in reproduction, and expression pattern analysis revealed that the majority DEGs detected were highly enriched in those linked to the ovaries or fat bodies. Several mating responsive genes differentially expressed after mating were also identified, and all antimicrobial peptides detected were highly enriched in fat body and significantly up-regulated approximately 2- to 10-fold at 24 h after mating. CONCLUSION This study supplied female reproductive genes involved in sexual maturation and the post-mating response in B. dorsalis, based on RNA-seq. Our data will facilitate molecular research related to reproduction and provide abundant target genes for effective control of this agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control and Institute of Urban and Horticultural Pests, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Deye Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control and Institute of Urban and Horticultural Pests, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fangyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control and Institute of Urban and Horticultural Pests, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jialu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control and Institute of Urban and Horticultural Pests, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Insect Resource Application and Sustainable Pest Control and Institute of Urban and Horticultural Pests, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
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Guo WC, Liu XP, Fu KY, Shi JF, Lü FG, Li GQ. Nuclear receptor ecdysone-induced protein 75 is required for larval-pupal metamorphosis in the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 25:44-57. [PMID: 26542892 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) are key regulators of insect development. In this study, three Leptinotarsa decemlineata Ecdysone-induced protein 75 (LdE75) cDNAs (LdE75A, B and C) were cloned from L. decemlineata. The three LdE75 isoforms were highly expressed just before or right after each moult. Within the fourth larval instar, they showed a small rise and a big peak 40 and 80 h after ecdysis. The expression peaks of the three LdE75s coincided with the peaks of circulating 20E levels. In vitro midgut culture and in vivo bioassay revealed that 20E and an ecdysteroid agonist halofenozide (Hal) enhanced LdE75 expression in the day 1 final larval instars. Conversely, a decrease in 20E by feeding a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) against an ecdysteroidogenesis gene, Shade (LdSHD), repressed the expression of LdE75. Moreover, Hal upregulated the expression of the three LdE75s in LdSHD-silenced larvae. Thus, 20E pulses activate the transcription of LdE75s. Furthermore, ingesting dsE75-1 and dsE75-2 from a common fragment of the three isoforms successfully knocked down these LdE75s, and caused developmental arrest. Finally, knocking down LdE75s significantly repressed the transcription of three ecdysteroidogenesis genes, lowered the 20E titre and affected the expression of two 20E-response genes. Silencing LdE75s also induced the expression of a JH biosynthesis gene, increased JH titre and activated the transcription of a JH early-inducible gene. Thus, Ld E75s are required for larval-pupal metamorphosis and act mainly by modulating 20E and JH titres and mediating their signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- W-C Guo
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Plant Protection, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Urumqi, China
| | - X-P Liu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - K-Y Fu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - J-F Shi
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - F-G Lü
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - G-Q Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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Heme Signaling Impacts Global Gene Expression, Immunity and Dengue Virus Infectivity in Aedes aegypti. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135985. [PMID: 26275150 PMCID: PMC4537099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood-feeding mosquitoes are exposed to high levels of heme, the product of hemoglobin degradation. Heme is a pro-oxidant that influences a variety of cellular processes. We performed a global analysis of heme-regulated Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) transcriptional changes to better understand influence on mosquito physiology at the molecular level. We observed an iron- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-independent signaling induced by heme that comprised genes related to redox metabolism. By modulating the abundance of these transcripts, heme possibly acts as a danger signaling molecule. Furthermore, heme triggered critical changes in the expression of energy metabolism and immune response genes, altering the susceptibility towards bacteria and dengue virus. These findings seem to have implications on the adaptation of mosquitoes to hematophagy and consequently on their ability to transmit diseases. Altogether, these results may also contribute to the understanding of heme cell biology in eukaryotic cells.
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Shaw WR, Attardo GM, Aksoy S, Catteruccia F. A comparative analysis of reproductive biology of insect vectors of human disease. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2015; 10:142-148. [PMID: 26140265 PMCID: PMC4484812 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Studying the reproductive strategies of insect species that transmit diseases to humans can identify new exploitable targets for the development of vector control methods. Here we describe shared characteristics and individual features of the reproductive biology of three major disease vectors: Anopheles gambiae, Aedes aegypti and Glossina morsitans. Current studies are identifying i) species-specific molecular cascades that determine female monandrous behavior, ii) core aspects of egg development that could be disrupted for controlling natural populations, and iii) the increasingly apparent role of resident microbiota in shaping reproductive success and disease transmission potential. The recent completion of multiple genome sequencing projects is allowing comparative genomics studies that not only increase our knowledge of reproductive processes but also facilitate the identification of novel targets for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Robert Shaw
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston MA 02115, United States of America
| | - Geoffrey M Attardo
- Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven CT 06520 United States of America
| | - Serap Aksoy
- Division of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven CT 06520 United States of America
| | - Flaminia Catteruccia
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Huntington Avenue, Boston MA 02115, United States of America ; Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia 06100, Italy
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28
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Bombyx E75 isoforms display stage- and tissue-specific responses to 20-hydroxyecdysone. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12114. [PMID: 26166384 PMCID: PMC4499807 DOI: 10.1038/srep12114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Resulted from alternative splicing of the 5′ exons, the nuclear receptor gene E75 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, processes three mRNA isoforms, BmE75A, BmE75B and BmE75C. From the early 5th larval instar to the prepupal stages, BmE75A mRNA and protein levels in the prothoracic glands display developmental profiles similar to ecdysteroid titer. In the fat body, mRNA levels but not protein levels of all three BmE75 isoforms correlate with ecdysteroid titer; moreover, proteins of all three BmE75 isoforms disappear at the prepupal stages, and a modified BmE75 protein with smaller molecular weight and cytoplasm localization occurs. At the early 5th larval instar stage, treatment of the prothoracic glands and fat body with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and/or cycloheximide (CHX) revealed that BmE75A is 20E primary-responsive at both mRNA and protein levels, while BmE75B and BmE75C exhibit various responses to 20E. At the early wandering stage, RNAi-mediated reduction of gene expression of the 20E nuclear receptor complex, EcR-USP, significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of all three BmE75 isoforms in both tissues. In conclusion, BmE75 isoforms display stage- and tissue-specific responses to 20E at both mRNA and protein levels; moreover, they are regulated by other unknown factors at the protein level.
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29
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Hou Y, Wang XL, Saha TT, Roy S, Zhao B, Raikhel AS, Zou Z. Temporal Coordination of Carbohydrate Metabolism during Mosquito Reproduction. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005309. [PMID: 26158648 PMCID: PMC4497655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematophagous mosquitoes serve as vectors of multiple devastating human diseases, and many unique physiological features contribute to the incredible evolutionary success of these insects. These functions place high-energy demands on a reproducing female mosquito, and carbohydrate metabolism (CM) must be synchronized with these needs. Functional analysis of metabolic gene profiling showed that major CM pathways, including glycolysis, glycogen and sugar metabolism, and citrate cycle, are dramatically repressed at post eclosion (PE) stage in mosquito fat body followed by a sharply increase at post-blood meal (PBM) stage, which were also verified by Real-time RT-PCR. Consistent to the change of transcript and protein level of CM genes, the level of glycogen, glucose and trehalose and other secondary metabolites are also periodically accumulated and degraded during the reproductive cycle respectively. Levels of triacylglycerols (TAG), which represent another important energy storage form in the mosquito fat body, followed a similar tendency. On the other hand, ATP, which is generated by catabolism of these secondary metabolites, showed an opposite trend. Additionally, we used RNA interference studies for the juvenile hormone and ecdysone receptors, Met and EcR, coupled with transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses to show that these hormone receptors function as major regulatory switches coordinating CM with the differing energy requirements of the female mosquito throughout its reproductive cycle. Our study demonstrates how, by metabolic reprogramming, a multicellular organism adapts to drastic and rapid functional changes. Mosquitoes transmit numerous devastating human diseases due to their obligatory hematophagy that is required for the efficient reproduction. Metabolism must be synchronized with high energetic needs of a female mosquito for host seeking, blood feeding and rapid egg development. Each reproductive cycle is divided into two phases that are sequentially governed by juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone. During the pre-blood meal phase, the JH receptor Methoprene-tolerant (Met) controls carbohydrate metabolism (CM) pathways and its RNA interference (RNAi) silencing caused up-regulation of CM enzymes at the transcript and protein levels activating glycolytic flux and depletion of storage and circulating sugars. During the second, post blood meal phase, CM was regulated by the ecdysone receptor EcR and its RNAi silencing had a dramatic effect opposite to that of Met RNAi. Thus, we show that Met and EcR function as regulatory switches coordinating carbohydrate metabolism with energetic requirements of the female mosquito reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tusar T. Saha
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Sourav Roy
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Alexander S. Raikhel
- Department of Entomology and Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ASR); (ZZ)
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail: (ASR); (ZZ)
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30
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Gentile C, Rivas GBDS, Lima JBP, Bruno RV, Peixoto AA. Circadian clock of Aedes aegypti: effects of blood-feeding, insemination and RNA interference. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2014; 108 Suppl 1:80-7. [PMID: 24473806 PMCID: PMC4109183 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276130471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the culprits of some of the most important vector borne diseases. A
species’ potential as a vector is directly dependent on their pattern of behaviour,
which is known to change according to the female’s physiological status such as
whether the female is virgin/mated and unfed/blood-fed. However, the molecular
mechanism triggered by and/or responsible for such modulations in behaviour is poorly
understood. Clock genes are known to be responsible for the control of circadian
behaviour in several species. Here we investigate the impact mating and blood-feeding
have upon the expression of these genes in the mosquito Aedes
aegypti . We show that blood intake, but not insemination, is responsible
for the down-regulation of clock genes. Using RNA interference, we observe a slight
reduction in the evening activity peak in the fourth day after dstim
injection. These data suggest that, as in Drosophila , clock gene
expression, circadian behaviour and environmental light regimens are interconnected
in Ae. aegypti .
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gentile
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular
| | | | - José B P Lima
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Brasil, Rio de JaneiroRJ, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
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31
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Yang C, Lin Y, Liu H, Shen G, Luo J, Zhang H, Peng Z, Chen E, Xing R, Han C, Xia Q. The Broad Complex isoform 2 (BrC-Z2) transcriptional factor plays a critical role in vitellogenin transcription in the silkworm Bombyx mori. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:2674-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Rus F, Flatt T, Tong M, Aggarwal K, Okuda K, Kleino A, Yates E, Tatar M, Silverman N. Ecdysone triggered PGRP-LC expression controls Drosophila innate immunity. EMBO J 2013; 32:1626-38. [PMID: 23652443 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2013.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout the animal kingdom, steroid hormones have been implicated in the defense against microbial infection, but how these systemic signals control immunity is unclear. Here, we show that the steroid hormone ecdysone controls the expression of the pattern recognition receptor PGRP-LC in Drosophila, thereby tightly regulating innate immune recognition and defense against bacterial infection. We identify a group of steroid-regulated transcription factors as well as two GATA transcription factors that act as repressors and activators of the immune response and are required for the proper hormonal control of PGRP-LC expression. Together, our results demonstrate that Drosophila use complex mechanisms to modulate innate immune responses, and identify a transcriptional hierarchy that integrates steroid signalling and immunity in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentina Rus
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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Juvenile hormone and its receptor, methoprene-tolerant, control the dynamics of mosquito gene expression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E2173-81. [PMID: 23633570 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1305293110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Juvenile hormone III (JH) plays a key role in regulating the reproduction of female mosquitoes. Microarray time-course analysis revealed dynamic changes in gene expression during posteclosion (PE) development in the fat body of female Aedes aegypti. Hierarchical clustering identified three major gene clusters: 1,843 early-PE (EPE) genes maximally expressed at 6 h PE, 457 mid-PE (MPE) genes at 24 h PE, and 1,815 late-PE (LPE) genes at 66 h PE. The RNAi microarray screen for the JH receptor Methoprene-tolerant (Met) showed that 27% of EPE and 40% of MPE genes were up-regulated whereas 36% of LPE genes were down-regulated in the absence of this receptor. Met repression of EPE and MPE and activation of LPE genes were validated by an in vitro fat-body culture experiment using Met RNAi. Sequence motif analysis revealed the consensus for a 9-mer Met-binding motif, CACG(C)/TG(A)/G(T)/AG. Met-binding motif variants were overrepresented within the first 300 bases of the promoters of Met RNAi-down-regulated (LPE) genes but not in Met RNAi-up-regulated (EPE) genes. EMSAs using a combination of mutational and anti-Met antibody supershift analyses confirmed the binding properties of the Met consensus motif variants. There was a striking temporal separation of expression profiles among major functional gene groups, with carbohydrate, lipid, and xenobiotics metabolism belonging to the EPE and MPE clusters and transcription and translation to the LPE cluster. This study represents a significant advancement in the understanding of the regulation of gene expression by JH and its receptor Met during female mosquito reproduction.
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Mane-Padros D, Cruz J, Cheng A, Raikhel AS. A critical role of the nuclear receptor HR3 in regulation of gonadotrophic cycles of the mosquito Aedes aegypti. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45019. [PMID: 23049766 PMCID: PMC3458863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor HR3 is essential for developmental switches during insect development and metamorphosis regulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Reproduction of female mosquitoes of the major vector of Dengue fever, Aedes aegypti, is cyclic because of its dependence on blood feeding. 20E is an important hormone regulating vitellogenic events in this mosquito; however, any role for HR3 in 20E-driven reproductive events has not been known. Using RNA interference (RNAi) approach, we demonstrated that Aedes HR3 plays a critical role in a timely termination of expression of the vitellogenin (Vg) gene encoding the major yolk protein precursor. It is also important for downregulation of the Target-of-Rapamycin pathway and activation of programmed autophagy in the Aedes fat body at the end of vitellogenesis. HR3 is critical in activating betaFTZ-F1, EcRB and USPA, the expressions of which are highly elevated at the end of vitellogenesis. RNAi depletion of HR3 (iHR3) prior to the first gonadotrophic cycle affects a normal progression of the second gonadotrophic cycle. Most of ovaries 24 h post second blood meal from iHR3 females in the second cycle were small with follicles that were only slightly different in length from of those of resting stage. In addition, these iHR3 females laid a significantly reduced number of eggs per mosquito as compared to those of iMal and the wild type. Our results indicate an important role of HR3 in regulation of 20E-regulated developmental switches during reproductive cycles of A. aegypti females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mane-Padros
- Department of Entomology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Josefa Cruz
- Department of Entomology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Cheng
- Department of Entomology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Alexander S. Raikhel
- Department of Entomology and Institute of Integrative Genome Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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