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Guo H, Liu W, Zhao X, Zhao Y, Liu X, Moussian B, Zhao Z, Zhang J. Silencing fatty acyl-CoA reductase with dsRNA damaged the lipid-based cuticle barrier in Locusta migratoria. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2025; 210:106365. [PMID: 40262881 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2025] [Revised: 02/22/2025] [Accepted: 03/02/2025] [Indexed: 04/24/2025]
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) prevent massive water loss and are therefore essential for insect survival in scorching and dry environments. Locusta migratoria, a widespread agricultural pest, is exposed to elevated temperatures in its natural habitat. To understand the molecular mechanisms in L. migratoria against desiccation, we identified and characterized a fatty acyl-CoA reductase gene (LmFAR). LmFAR was highly expressed in the integument and fat body. Moreover, we found that LmFAR protein was localized in oenocytes. After suppressing LmFAR, over 90 % locusts died with a reduction of body water content. The procuticle structure of dsLmFAR treated insects was loose and cuticle barrier was disrupted, suggesting that FAR products are important to incorporate into the chitin matrix. dsLmFAR treated locusts showed increased sensitivity to desiccation conditions, xenobiotics and insecticides penetration was facilitated. CHC quantification by GC-MS analysis and in situ lipid detection by Bodipy both indicated that knockdown of LmFAR resulted in a decrease in total cuticle lipid amounts. In conclusion, LmFAR contributes to normal CHC amounts and cuticle integrity in locusts, thereby contributing to their adaptation to water variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides; Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China; School of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Weimin Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides; Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China.
| | - Xiaoming Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides; Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Yiyan Zhao
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030032, China; Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Xiaojian Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides; Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Université Côte d'Azur, INRAE, CNRS, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, 06903 Sophia Antipolis, Cedex, France
| | - Zhangwu Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides; Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Jianzhen Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides; Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China.
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2
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Huang K, Miao T, Dantas E, Han M, Hu Y, Wang K, Sanford J, Goncalves M, Perrimon N. Lipid metabolism of hepatocyte-like cells supports intestinal tumor growth by promoting tracheogenesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.04.04.647255. [PMID: 40236168 PMCID: PMC11996582 DOI: 10.1101/2025.04.04.647255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2025]
Abstract
Tumors require metabolic adaptations to support their rapid growth, but how they influence lipid metabolism in distant tissues remains poorly understood. Here, we uncover a novel mechanism by which gut tumors in adult flies reprogram lipid metabolism in distal hepatocyte-like cells, known as oenocytes, to promote tracheal development and tumor growth. We show that tumors secrete a PDGF/VEGF-like factor, Pvf1, that activates the TORC1-Hnf4 signaling pathway in oenocytes. This activation enhances the production of specific lipids, including very long-chain fatty acids and wax esters, that are required for tracheal growth surrounding the gut tumor. Importantly, reducing expression in oenocytes of either the transcription factor Hnf4 , or the elongase mElo that generates very long chain fatty acid suppresses tumor growth, tracheogenesis, and associated organ wasting/cachexia-like phenotypes, while extending lifespan. We further demonstrate that this regulatory pathway is conserved in mammals, as VEGF-A stimulates lipid metabolism gene expression in human hepatocytes, and lung tumor-bearing mice show increased hepatic expression of Hnf4 and the lipid elongation gene Elovl7 . Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized tumor-host interaction where tumors non-autonomously reprogram distal lipid metabolism to support their growth. This study not only identifies a novel non-autonomous role of the TORC1-Hnf4 axis in lipid-mediated tumor progression but also highlights potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer-associated metabolic disorders.
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3
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Cui YL, Guo JS, Zhang CX, Yu XP, Li DT. Silencing NlFAR7 destroyed the pore canals and related structures of the brown planthopper. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 33:350-361. [PMID: 38430546 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/04/2024]
Abstract
Fatty acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) is one of the key enzymes, which catalyses the conversion of fatty acyl-CoA to the corresponding alcohols. Among the FAR family members in the brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), NlFAR7 plays a pivotal role in both the synthesis of cuticular hydrocarbons and the waterproofing of the cuticle. However, the precise mechanism by which NlFAR7 influences the formation of the cuticle structure in N. lugens remains unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the impact of NlFAR7 through RNA interference, transmission electron microscope, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) and lipidomics analysis. FIB-SEM is employed to reconstruct the three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the pore canals and related cuticle structures in N. lugens subjected to dsNlFAR7 and dsGFP treatments, enabling a comprehensive assessment of changes in the cuticle structures. The results reveal a reduction in the thickness of the cuticle and disruptions in the spiral structure of pore canals, accompanied by widened base and middle diameters. Furthermore, the lipidomics comparison analysis between dsNlFAR7- and dsGFP-treated N. lugens demonstrated that there were 25 metabolites involved in cuticular lipid layer synthesis, including 7 triacylglycerols (TGs), 5 phosphatidylcholines (PCs), 3 phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs) and 2 diacylglycerols (DGs) decreased, and 4 triacylglycerols (TGs) and 4 PEs increased. In conclusion, silencing NlFAR7 disrupts the synthesis of overall lipids and destroys the cuticular pore canals and related structures, thereby disrupting the secretion of cuticular lipids, thus affecting the cuticular waterproofing of N. lugens. These findings give significant attention with reference to further biochemical researches on the substrate specificity of FAR protein, and the molecular regulation mechanisms during N. lugens life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Cui
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Shen Guo
- Center of Cryo-Electron Microscopy, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Yu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan-Ting Li
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Biometrology and Inspection and Quarantine, College of Life Science, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou, China
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4
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Li J, Fu N, Ge S, Ren L, Luo Y. Physiological Measurements and Transcriptomics Reveal the Fitness Costs of Monochamus saltuarius to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4906. [PMID: 38732123 PMCID: PMC11084816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The pine wood nematode (PWN) uses several Monochamus species as vehicles, through a temporary hitchhiking process known as phoresy, enabling it to access new host plant resources. Monochamus saltuarius acts as a new and major vector of the PWN in Northeastern China, showing lower PWN carrying capacity and a shorter transmission cycle compared to established vectors. The apparently altered symbiotic relationship offers an interesting area for researching the costs and adaptions involved in nematode-beetle, a specialized phoresy. We analyzed the response and fitness costs of M. saltuarius through physiological measurements and transcriptomics. The PWN exerted adverse repercussions on the growth and development of M. saltuarius. The PWN accelerated larval development into pupae, while beetle adults carrying the PWN exhibited an elevated abnormality rate and mortality, and reduced starvation resistance. During the pupal stage, the expression of growth-related genes, including ecdysone-inducible genes (E74EA), cuticle proteins, and chitin genes (CHTs), markedly increased. Meanwhile, the induced immune response, mainly by the IMD and Toll signaling pathways, could be a contributing factor to adult abnormality and mortality. Adult gonads and trachea exhibited enrichment in pathways related to fatty acid elongation, biosynthesis, and metabolism. FASN, ELOVL, and SCD possibly contributed to resistance against PWN. Our research indicated that phoretic interactions between vector beetles and PWN vary throughout the vector's lifespan, particularly before and after entry into the trachea. This study highlighted the fitness costs of immunity and metabolism on the vector beetle, indicating the adaptation mechanisms and evolutionary trade-offs to PWN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxing Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (J.L.); (S.G.)
| | - Ningning Fu
- Department of Forest Protection, College of Forestry, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071033, China;
| | - Sixun Ge
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (J.L.); (S.G.)
| | - Lili Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (J.L.); (S.G.)
| | - Youqing Luo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Forest Pest Control, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China; (J.L.); (S.G.)
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Tsarouhas V, Liu D, Tsikala G, Engström Y, Strigini M, Samakovlis C. A surfactant lipid layer of endosomal membranes facilitates airway gas filling in Drosophila. Curr Biol 2023; 33:5132-5146.e5. [PMID: 37992718 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the construction of an air-liquid interface in respiratory organs remain elusive. Here, we use live imaging and genetic analysis to describe the morphogenetic events generating an extracellular lipid lining of the Drosophila airways required for their gas filing and animal survival. We show that sequential Rab39/Syx1A/Syt1-mediated secretion of lysosomal acid sphingomyelinase (Drosophila ASM [dASM]) and Rab11/35/Syx1A/Rop-dependent exosomal secretion provides distinct components for lipid film assembly. Tracheal inactivation of Rab11 or Rab35 or loss of Rop results in intracellular accumulation of exosomal, multi-vesicular body (MVB)-derived vesicles. On the other hand, loss of dASM or Rab39 causes luminal bubble-like accumulations of exosomal membranes and liquid retention in the airways. Inactivation of the exosomal secretion in dASM mutants counteracts this phenotype, arguing that the exosomal secretion provides the lipid vesicles and that secreted lysosomal dASM organizes them into a continuous film. Our results reveal the coordinated functions of extracellular vesicle and lysosomal secretions in generating a lipid layer crucial for airway gas filling and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios Tsarouhas
- Stockholm University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Science for Life Laboratory, SciLifeLab, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Dan Liu
- Stockholm University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Georgia Tsikala
- Stockholm University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; IMBB, 70013 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ylva Engström
- Stockholm University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Christos Samakovlis
- Stockholm University, Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Science for Life Laboratory, SciLifeLab, 171 65 Stockholm, Sweden; ECCPS, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, 35390 Giessen, Germany.
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6
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Rathore S, Stahl A, Benoit JB, Buschbeck EK. Exploring the molecular makeup of support cells in insect camera eyes. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:702. [PMID: 37993800 PMCID: PMC10664524 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09804-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals typically have either compound eyes, or camera-type eyes, both of which have evolved repeatedly in the animal kingdom. Both eye types include two important kinds of cells: photoreceptor cells, which can be excited by light, and non-neuronal support cells (SupCs), which provide essential support to photoreceptors. At the molecular level deeply conserved genes that relate to the differentiation of photoreceptor cells have fueled a discussion on whether or not a shared evolutionary origin might be considered for this cell type. In contrast, only a handful of studies, primarily on the compound eyes of Drosophila melanogaster, have demonstrated molecular similarities in SupCs. D. melanogaster SupCs (Semper cells and primary pigment cells) are specialized eye glia that share several molecular similarities with certain vertebrate eye glia, including Müller glia. This led us to question if there could be conserved molecular signatures of SupCs, even in functionally different eyes such as the image-forming larval camera eyes of the sunburst diving beetle Thermonectus marmoratus. To investigate this possibility, we used an in-depth comparative whole-tissue transcriptomics approach. Specifically, we dissected the larval principal camera eyes into SupC- and retina-containing regions and generated the respective transcriptomes. Our analysis revealed several common features of SupCs including enrichment of genes that are important for glial function (e.g. gap junction proteins such as innexin 3), glycogen production (glycogenin), and energy metabolism (glutamine synthetase 1 and 2). To evaluate similarities, we compared our transcriptomes with those of fly (Semper cells) and vertebrate (Müller glia) eye glia as well as respective retinas. T. marmoratus SupCs were found to have distinct genetic overlap with both fly and vertebrate eye glia. These results suggest that T. marmoratus SupCs are a form of glia, and like photoreceptors, may be deeply conserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubham Rathore
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Section on Light and Circadian Rhythms (SLCR), National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Aaron Stahl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Elke K Buschbeck
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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7
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Rathore S, Stahl A, Benoit JB, Buschbeck EK. Exploring the molecular makeup of support cells in insect camera eyes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.19.549729. [PMID: 37503285 PMCID: PMC10370194 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.19.549729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Animals generally have either compound eyes, which have evolved repeatedly in different invertebrates, or camera eyes, which have evolved many times across the animal kingdom. Both eye types include two important kinds of cells: photoreceptor cells, which can be excited by light, and non-neuronal support cells (SupCs), which provide essential support to photoreceptors. Despite many examples of convergence in eye evolution, similarities in the gross developmental plan and molecular signatures have been discovered, even between phylogenetically distant and functionally different eye types. For this reason, a shared evolutionary origin has been considered for photoreceptors. In contrast, only a handful of studies, primarily on the compound eyes of Drosophila melanogaster , have demonstrated molecular similarities in SupCs. D. melanogaster SupCs (Semper cells and primary pigment cells) are specialized eye glia that share several molecular similarities with certain vertebrate eye glia, including Müller glia. This led us to speculate whether there are conserved molecular signatures of SupCs, even in functionally different eyes such as the image-forming larval camera eyes of the sunburst diving beetle Thermonectus marmoratus . To investigate this possibility, we used an in-depth comparative whole-tissue transcriptomics approach. Specifically, we dissected the larval principal camera eyes into SupC- and retina-containing regions and generated the respective transcriptomes. Our analysis revealed several conserved features of SupCs including enrichment of genes that are important for glial function (e.g. gap junction proteins such as innexin 3), glycogen production (glycogenin), and energy metabolism (glutamine synthetase 1 and 2). To evaluate the extent of conservation, we compared our transcriptomes with those of fly (Semper cells) and vertebrate (Müller glia) eye glia as well as respective retinas. T. marmoratus SupCs were found to have distinct genetic overlap with both fly and vertebrate eye glia. These results provide molecular evidence for the deep conservation of SupCs in addition to photoreceptor cells, raising essential questions about the evolutionary origin of eye-specific glia in animals.
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8
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Zhang B, Li F, Qu C, Duan H, Fu Y, Luo C. A novel domain-duplicated SlitFAR3 gene involved in sex pheromone biosynthesis in Spodoptera litura. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:611-624. [PMID: 36302113 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acyl reductases (FARs) are key enzymes that participate in sex pheromone biosynthesis by reducing fatty acids to fatty alcohols. Lepidoptera typically harbor numerous FAR gene family members. Although FAR genes are involved in the biosynthesis of sex pheromones in moths, the key FAR gene of Spodoptera litura remains unclear. In this work, we predicted 30 FAR genes from the S. litura genome and identified a domain duplication within gene SlitFAR3, which exhibited high and preferential expression in the sexually mature female pheromone glands (PGs) and a rhythmic expression pattern during the scotophase of sex pheromone production. The molecular docking of SlitFAR3, as predicted using a 3D model, revealed a co-factor NADPH binding cavity and 2 substrate binding cavities. Functional expression in yeast cells combined with comprehensive gas chromatography indicated that the SlitFAR3 gene could produce fatty alcohol products. This study is the first to focus on the special phenomenon of FAR domain duplication, which will advance our understanding of biosynthesis-related genes from the perspective of evolutionary biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fengqi Li
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Qu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxia Duan
- Innovation Center of Pesticide Research, Department of Applied Chemistry, College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuejun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Institute of Biotechnology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Institute of Plant Protection, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Lee MH, Hu G, Rio RVM. Symbiosis preservation: Putative regulation of fatty acyl-CoA reductase by miR-31a within the symbiont harboring bacteriome through tsetse evolution. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1151319. [PMID: 37113220 PMCID: PMC10126493 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1151319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tsetse flies are the sole vectors of African trypanosomes. In addition to trypanosomes, tsetse harbor obligate Wigglesworthia glossinidia bacteria that are essential to tsetse biology. The absence of Wigglesworthia results in fly sterility, thus offering promise for population control strategies. Here, microRNA (miRNAs) and mRNA expression are characterized and compared between the exclusive Wigglesworthia-containing bacteriome and adjacent aposymbiotic tissue in females of two evolutionarily distant tsetse species (Glossina brevipalpis and G. morsitans). A total of 193 miRNAs were expressed in either species, with 188 of these expressed in both species, 166 of these were novel to Glossinidae, and 41 miRNAs exhibited comparable expression levels between species. Within bacteriomes, 83 homologous mRNAs demonstrated differential expression between G. morsitans aposymbiotic and bacteriome tissues, with 21 of these having conserved interspecific expression. A large proportion of these differentially expressed genes are involved in amino acid metabolism and transport, symbolizing the essential nutritional role of the symbiosis. Further bioinformatic analyses identified a sole conserved miRNA::mRNA interaction (miR-31a::fatty acyl-CoA reductase) within bacteriomes likely catalyzing the reduction of fatty acids to alcohols which comprise components of esters and lipids involved in structural maintenance. The Glossina fatty acyl-CoA reductase gene family is characterized here through phylogenetic analyses to further understand its evolutionary diversification and the functional roles of members. Further research to characterize the nature of the miR-31a::fatty acyl-CoA reductase interaction may find novel contributions to the symbiosis to be exploited for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason H. Lee
- Department of Biology, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Gangqing Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cell Biology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Rita V. M. Rio
- Department of Biology, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
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Dong W, Flaven-Pouchon J, Gao YH, Song CY, El Wakil A, Zhang JZ, Moussian B. Chitinase 6 is required for procuticle thickening and organ shape in Drosophila wing. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:268-278. [PMID: 36114809 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The polysaccharide chitin is a major scaffolding molecule in the insect cuticle. In order to be functional, both chitin amounts and chitin organization have been shown to be important parameters. Despite great advances in the past decade, the molecular mechanisms of chitin synthesis and organization are not fully understood. Here, we have characterized the function of the Chitinase 6 (Cht6) in the formation of the wing, which is a simple flat cuticle organ, in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Reduction of Cht6 function by RNA interference during wing development does not affect chitin organization, but entails a thinner cuticle suggesting reduced chitin amounts. This phenotype is opposed to the one reported recently to be caused by reduction of Cht10 expression. Probably as a consequence, cuticle permeability to xenobiotics is enhanced in Cht6-less wings. We also observed massive deformation of these wings. In addition, the shape of the abdomen is markedly changed upon abdominal suppression of Cht6. Finally, we found that suppression of Cht6 transcript levels influences the expression of genes coding for enzymes of the chitin biosynthesis pathway. This finding indicates that wing epidermal cells respond to activity changes of Cht6 probably trying to adjust chitin amounts. Together, in a working model, we propose that Cht6-introduced modifications of chitin are needed for chitin synthesis to proceed correctly. Cuticle thickness, according to our hypothesis, is in turn required for correct organ or body part shape. The molecular mechanisms of this processes shall be characterized in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Dong
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | | | - Ying-Hao Gao
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Chen-Yang Song
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Abeer El Wakil
- Faculty of Education, Department of Biological and Geological Sciences, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
- Interfaculty Institute of Cell Biology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- INRAE, CNRS, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut Sophia Agrobiotech, Sophia Antipolis, France
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11
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Moreyra NN, Almeida FC, Allan C, Frankel N, Matzkin LM, Hasson E. Phylogenomics provides insights into the evolution of cactophily and host plant shifts in Drosophila. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2023; 178:107653. [PMID: 36404461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2022.107653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cactophilic species of the Drosophila buzzatii cluster (repleta group) comprise an excellent model group to investigate genomic changes underlying adaptation to extreme climate conditions and host plants. In particular, these species form a tractable system to study the transition from chemically simpler breeding sites (like prickly pears of the genus Opuntia) to chemically more complex hosts (columnar cacti). Here, we report four highly contiguous genome assemblies of three species of the buzzatii cluster. Based on this genomic data and inferred phylogenetic relationships, we identified candidate taxonomically restricted genes (TRGs) likely involved in the evolution of cactophily and cactus host specialization. Functional enrichment analyses of TRGs within the buzzatii cluster identified genes involved in detoxification, water preservation, immune system response, anatomical structure development, and morphogenesis. In contrast, processes that regulate responses to stress, as well as the metabolism of nitrogen compounds, transport, and secretion were found in the set of species that are columnar cacti dwellers. These findings are in line with the hypothesis that those genomic changes brought about key mechanisms underlying the adaptation of the buzzatii cluster species to arid regions in South America.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Nahuel Moreyra
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (EGE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina.
| | - Francisca Cunha Almeida
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (EGE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina.
| | - Carson Allan
- Department of Entomology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA.
| | - Nicolás Frankel
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (EGE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina.
| | | | - Esteban Hasson
- Departamento de Ecología, Genética y Evolución (EGE), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEyN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina; Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires (IEGEBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina.
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12
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Fan X, Zhang W. Genome-wide identification of FAR gene family and functional analysis of NlFAR10 during embryogenesis in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 223:798-811. [PMID: 36375673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) catalyze the synthesis of fatty alcohols from corresponding fatty acid precursors in organisms. However, the function of FARs in insect fecundity and embryogenesis remains largely unclear. Here, a total of 22 putative FAR proteins were identified in the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a hemipteran insect pest of rice, and most of them were highly expressed in embryonic stages. Among them, NlFAR10 was specifically and highly expressed in the later embryogenesis, but was promiscuously expressed in tissues of adults. The heterologously expressed NlFAR10 was able to produce the intermediate fatty acid alcohols from the corresponding acyl-CoA precursors. When NlFAR10 was silenced through RNAi in vivo, the embryogenesis was obviously inhibited, resulting in low hatching rates. Moreover, the metabolome analyses indicated that loss of NlFAR10 affected lipid metabolism and purine metabolism during embryogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a FAR member affecting insect embryogenesis, thus providing a new target for future pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China; Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, No. 1 Beichen WestRoad, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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13
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Fatty acyl-CoA reductase influences wax biosynthesis in the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1108. [PMID: 36261606 PMCID: PMC9582030 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03956-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mealybugs are highly aggressive to a diversity of plants. The waxy layer covering the outermost part of the integument is an important protective defense of these pests. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying wax biosynthesis in mealybugs remain largely unknown. Here, we analyzed multi-omics data on wax biosynthesis by the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, and found that a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (PsFAR) gene, which was highly expressed in the fat bodies of female mealybugs, contributed to wax biosynthesis by regulating the production of the dominant chemical components of wax, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs). RNA interference (RNAi) against PsFAR by dsRNA microinjection and allowing mealybugs to feed on transgenic tobacco expressing target dsRNA resulted in a reduction of CHC contents in the waxy layer, and an increase in mealybug mortality under desiccation and deltamethrin treatments. In conclusion, PsFAR plays crucial roles in the wax biosynthesis of mealybugs, thereby contributing to their adaptation to water loss and insecticide stress. The role of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (PsFAR) in wax biosynthesis of cotton mealybug is investigated, RNAi against PsFAR resulted in insects with lower generation of waxy filaments and higher mortality under desiccation and deltamethrin treatments.
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14
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Lepeta K, Roubinet C, Bauer M, Vigano MA, Aguilar G, Kanca O, Ochoa-Espinosa A, Bieli D, Cabernard C, Caussinus E, Affolter M. Engineered kinases as a tool for phosphorylation of selected targets in vivo. J Cell Biol 2022; 221:213463. [PMID: 36102907 PMCID: PMC9477969 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202106179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversible protein phosphorylation by kinases controls a plethora of processes essential for the proper development and homeostasis of multicellular organisms. One main obstacle in studying the role of a defined kinase–substrate interaction is that kinases form complex signaling networks and most often phosphorylate multiple substrates involved in various cellular processes. In recent years, several new approaches have been developed to control the activity of a given kinase. However, most of them fail to regulate a single protein target, likely hiding the effect of a unique kinase–substrate interaction by pleiotropic effects. To overcome this limitation, we have created protein binder-based engineered kinases that permit a direct, robust, and tissue-specific phosphorylation of fluorescent fusion proteins in vivo. We show the detailed characterization of two engineered kinases based on Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and Src. Expression of synthetic kinases in the developing fly embryo resulted in phosphorylation of their respective GFP-fusion targets, providing for the first time a means to direct the phosphorylation to a chosen and tagged target in vivo. We presume that after careful optimization, the novel approach we describe here can be adapted to other kinases and targets in various eukaryotic genetic systems to regulate specific downstream effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chantal Roubinet
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, London, UK 2
| | - Milena Bauer
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland 1
| | | | | | - Oguz Kanca
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 3
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15
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Feng M, Swevers L, Sun J. Hemocyte Clusters Defined by scRNA-Seq in Bombyx mori: In Silico Analysis of Predicted Marker Genes and Implications for Potential Functional Roles. Front Immunol 2022; 13:852702. [PMID: 35281044 PMCID: PMC8914287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.852702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the hemolymph, insect hemocytes constitute a heterogeneous population of macrophage-like cells that play important roles in innate immunity, homeostasis and development. Classification of hemocytes in different subtypes by size, morphology and biochemical or immunological markers has been difficult and only in Drosophila extensive genetic analysis allowed the construction of a coherent picture of hemocyte differentiation from pro-hemocytes to granulocytes, crystal cells and plasmatocytes. However, the advent of high-throughput single cell technologies, such as single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), is bound to have a high impact on the study of hemocytes subtypes and their phenotypes in other insects for which a sophisticated genetic toolbox is not available. Instead of averaging gene expression across all cells as occurs in bulk-RNA-seq, scRNA-seq allows high-throughput and specific visualization of the differentiation status of individual cells. With scRNA-seq, interesting cell types can be identified in heterogeneous populations and direct analysis of rare cell types is possible. Next to its ability to profile the transcriptomes of individual cells in tissue samples, scRNA-seq can be used to propose marker genes that are characteristic of different hemocyte subtypes and predict their functions. In this perspective, the identities of the different marker genes that were identified by scRNA-seq analysis to define 13 distinct cell clusters of hemocytes in larvae of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, are discussed in detail. The analysis confirms the broad division of hemocytes in granulocytes, plasmatocytes, oenocytoids and perhaps spherulocytes but also reveals considerable complexity at the molecular level and highly specialized functions. In addition, predicted hemocyte marker genes in Bombyx generally show only limited convergence with the genes that are considered characteristic for hemocyte subtypes in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Luc Swevers
- Insect Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences & Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Aghia Paraskevi, Athens, Greece
| | - Jingchen Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
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16
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Pei XJ, Bai TT, Zhang ZF, Chen N, Li S, Fan YL, Liu TX. Two putative fatty acid synthetic genes of BgFas3 and BgElo1 are responsible for respiratory waterproofing in Blattella germanica. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:33-50. [PMID: 33543834 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Water retention is critical for physiological homeostasis and survival in terrestrial insects. While deposition of hydrocarbons on insect cuticles as a key measure for water conservation has been extensively investigated, we know little about other mechanisms for preventing water loss in insects. Here, we report two fatty acid synthetic genes that are independent of hydrocarbon production but crucial for water retention in the German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.). First, an integument enriched fatty acid elongase gene (BgElo1) was identified as a critical gene for desiccation resistance in B. germanica; however, knockdown of BgElo1 surprisingly failed to cause a decline in cuticular lipids. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi)-knockdown of an upstream fatty acid synthase gene (BgFas3) showed a similar phenotype, and transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that BgFas3- or BgElo1-RNAi did not affect cuticle architecture. Bodyweight loss test showed that repression of BgFas3 and BgElo1 significantly increased the weight loss rate, but the difference disappeared when the respiration was closed by freeze killing the cockroaches. A water immersion test was performed, and we found that BgFas3- and BgElo1-RNAi made it difficult for cockroaches to recover from drowning, which was supported by the upregulation of hypoxia-related genes after a 10-h recovery from drowning. Moreover, a dyeing assay with water-soluble Eosin Y showed that this was caused by the entry of water into the respiratory system. Our research suggests that BgFas3 and BgElo1 are required for both inward and outward waterproofing of the respiratory system. This study benefits the understanding of water retention mechanisms in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jin Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tian-Tian Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Zhan-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology and Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology and Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Yong-Liang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas and Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in Northwestern Loess Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
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17
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Improving Polysaccharide-Based Chitin/Chitosan-Aerogel Materials by Learning from Genetics and Molecular Biology. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15031041. [PMID: 35160985 PMCID: PMC8839503 DOI: 10.3390/ma15031041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Improved wound healing of burnt skin and skin lesions, as well as medical implants and replacement products, requires the support of synthetical matrices. Yet, producing synthetic biocompatible matrices that exhibit specialized flexibility, stability, and biodegradability is challenging. Synthetic chitin/chitosan matrices may provide the desired advantages for producing specialized grafts but must be modified to improve their properties. Synthetic chitin/chitosan hydrogel and aerogel techniques provide the advantages for improvement with a bioinspired view adapted from the natural molecular toolbox. To this end, animal genetics provide deep knowledge into which molecular key factors decisively influence the properties of natural chitin matrices. The genetically identified proteins and enzymes control chitin matrix assembly, architecture, and degradation. Combining synthetic chitin matrices with critical biological factors may point to the future direction with engineering materials of specific properties for biomedical applications such as burned skin or skin blistering and extensive lesions due to genetic diseases.
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18
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Yan B, Yu X, Dai R, Li Z, Yang M. Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhler, 1896) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae). Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:evab236. [PMID: 34677607 PMCID: PMC8598198 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The green rice leafhopper, Nephotettix cincticeps (Uhler), is an important rice pest and a vector of the rice dwarf virus in Asia. Here, we produced a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of 753.23 Mb using PacBio (∼110×) and Hi-C data (∼94×). It contained 163 scaffolds and 950 contigs, whose scaffold/contig N50 lengths reached 85.36/2.57 Mb. And 731.19 Mb (97.07%) of the assembly was anchored into eight pseudochromosomes. Genome completeness was attained to 97.0% according to the insect reference Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) gene set (n = 1,367). We masked 347.10 Mb (46.08%) of the genome as repetitive elements. Nine hundred sixty-two noncoding RNAs were identified and 14,337 protein-coding genes were predicted. We also assigned GO term and KEGG pathway annotations for 10,049 and 9,251 genes, respectively. Significantly expanded gene families were primarily involved in immunity, cuticle, digestion, detoxification, and embryonic development. This study provided a crucial genomic resource for better understanding on the biology and evolution in family Cicadellidae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yan
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaofei Yu
- College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Renhuai Dai
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zizhong Li
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Maofa Yang
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- College of Tobacco Science, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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19
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Blasio M, Balzano S. Fatty Acids Derivatives From Eukaryotic Microalgae, Pathways and Potential Applications. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:718933. [PMID: 34659147 PMCID: PMC8511707 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.718933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The exploitation of petrochemical hydrocarbons is compromising ecosystem and human health and biotechnological research is increasingly focusing on sustainable materials from plants and, to a lesser extent, microalgae. Fatty acid derivatives include, among others, oxylipins, hydroxy fatty acids, diols, alkenones, and wax esters. They can occur as storage lipids or cell wall components and possess, in some cases, striking cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical properties. In addition, long chain (>20) fatty acid derivatives mostly contain highly reduced methylenic carbons and exhibit a combustion enthalpy higher than that of C14 - 20 fatty acids, being potentially suitable as biofuel candidates. Finally, being the building blocks of cell wall components, some fatty acid derivatives might also be used as starters for the industrial synthesis of different polymers. Within this context, microalgae can be a promising source of fatty acid derivatives and, in contrast with terrestrial plants, do not require arable land neither clean water for their growth. Microalgal mass culturing for the extraction and the exploitation of fatty acid derivatives, along with products that are relevant in nutraceutics (e.g., polyunsaturated fatty acids), might contribute in increasing the viability of microalgal biotechnologies. This review explores fatty acids derivatives from microalgae with applications in the field of renewable energies, biomaterials and pharmaceuticals. Nannochloropsis spp. (Eustigmatophyceae, Heterokontophyta) are particularly interesting for biotechnological applications since they grow at faster rates than many other species and possess hydroxy fatty acids and aliphatic cell wall polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Blasio
- Department of Marine Biotechnologies, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli (SZN), Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Balzano
- Department of Marine Biotechnologies, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli (SZN), Naples, Italy
- Department of Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Den Burg (Texel), Netherlands
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20
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Ahmad S, Jamil M, Fahim M, Zhang S, Ullah F, Lyu B, Luo Y. RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Imaginal Disc Growth Factors (IDGFs) Genes Causes Developmental Malformation and Mortality in Melon Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Front Genet 2021; 12:691382. [PMID: 34290744 PMCID: PMC8287652 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691382] [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: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study reports the first successful use of oral feeding dsRNA technique for functional characterization of imaginal disc growth factors (IDGFs) genes (IDGF1, IDGF3_1, IDGF4_0, IDGF4_1, and IDGF6) in melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Phylogenetic and domain analysis indicates that these genes had high similarity with other Tephritidae fruit flies homolog and contain only one conserved domain among these five genes, which is glyco-18 domain (glyco-hydro-18 domain). Gene expression analysis at different developmental stages revealed that these genes were expressed at larval, pupal, and adult stages. To understand their role in different developmental stages, larvae were fed dsRNA-corresponding to each of the five IDGFs, in an artificial diet. RNAi-mediated knockdown of IDGF1 shows no phenotypic effects but caused mortality (10.4%), while IDGF4_0 caused malformed pharate at the adult stage where insects failed to shed their old cuticle and remained attached with their body, highest mortality (49.2%) was recorded compared to dsRNA-green fluorescent protein (GFP) or DEPC. Silencing of IDGF3_1 and IDGF4_1 cause lethal phenotype in larvae, (17.2%) and (40%) mortality was indexed in Z. cucurbitae. IDGF6 was mainly expressed in pupae and adult stages, and its silencing caused a malformation in adult wings. The developmental defects such as malformation in wings, larval–larval lethality, pupal–adult malformation, and small body size show that IDGFs are key developmental genes in the melon fly. Our results provide a baseline for the melon fly management and understanding of IDGFs specific functions in Z. cucurbitae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakil Ahmad
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Momana Jamil
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Muhammad Fahim
- Centre for Omic Sciences, Islamia College University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Shujing Zhang
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Farman Ullah
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoqian Lyu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, China
| | - Yanping Luo
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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21
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Holze H, Schrader L, Buellesbach J. Advances in deciphering the genetic basis of insect cuticular hydrocarbon biosynthesis and variation. Heredity (Edinb) 2021; 126:219-234. [PMID: 33139902 PMCID: PMC8027674 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-020-00380-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) have two fundamental functions in insects. They protect terrestrial insects against desiccation and serve as signaling molecules in a wide variety of chemical communication systems. It has been hypothesized that these pivotal dual traits for adaptation to both desiccation and signaling have contributed to the considerable evolutionary success of insects. CHCs have been extensively studied concerning their variation, behavioral impact, physiological properties, and chemical compositions. However, our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of CHC biosynthesis has remained limited and mostly biased towards one particular model organism (Drosophila). This rather narrow focus has hampered the establishment of a comprehensive view of CHC genetics across wider phylogenetic boundaries. This review attempts to integrate new insights and recent knowledge gained in the genetics of CHC biosynthesis, which is just beginning to incorporate work on more insect taxa beyond Drosophila. It is intended to provide a stepping stone towards a wider and more general understanding of the genetic mechanisms that gave rise to the astonishing diversity of CHC compounds across different insect taxa. Further research in this field is encouraged to aim at better discriminating conserved versus taxon-specific genetic elements underlying CHC variation. This will be instrumental in greatly expanding our knowledge of the origins and variation of genes governing the biosynthesis of these crucial phenotypic traits that have greatly impacted insect behavior, physiology, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Holze
- Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Lukas Schrader
- Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jan Buellesbach
- Molecular Evolution and Sociobiology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Hüfferstr. 1, DE-48149, Münster, Germany.
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California-Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall #3114, Berkeley, CA, 94720-3114, USA.
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22
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Behr M, Riedel D. Glycosylhydrolase genes control respiratory tubes sizes and airway stability. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13377. [PMID: 32770153 PMCID: PMC7414880 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70185-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tight barriers are crucial for animals. Insect respiratory cells establish barriers through their extracellular matrices. These chitinous-matrices must be soft and flexible to provide ventilation, but also tight enough to allow oxygen flow and protection against dehydration, infections, and environmental stresses. However, genes that control soft, flexible chitin-matrices are poorly known. We investigated the genes of the chitinolytic glycosylhydrolase-family 18 in the tracheal system of Drosophila melanogaster. Our findings show that five chitinases and three chitinase-like genes organize the tracheal chitin-cuticles. Most of the chitinases degrade chitin from airway lumina to enable oxygen delivery. They further improve chitin-cuticles to enhance tube stability and integrity against stresses. Unexpectedly, some chitinases also support chitin assembly to expand the tube lumen properly. Moreover, Chitinase2 plays a decisive role in the chitin-cuticle formation that establishes taenidial folds to support tube stability. Chitinase2 is apically enriched on the surface of tracheal cells, where it controls the chitin-matrix architecture independently of other known cuticular proteins or chitinases. We suppose that the principle mechanisms of chitin-cuticle assembly and degradation require a set of critical glycosylhydrolases for flexible and not-flexible cuticles. The same glycosylhydrolases support thick laminar cuticle formation and are evolutionarily conserved among arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Behr
- Institute for Biology, Leipzig University, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 55, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Dietmar Riedel
- Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Electron Microscopy Group, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
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23
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Papakyrikos AM, Kim MJ, Wang X. Drosophila PTPMT1 Has a Function in Tracheal Air Filling. iScience 2020; 23:101285. [PMID: 32629421 PMCID: PMC7334580 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The fly trachea is the equivalent of the mammalian lung and is a useful model for human respiratory diseases. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying tracheal air filling during larval development. In this study, we discover that PTPMT1 has a function in tracheal air filling. PTPMT1 is a widely conserved, ubiquitously expressed mitochondrial phosphatase. To reveal PTPMT1's functions in genetically tractable invertebrates and whether those functions are tissue specific, we generate a Drosophila model of PTPMT1 depletion. We find that fly PTPMT1 mutants show impairments in tracheal air filling and subsequent activation of innate immune responses. On a cellular level, these defects are preceded by aggregation of mitochondria within the tracheal epithelial cells. Our work demonstrates a cell-type-specific role for PTPMT1 in fly tracheal epithelial cells to support air filling and to prevent immune activation. The establishment of this model will facilitate exploration of PTPMT1's physiological functions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Papakyrikos
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Graduate Program in Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Min Joo Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xinnan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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24
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Li DT, Dai YT, Chen X, Wang XQ, Li ZD, Moussian B, Zhang CX. Ten fatty acyl-CoA reductase family genes were essential for the survival of the destructive rice pest, Nilaparvata lugens. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:2304-2315. [PMID: 31994314 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fatty alcohols are the precursors of sex pheromone components, wax esters and hydrocarbons in insects. Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) are important enzymes required for the reduction of fatty alcohol and thereby contribute to the production of cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC). RESULTS Based on bioinformatics analyses we identified 17 FAR genes in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. RNA interference against these genes demonstrated that ten NlFAR genes were essential for the survival of N. lugens. For instance, knockdown of NlFAR5, 6, 11 or 15 was lethal and caused a slender body shape, while the old cuticles of the respective animals remained attached to the abdomen or failed to split open from the nota. Knockdown of NlFAR9 resulted in a phenotype, with a smooth body surface and a decrease in CHC amounts. Similarly, CHC deficiency in N. lugens resulted in increased adhesion of water droplets and secreted honeydew to the insect surface and the inability of N. lugens to survive in paddy fields with varying humidity. Knockdown of NlFAR1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11 and 13 additionally resulted in female adult infertility. CONCLUSION The present study illustrates the structural and functional differences of FAR family genes and provides potential targets for RNA interference-based rice planthopper management. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yi-Ting Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Qiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Dong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bernard Moussian
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, Institute of Biology Valrose (iBV), Parc Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of MOA of China and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
- Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Zhao Y, Li Z, Gu X, Su Y, Liu L. Imaginal Disc Growth Factor 6 (Idgf6) Is Involved in Larval and Adult Wing Development in Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Front Genet 2020; 11:451. [PMID: 32435262 PMCID: PMC7218075 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In insects, imaginal disk growth factors (IDGFs), an important component of the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family of chitinases, have been reported to be associated with the maintenance of the cuticle and molting. However, there is little knowledge of their function. In this study, imaginal disk growth factor 6 (Idgf6), which is an Idgf, was first identified and cloned from the guava fruit fly Bactrocera correcta (Bezzi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), one of the most serious pest insects in South China and surrounding Southeast Asian countries. This gene encodes IDGF6 protein with a conserved domain similar to ChiA chitinases, the glycoside hydrolase 18 (GH18) family of chitinases, according to NCBI BLAST. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all Idgf6s were highly conserved among similar species. Subsequent temporal expression profiling revealed that Idgf6 was highly expressed in both the late-pupal and mid-adult stages, suggesting that this gene plays a predominant role in pupal and adult development. Furthermore, RNA interference experiments against Idgf6 in B. correcta, which led to the specific decrease in Idgf6 expression, resulted in larval death as well as adult wing malformation. The direct effects of Idgf6 silencing on B. correcta indicated its important role in development, and Idgf6 might be further exploited as a novel insecticide target in the context of pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyue Gu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Su
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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26
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Brückner A, Parker J. Molecular evolution of gland cell types and chemical interactions in animals. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/Suppl_1/jeb211938. [PMID: 32034048 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.211938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Across the Metazoa, the emergence of new ecological interactions has been enabled by the repeated evolution of exocrine glands. Specialized glands have arisen recurrently and with great frequency, even in single genera or species, transforming how animals interact with their environment through trophic resource exploitation, pheromonal communication, chemical defense and parental care. The widespread convergent evolution of animal glands implies that exocrine secretory cells are a hotspot of metazoan cell type innovation. Each evolutionary origin of a novel gland involves a process of 'gland cell type assembly': the stitching together of unique biosynthesis pathways; coordinated changes in secretory systems to enable efficient chemical release; and transcriptional deployment of these machineries into cells constituting the gland. This molecular evolutionary process influences what types of compound a given species is capable of secreting, and, consequently, the kinds of ecological interactions that species can display. Here, we discuss what is known about the evolutionary assembly of gland cell types and propose a framework for how it may happen. We posit the existence of 'terminal selector' transcription factors that program gland function via regulatory recruitment of biosynthetic enzymes and secretory proteins. We suggest ancestral enzymes are initially co-opted into the novel gland, fostering pleiotropic conflict that drives enzyme duplication. This process has yielded the observed pattern of modular, gland-specific biosynthesis pathways optimized for manufacturing specific secretions. We anticipate that single-cell technologies and gene editing methods applicable in diverse species will transform the study of animal chemical interactions, revealing how gland cell types are assembled and functionally configured at a molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Brückner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Joseph Parker
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E. California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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27
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Finet C, Slavik K, Pu J, Carroll SB, Chung H. Birth-and-Death Evolution of the Fatty Acyl-CoA Reductase (FAR) Gene Family and Diversification of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Synthesis in Drosophila. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:1541-1551. [PMID: 31076758 PMCID: PMC6546124 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The birth-and-death evolutionary model proposes that some members of a multigene family are phylogenetically stable and persist as a single copy over time, whereas other members are phylogenetically unstable and undergo frequent duplication and loss. Functional studies suggest that stable genes are likely to encode essential functions, whereas rapidly evolving genes reflect phenotypic differences in traits that diverge rapidly among species. One such class of rapidly diverging traits are insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), which play dual roles in chemical communications as short-range recognition pheromones as well as protecting the insect from desiccation. Insect CHCs diverge rapidly between related species leading to ecological adaptation and/or reproductive isolation. Because the CHC and essential fatty acid biosynthetic pathways share common genes, we hypothesized that genes involved in the synthesis of CHCs would be evolutionary unstable, whereas those involved in fatty acid-associated essential functions would be evolutionary stable. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the evolutionary history of the fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) gene family that encodes enzymes in CHC synthesis. We compiled a unique data set of 200 FAR proteins across 12 Drosophila species. We uncovered a broad diversity in FAR content which is generated by gene duplications, subsequent gene losses, and alternative splicing. We also show that FARs expressed in oenocytes and presumably involved in CHC synthesis are more unstable than FARs from other tissues. Taken together, our study provides empirical evidence that a comparative approach investigating the birth-and-death evolution of gene families can identify candidate genes involved in rapidly diverging traits between species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Finet
- Université de Lyon, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, France
| | - Kailey Slavik
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison.,PhD Program in Virology, Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jian Pu
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University
| | - Sean B Carroll
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison.,Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
| | - Henry Chung
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University.,Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Behavior, Michigan State University
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Quan H, Arsala D, Lynch JA. Transcriptomic and functional analysis of the oosome, a unique form of germ plasm in the wasp Nasonia vitripennis. BMC Biol 2019; 17:78. [PMID: 31601213 PMCID: PMC6785909 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-019-0696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oosome is the germline determinant in the wasp Nasonia vitripennis and is homologous to the polar granules of Drosophila. Despite a common evolutionary origin and developmental role, the oosome is morphologically quite distinct from polar granules. It is a solid sphere that migrates within the cytoplasm before budding out and forming pole cells. RESULTS To gain an understanding of both the molecular basis of oosome development and the conserved essential features of germ plasm, we quantified and compared transcript levels between embryo fragments that contained the oosome and those that did not. The identity of the differentially localized transcripts indicated that Nasonia uses a distinct set of molecules to carry out conserved germ plasm functions. In addition, functional testing of a sample of localized transcripts revealed potentially novel mechanisms of ribonucleoprotein assembly and pole cell cellularization in the wasp. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that the composition of germ plasm varies significantly within Holometabola, as very few mRNAs share localization to the oosome and polar granules. Some of this variability appears to be related to the unique properties of the oosome relative to the polar granules in Drosophila, and some may be related to differences in pole formation between species. This work will serve as the basis for further investigation into the patterns of germline determinant evolution among insects, the molecular basis of the unique properties of the oosome, and the incorporation of novel components into developmental networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghu Quan
- Department of Pathology and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105 USA
| | - Deanna Arsala
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
| | - Jeremy A. Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
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29
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Tsurumi A, Xue S, Zhang L, Li J, Li WX. Genome-wide Kdm4 histone demethylase transcriptional regulation in Drosophila. Mol Genet Genomics 2019; 294:1107-1121. [PMID: 31020413 PMCID: PMC6813854 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-019-01561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The histone lysine demethylase 4 (Kdm4/Jmjd2/Jhdm3) family is highly conserved across species and reverses di- and tri-methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) and lysine 36 (H3K36) at the N-terminal tail of the core histone H3 in various metazoan species including Drosophila, C.elegans, zebrafish, mice and humans. Previous studies have shown that the Kdm4 family plays a wide variety of important biological roles in different species, including development, oncogenesis and longevity by regulating transcription, DNA damage response and apoptosis. Only two functional Kdm4 family members have been identified in Drosophila, compared to five in mammals, thus providing a simple model system. Drosophila Kdm4 loss-of-function mutants do not survive past the early 2nd instar larvae stage and display a molting defect phenotype associated with deregulated ecdysone hormone receptor signaling. To further characterize and identify additional targets of Kdm4, we employed a genome-wide approach to investigate transcriptome alterations in Kdm4 mutants versus wild-type during early development. We found evidence of increased deregulated transcripts, presumably associated with a progressive accumulation of H3K9 and H3K36 methylation through development. Gene ontology analyses found significant enrichment of terms related to the ecdysteroid hormone signaling pathway important in development, as expected, and additionally previously unidentified potential targets that warrant further investigation. Since Kdm4 is highly conserved across species, our results may be applicable more widely to other organisms and our genome-wide dataset may serve as a useful resource for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Tsurumi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 50 Blossom St., Their 340, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave. Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Shriners Hospitals for Children-Boston®, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| | - Shuang Xue
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jinghong Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Willis X Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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30
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Wisidagama DR, Thomas SM, Lam G, Thummel CS. Functional analysis of Aarf domain-containing kinase 1 in Drosophila melanogaster. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:762-770. [PMID: 31175694 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ADCK proteins are predicted mitochondrial kinases. Most studies of these proteins have focused on the Abc1/Coq8 subfamily, which contributes to Coenzyme Q biosynthesis. In contrast, little is known about ADCK1 despite its evolutionary conservation in yeast, Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans and mammals. RESULTS We show that Drosophila ADCK1 mutants die as second instar larvae with double mouth hooks and tracheal breaks. Tissue-specific genetic rescue and RNAi studies show that ADCK1 is necessary and sufficient in the trachea for larval viability. In addition, tracheal-rescued ADCK1 mutant adults have reduced lifespan, are developmentally delayed, have reduced body size, and normal levels of basic metabolites. CONCLUSION The larval lethality and double mouth hooks seen in ADCK1 mutants are often associated with reduced levels of the steroid hormone ecdysone, suggesting that this gene could contribute to controlling ecdysone levels or bioavailability. Similarly, the tracheal defects in these animals could arise from defects in intracellular lipid trafficking. These studies of ADCK1 provide a new context to define the physiological functions of this poorly understood member of the ADCK family of predicted mitochondrial proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dona R Wisidagama
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Stefan M Thomas
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Geanette Lam
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Carl S Thummel
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah
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31
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Li DT, Chen X, Wang XQ, Zhang CX. FAR gene enables the brown planthopper to walk and jump on water in paddy field. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2019; 62:1521-1531. [PMID: 30810963 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-018-9462-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Many insects can live on water and survive being caught in the rain. Current research has shown that insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) confer desiccation resistance to maintain water balance. In this study, we identified a fatty acyl-CoA reductase gene (NlFAR) of the rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens that is essential for the production of CHCs, and found that NlFAR is essential for N. lugens to walk and jump on water when moving from one rice plant to another in paddy fields. NlFAR was mainly expressed in the integument at the beginning of each molt. Cuticular surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy and characterization of CHC extracts indicated that N. lugens with knockdown of NlFAR using RNA inference (RNAi) had a neater epicuticle layer and a significant decrease in CHC contents. Knockdown of NlFAR did not influence the desiccation resistance of N. lugens, but the dsNlFAR-treated insects were easily adhered and moistened by water droplets or their own secreted honeydew and unable to walk or jump on water. These results suggested that NlFAR is a crucial enzyme for CHC biosynthesis and cuticle waterproofing, but not for water retention of N. lugens, which may provide a potential strategy for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Ting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xin-Qiu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology and Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Institute of Insect Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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32
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Tupec M, Buček A, Janoušek V, Vogel H, Prchalová D, Kindl J, Pavlíčková T, Wenzelová P, Jahn U, Valterová I, Pichová I. Expansion of the fatty acyl reductase gene family shaped pheromone communication in Hymenoptera. eLife 2019; 8:e39231. [PMID: 30714899 PMCID: PMC6361591 DOI: 10.7554/elife.39231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty acyl reductases (FARs) are involved in the biosynthesis of fatty alcohols that serve a range of biological roles. Insects typically harbor numerous FAR gene family members. While some FARs are involved in pheromone biosynthesis, the biological significance of the large number of FARs in insect genomes remains unclear. Using bumble bee (Bombini) FAR expression analysis and functional characterization, hymenopteran FAR gene tree reconstruction, and inspection of transposable elements (TEs) in the genomic environment of FARs, we uncovered a massive expansion of the FAR gene family in Hymenoptera, presumably facilitated by TEs. The expansion occurred in the common ancestor of bumble bees and stingless bees (Meliponini). We found that bumble bee FARs from the expanded FAR-A ortholog group contribute to the species-specific pheromone composition. Our results indicate that expansion and functional diversification of the FAR gene family played a key role in the evolution of pheromone communication in Hymenoptera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Tupec
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Aleš Buček
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate UniversityOkinawaJapan
| | - Václav Janoušek
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of EntomologyMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Darina Prchalová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jiří Kindl
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Tereza Pavlíčková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Petra Wenzelová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Ullrich Jahn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Irena Valterová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Iva Pichová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
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Drees L, Königsmann T, Jaspers MHJ, Pflanz R, Riedel D, Schuh R. Conserved function of the matriptase-prostasin proteolytic cascade during epithelial morphogenesis. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1007882. [PMID: 30601807 PMCID: PMC6331135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and remodelling is critical during development and organ morphogenesis. Dysregulation of ECM is implicated in many pathogenic conditions, including cancer. The type II transmembrane serine protease matriptase and the serine protease prostasin are key factors in a proteolytic cascade that regulates epithelial ECM differentiation during development in vertebrates. Here, we show by rescue experiments that the Drosophila proteases Notopleural (Np) and Tracheal-prostasin (Tpr) are functional homologues of matriptase and prostasin, respectively. Np mediates morphogenesis and remodelling of apical ECM during tracheal system development and is essential for maintenance of the transepithelial barrier function. Both Np and Tpr degrade the zona pellucida-domain (ZP-domain) protein Dumpy, a component of the transient tracheal apical ECM. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Tpr zymogen and the ZP domain of the ECM protein Piopio are cleaved by Np and matriptase in vitro. Our data indicate that the evolutionarily conserved ZP domain, present in many ECM proteins of vertebrates and invertebrates, is a novel target of the conserved matriptase-prostasin proteolytic cascade. Epithelial tissue covers the outside of the animal body and lines internal organs. Its disorganization is the source of approximately 90% of all human cancers. Elaboration of the basic epithelial characteristics has led to an understanding of how complex structures such as the branched tubular networks of vertebrate lung or invertebrate tracheal system are organized. Aside from obvious morphological differences, specific compositions of the epithelial extracellular matrix (ECM) have been noted. For example, while the flexible ECM of the vertebrate skin mainly consists of collagen and elastic fibers, the rigid ECM of invertebrates is chitin-based to serve as an inflexible exoskeleton. We show that a central regulator of ECM differentiation and epithelial development in vertebrates, the matriptase-prostasin proteolytic cascade (MPPC), is conserved and essential for both Drosophila ECM morphogenesis and physiology. The functionally conserved components of the MPPC mediate cleavage of zona pellucida-domain (ZP-domain) proteins, which play crucial roles in organizing apical structures of the ECM in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Our data indicate that ZP-proteins are molecular targets of the conserved MPPC and that cleavage within the ZP-domains is a conserved mechanism of ECM development and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Drees
- Research Group Molecular Organogenesis, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Tatiana Königsmann
- Research Group Molecular Organogenesis, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin H. J. Jaspers
- Research Group Molecular Organogenesis, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Pflanz
- Research Group Mass Spectrometry, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dietmar Riedel
- Electron Microscopy Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Reinhard Schuh
- Research Group Molecular Organogenesis, Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Itakura Y, Inagaki S, Wada H, Hayashi S. Trynity controls epidermal barrier function and respiratory tube maturation in Drosophila by modulating apical extracellular matrix nano-patterning. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209058. [PMID: 30576352 PMCID: PMC6303098 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The outer surface of insects is covered by the cuticle, which is derived from the apical extracellular matrix (aECM). The aECM is secreted by epidermal cells during embryogenesis. The aECM exhibits large variations in structure, function, and constituent molecules, reflecting the enormous diversity in insect appearances. To investigate the molecular principles of aECM organization and function, here we studied the role of a conserved aECM protein, the ZP domain protein Trynity, in Drosophila melanogaster. We first identified trynity as an essential gene for epidermal barrier function. trynity mutation caused disintegration of the outermost envelope layer of the cuticle, resulting in small-molecule leakage and in growth and molting defects. In addition, the tracheal tubules of trynity mutants showed defects in pore-like structures of the cuticle, and the mutant tracheal cells failed to absorb luminal proteins and liquid. Our findings indicated that trynity plays essential roles in organizing nano-level structures in the envelope layer of the cuticle that both restrict molecular trafficking through the epidermis and promote the massive absorption pulse in the trachea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Itakura
- Laboratory for Morphogenetic Signaling, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Sachi Inagaki
- Biosignal Research Center, Kobe University, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Housei Wada
- Laboratory for Morphogenetic Signaling, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Hayashi
- Laboratory for Morphogenetic Signaling, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- Department of Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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35
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Development and Function of the Drosophila Tracheal System. Genetics 2018; 209:367-380. [PMID: 29844090 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The tracheal system of insects is a network of epithelial tubules that functions as a respiratory organ to supply oxygen to various target organs. Target-derived signaling inputs regulate stereotyped modes of cell specification, branching morphogenesis, and collective cell migration in the embryonic stage. In the postembryonic stages, the same set of signaling pathways controls highly plastic regulation of size increase and pattern elaboration during larval stages, and cell proliferation and reprograming during metamorphosis. Tracheal tube morphogenesis is also regulated by physicochemical interaction of the cell and apical extracellular matrix to regulate optimal geometry suitable for air flow. The trachea system senses both the external oxygen level and the metabolic activity of internal organs, and helps organismal adaptation to changes in environmental oxygen level. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the high plasticity of tracheal development and physiology uncovered through research on Drosophila are discussed.
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Tupec M, Buček A, Valterová I, Pichová I. Biotechnological potential of insect fatty acid-modifying enzymes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 72:387-403. [PMID: 28742527 DOI: 10.1515/znc-2017-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
There are more than one million described insect species. This species richness is reflected in the diversity of insect metabolic processes. In particular, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, such as defensive compounds and chemical signals, encompasses an extraordinarily wide range of chemicals that are generally unparalleled among natural products from other organisms. Insect genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes thus offer a valuable resource for discovery of novel enzymes with potential for biotechnological applications. Here, we focus on fatty acid (FA) metabolism-related enzymes, notably the fatty acyl desaturases and fatty acyl reductases involved in the biosynthesis of FA-derived pheromones. Research on insect pheromone-biosynthetic enzymes, which exhibit diverse enzymatic properties, has the potential to broaden the understanding of enzyme specificity determinants and contribute to engineering of enzymes with desired properties for biotechnological production of FA derivatives. Additionally, the application of such pheromone-biosynthetic enzymes represents an environmentally friendly and economic alternative to the chemical synthesis of pheromones that are used in insect pest management strategies.
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Hu YH, Chen XM, Yang P, Ding WF. Characterization and functional assay of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase gene in the scale insect, Ericerus pela Chavannes (Hemiptera: Coccoidae). ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 97:e21445. [PMID: 29277917 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Ericerus pela Chavannes (Hemiptera: Coccoidae) is an economically important scale insect because the second instar males secrete a harvestable wax-like substance. In this study, we report the molecular cloning of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase gene (EpFAR) of E. pela. We predicted a 520-aa protein with the FAR family features from the deduced amino acid sequence. The EpFAR mRNA was expressed in five tested tissues, testis, alimentary canal, fat body, Malpighian tubules, and mostly in cuticle. The EpFAR protein was localized by immunofluorescence only in the wax glands and testis. EpFAR expression in High Five insect cells documented the recombinant EpFAR reduced 26-0:(S) CoA and to its corresponding alcohol. The data illuminate the molecular mechanism for fatty alcohol biosynthesis in a beneficial insect, E. pela.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Hong Hu
- College of Forest Resources and Environment, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
- College of Forest, Henan Science and Technology University, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Chen
- Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
| | - Pu Yang
- Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
| | - Wei-Feng Ding
- Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming, China
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38
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Rosa JB, Metzstein MM, Ghabrial AS. An Ichor-dependent apical extracellular matrix regulates seamless tube shape and integrity. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007146. [PMID: 29309404 PMCID: PMC5774827 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
During sprouting angiogenesis in the vertebrate vascular system, and primary branching in the Drosophila tracheal system, specialized tip cells direct branch outgrowth and network formation. When tip cells lumenize, they form subcellular (seamless) tubes. How these seamless tubes are made, shaped and maintained remains poorly understood. Here we characterize a Drosophila mutant called ichor (ich), and show that ich is essential for the integrity and shape of seamless tubes in tracheal terminal cells. We find that Ich regulates seamless tubulogenesis via its role in promoting the formation of a mature apical extracellular matrix (aECM) lining the lumen of the seamless tubes. We determined that ich encodes a zinc finger protein (CG11966) that acts, as a transcriptional activator required for the expression of multiple aECM factors, including a novel membrane-anchored trypsin protease (CG8213). Thus, the integrity and shape of seamless tubes are regulated by the aECM that lines their lumens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey B. Rosa
- Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Mark M. Metzstein
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Amin S. Ghabrial
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
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39
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Calderón-Fernández GM, Moriconi DE, Dulbecco AB, Juárez MP. Transcriptome Analysis of the Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Integument. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:1531-1542. [PMID: 29029205 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjx151] [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] [Received: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The insect integument, formed by the cuticle and the underlying epidermis, is essential for insect fitness, regulation of lipid biosynthesis and storage, insect growth and feeding, together with development progress. Its participation in insecticide resistance has also been outlined. Triatoma infestans Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is one of the major vectors of Chagas disease in South America; however, genomic data are scarce. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the nymph integument in order to identify which genes are expressed and their putative role. Using the 454 GS-FLX sequencing platform, we obtained approximately 144,620 reads from the integument tissue. These reads were assembled into 6,495 isotigs and 8,504 singletons. Based on BLAST similarity searches, about 8,000 transcripts were annotated with known genes, conserved domains, and/or Gene Ontology terms.The most abundant transcripts corresponded to transcription factors and nucleic acid metabolism, membrane receptors, cell signaling, and proteins related to cytoskeleton, transport, and cell energy processes, among others. More than 10% of the transcripts-encoded proteins putatively involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and related components (fatty acid synthases, elongases, desaturases, fatty alcohol reductases), structural integument proteins, and the insecticide detoxification system (among them, cytochrome P450s, esterases, and glutathione transferases). Real-time qPCR assays were used to investigate their putative participation in the resistance mechanism. This preliminary study is the first transcriptome analysis of a triatomine integument, and together with prior biochemical information, will help further understandthe role of the integument in a wide array of mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo M Calderón-Fernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (CONICET-UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Débora E Moriconi
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (CONICET-UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Andrea B Dulbecco
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (CONICET-UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, La Plata, Argentina
| | - M Patricia Juárez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (CONICET-UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, La Plata, Argentina
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Vallejos Baier R, Picao-Osorio J, Alonso CR. Molecular Regulation of Alternative Polyadenylation (APA) within the Drosophila Nervous System. J Mol Biol 2017; 429:3290-3300. [PMID: 28366829 PMCID: PMC5656104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2017.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread gene regulatory mechanism that generates mRNAs with different 3'-ends, allowing them to interact with different sets of RNA regulators such as microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins. Recent studies have shown that during development, neural tissues produce mRNAs with particularly long 3'UTRs, suggesting that such extensions might be important for neural development and function. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying neural APA are not well understood. Here, we investigate this problem within the Drosophila nervous system, focusing on the roles played by general cleavage and polyadenylation factors (CPA factors). In particular, we examine the model that modulations in CPA factor concentration may affect APA during development. For this, we first analyse the expression of the Drosophila orthologues of all mammalian CPA factors and note that their expression decreases during embryogenesis. In contrast to this global developmental decrease in CPA factor expression, we see that cleavage factor I (CFI) expression is actually elevated in the late embryonic central nervous system, suggesting that CFI might play a special role in neural tissues. To test this, we use the UAS/Gal4 system to deplete CFI proteins from neural tissue and observe that in this condition, multiple genes switch their APA patterns, demonstrating a role of CFI in APA control during Drosophila neural development. Furthermore, analysis of genes with 3'UTR extensions of different length leads us to suggest a novel relation between 3'UTR length and sensitivity to CPA factor expression. Our work thus contributes to the understanding of the mechanisms of APA control within the developing central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Vallejos Baier
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Joao Picao-Osorio
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Claudio R Alonso
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK.
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41
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Wingen A, Carrera P, Ekaterini Psathaki O, Voelzmann A, Paululat A, Hoch M. Debris buster is a Drosophila scavenger receptor essential for airway physiology. Dev Biol 2017; 430:52-68. [PMID: 28821389 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Scavenger receptors class B (SR-B) are multifunctional transmembrane proteins, which in vertebrates participate in lipid transport, pathogen clearance, lysosomal delivery and intracellular sorting. Drosophila has 14 SR-B members whose functions are still largely unknown. Here, we reveal a novel role for the SR-B family member Debris buster (Dsb) in Drosophila airway physiology. Larvae lacking dsb show yeast avoidance behavior, hypoxia, and severe growth defects associated with impaired elongation and integrity along the airways. Furthermore, in dsb mutant embryos, the barrier function of the posterior spiracles, which are critical for gas exchange, is not properly established and liquid clearance is locally impaired at the spiracular lumen. We found that Dsb is specifically expressed in a group of distal epithelial cells of the posterior spiracle organ and not throughout the entire airways. Furthermore, tissue-specific knockdown and rescue experiments demonstrate that Dsb function in the airways is only required in the posterior spiracles. Dsb localizes in intracellular vesicles, and a subset of these associate with lysosomes. However, we found that depletion of proteins involved in vesicular transport to the apical membrane, but not in lysosomal function, causes dsb-like airway elongation defects. We propose a model in which Dsb sorts components of the apical extracellular matrix which are essential for airway physiology. Since SR-B LIMP2-deficient mice show reduced expression of several apical plasma membrane proteins, sorting of proteins to the apical membrane is likely an evolutionary conserved function of Dsb and LIMP2. Our data provide insights into a spatially confined function of the SR-B Dsb in intracellular trafficking critical for the physiology of the whole tubular airway network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almut Wingen
- Developmental Genetic&Molecular Physiology Unit, Life&Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Pilar Carrera
- Developmental Genetic&Molecular Physiology Unit, Life&Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, D-53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Olympia Ekaterini Psathaki
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 11, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany; EM Unit, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 11, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - André Voelzmann
- Developmental Genetic&Molecular Physiology Unit, Life&Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, D-53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Paululat
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Biology, University of Osnabrück, Barbarastrasse 11, D-49076 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Michael Hoch
- Developmental Genetic&Molecular Physiology Unit, Life&Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31, D-53115 Bonn, Germany.
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42
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Hayashi S, Dong B. Shape and geometry control of the Drosophila tracheal tubule. Dev Growth Differ 2017; 59:4-11. [PMID: 28093725 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For efficient respiration, tubular airways must be constructed with an optimal diameter and length for the dimensions of the body. In Drosophila, the growth of embryonic tracheal tubules proceeds in two dimensions, by axial elongation and diameter expansion. The growth forces in each dimension are controlled by distinct genetic programs and cellular mechanisms. Recent studies reveal that the apical cortex and the apical extracellular matrix filling the luminal space are essential for the generation, balancing, and equilibrium of these growth forces. We here discuss the mechanical properties and architecture of the apical cortex and extracellular matrix, and their crucial roles in the tissue-level coordination of tubule shape and geometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Hayashi
- Laboratory for Morphogenetic Signaling, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan.,Department of Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Science, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Bo Dong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Shandong, China
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43
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Pesch YY, Riedel D, Behr M. Drosophila Chitinase 2 is expressed in chitin producing organs for cuticle formation. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2017; 46:4-12. [PMID: 27832982 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The architecture of the outer body wall cuticle is fundamental to protect arthropods against invading pathogens and numerous other harmful stresses. Such robust cuticles are formed by parallel running chitin microfibrils. Molting and also local wounding leads to dynamic assembly and disassembly of the chitin-matrix throughout development. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that organize proper chitin-matrix formation are poorly known. Recently we identified a key region for cuticle thickening at the apical cell surface, the cuticle assembly zone, where Obstructor-A (Obst-A) coordinates the formation of the chitin-matrix. Obst-A binds chitin and the deacetylase Serpentine (Serp) in a core complex, which is required for chitin-matrix maturation and preservation. Here we present evidence that Chitinase 2 (Cht2) could be essential for this molecular machinery. We show that Cht2 is expressed in the chitin-matrix of epidermis, trachea, and the digestive system. There, Cht2 is enriched at the apical cell surface and the dense chitin-matrix. We further show that in Cht2 knockdown larvae the assembly zone is rudimentary, preventing normal cuticle formation and pore canal organization. As sequence similarities of Cht2 and the core complex proteins indicate evolutionarily conserved molecular mechanisms, our findings suggest that Cht2 is involved in chitin formation also in other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanina-Yasmin Pesch
- Institute for Biology and Sächsischer Inkubator für klinische Translation (TRM/SIKT), University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dietmar Riedel
- Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Electron Microscopy Group, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthias Behr
- Institute for Biology and Sächsischer Inkubator für klinische Translation (TRM/SIKT), University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
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44
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Lipid metabolism in Rhodnius prolixus: Lessons from the genome. Gene 2016; 596:27-44. [PMID: 27697616 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2016.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus is both an important vector of Chagas' disease and an interesting model for investigation into the field of physiology, including lipid metabolism. The publication of this insect genome will bring a huge amount of new molecular biology data to be used in future experiments. Although this work represents a promising scenario, a preliminary analysis of the sequence data is necessary to identify and annotate the genes involved in lipid metabolism. Here, we used bioinformatics tools and gene expression analysis to explore genes from different genes families and pathways, including genes for fat breakdown, as lipases and phospholipases, and enzymes from β-oxidation, fatty acid metabolism, and acyl-CoA and glycerolipid synthesis. The R. prolixus genome encodes 31 putative lipase genes, including 21 neutral lipases and 5 acid lipases. The expression profiles of some of these genes were analyzed. We were able to identify nine phospholipase A2 genes. A variety of gene families that participate in fatty acid synthesis and modification were studied, including fatty acid synthase, elongase, desaturase and reductase. Concerning the synthesis of glycerolipids, we found a second isoform of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase that was ubiquitously expressed throughout the organs. Finally, all genes involved in fatty acid β-oxidation were identified, but not a long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. These results provide fundamental data to be used in future research on insect lipid metabolism and its possible relevance to Chagas' disease transmission.
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Li X, Zheng T, Zheng X, Han N, Chen X, Zhang D. Molecular Characterization of Two Fatty Acyl-CoA Reductase Genes From Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2016; 16:iew038. [PMID: 27271970 PMCID: PMC4896463 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iew038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Fatty acyl-CoA reductases (FARs) are key enzymes involved in fatty alcohol synthesis. Here, we cloned and characterized full-length cDNAs of two FAR genes from the cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis. The results showed PsFAR I and PsFAR II cDNAs were 1,584 bp and 1,515 bp in length respectively. Both PsFAR I and PsFAR II were predicted to be located in the endoplasmic reticulum by Euk-mPLoc 2.0 approach. Both of them had a Rossmann folding region and a FAR_C region. Two conservative motifs were discovered in Rossmann folding region by sequence alignment including a NADPH combining motif, TGXXGG, and an active site motif, YXXXK. A phylogenetic tree made using MEGA 6.06 indicated that PsFAR I and PsFAR II were placed in two different branches. Gene expression analysis performed at different developmental stages showed that the expression of PsFar I is significantly higher than that of PsFar II in first and second instar nymphs and in male adults. Spirotetramat treatment at 125 mg/liter significantly increased the expression of PsFar I in third instar nymphs, but there was no effect in the expression of PsFar II Our results indicated these two FAR genes showed different expression patterns during insect development and after pesticide treatment, suggesting they play different roles in insect development and detoxification against pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Li
- School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; ) Collaborative Innovation Center of Green Pesticide, Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; ;; )
| | - Tianxiang Zheng
- School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; ) Collaborative Innovation Center of Green Pesticide, Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; ;; )
| | - Xiaowen Zheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Green Pesticide, Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; ;; ) The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; )
| | - Na Han
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Green Pesticide, Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; ;; ) The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; )
| | - Xuexin Chen
- Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dayu Zhang
- School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; ) Collaborative Innovation Center of Green Pesticide, Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; ;; ) The Key Laboratory for Quality Improvement of Agricultural Products of Zhejiang Province, College of Agricultural and Food Science, Zhejiang A&F University, Linan, Zhejiang, China (; ; )
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46
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Chitinases and Imaginal disc growth factors organize the extracellular matrix formation at barrier tissues in insects. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18340. [PMID: 26838602 PMCID: PMC4738247 DOI: 10.1038/srep18340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The cuticle forms an apical extracellular-matrix (ECM) that covers exposed organs, such as epidermis, trachea and gut, for organizing morphogenesis and protection of insects. Recently, we reported that cuticle proteins and chitin are involved in ECM formation. However, molecular mechanisms that control assembly, maturation and replacement of the ECM and its components are not well known. Here we investigated the poorly described glyco-18-domain hydrolase family in Drosophila and identified the Chitinases (Chts) and imaginal-disc-growth-factors (Idgfs) that are essential for larval and adult molting. We demonstrate that Cht and idgf depletion results in deformed cuticles, larval and adult molting defects, and insufficient protection against wounding and bacterial infection, which altogether leads to early lethality. We show that Cht2/Cht5/Cht7/Cht9/Cht12 and idgf1/idgf3/idgf4/idgf5/idgf6 are needed for organizing proteins and chitin-matrix at the apical cell surface. Our data indicate that normal ECM formation requires Chts, which potentially hydrolyze chitin-polymers. We further suggest that the non-enzymatic idgfs act as structural proteins to maintain the ECM scaffold against chitinolytic degradation. Conservation of Chts and Idgfs proposes analogous roles in ECM dynamics across the insect taxa, indicating that Chts/Idgfs are new targets for species specific pest control.
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47
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Iven T, Hornung E, Heilmann M, Feussner I. Synthesis of oleyl oleate wax esters in Arabidopsis thaliana and Camelina sativa seed oil. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2016; 14:252-9. [PMID: 25912558 PMCID: PMC11389091 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Seed oil composed of wax esters with long-chain monoenoic acyl moieties represents a high-value commodity for industry. Such plant-derived sperm oil-like liquid wax esters are biodegradable and can have excellent properties for lubrication. In addition, wax ester oil may represent a superior substrate for biodiesel production. In this study, we demonstrate that the low-input oil seed crop Camelina sativa can serve as a biotechnological platform for environmentally benign wax ester production. Two biosynthetic steps catalysed by a fatty alcohol-forming acyl-CoA reductase (FAR) and a wax ester synthase (WS) are sufficient to achieve wax ester accumulation from acyl-CoA substrates. To produce plant-derived sperm oil-like liquid wax esters, the WS from Mus musculus (MmWS) or Simmondsia chinensis (ScWS) were expressed in combination with the FAR from Mus musculus (MmFAR1) or Marinobacter aquaeolei (MaFAR) in seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana and Camelina sativa. The three analysed enzyme combinations Oleo3:mCherry:MmFAR1∆c/Oleo3:EYFP:MmWS, Oleo3:mCherry:MmFAR1∆c/ScWS and MaFAR/ScWS showed differences in the wax ester molecular species profiles and overall biosynthetic performance. By expressing MaFAR/ScWS in Arabidopsis or Camelina up to 59% or 21% of the seed oil TAGs were replaced by wax esters, respectively. This combination also yielded wax ester molecular species with highest content of monounsaturated acyl moieties. Expression of the enzyme combinations in the Arabidopsis fae1 fad2 mutant background high in oleic acid resulted in wax ester accumulation enriched in oleyl oleate (18:1/18:1 > 60%), suggesting that similar values may be obtained with a Camelina high oleic acid line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Iven
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ellen Hornung
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Mareike Heilmann
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ivo Feussner
- Department of Plant Biochemistry, Albrecht-von-Haller-Institute for Plant Sciences, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
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48
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Insulin- and warts-dependent regulation of tracheal plasticity modulates systemic larval growth during hypoxia in Drosophila melanogaster. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115297. [PMID: 25541690 PMCID: PMC4277339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptation to dynamic environmental cues during organismal development requires coordination of tissue growth with available resources. More specifically, the effects of oxygen availability on body size have been well-documented, but the mechanisms through which hypoxia restricts systemic growth have not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterize the larval growth and metabolic defects in Drosophila that result from hypoxia. Hypoxic conditions reduced fat body opacity and increased lipid droplet accumulation in this tissue, without eliciting lipid aggregation in hepatocyte-like cells called oenocytes. Additionally, hypoxia increased the retention of Dilp2 in the insulin-producing cells of the larval brain, associated with a reduction of insulin signaling in peripheral tissues. Overexpression of the wildtype form of the insulin receptor ubiquitously and in the larval trachea rendered larvae resistant to hypoxia-induced growth restriction. Furthermore, Warts downregulation in the trachea was similar to increased insulin receptor signaling during oxygen deprivation, which both rescued hypoxia-induced growth restriction, inhibition of tracheal molting, and developmental delay. Insulin signaling and loss of Warts function increased tracheal growth and augmented tracheal plasticity under hypoxic conditions, enhancing oxygen delivery during periods of oxygen deprivation. Our findings demonstrate a mechanism that coordinates oxygen availability with systemic growth in which hypoxia-induced reduction of insulin receptor signaling decreases plasticity of the larval trachea that is required for the maintenance of systemic growth during times of limiting oxygen availability.
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Merzendorfer H. Airway clearance by reducing tensile strength. J Exp Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.094714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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