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Yu S, Lai Z, Xue H, Zhu J, Yue G, Wang J, Jin L. Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract inhibits intestinal inflammation and insulin metabolism defects in Drosophila. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024:1-52. [PMID: 38872277 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2368795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
In biomedical research, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is among the most effective and flexible model organisms. Through the use of the Drosophila model, molecular mechanisms of human diseases can be investigated and candidate pharmaceuticals can be screened. White rot fungus Inonotus obliquus is a member of the family Hymenochaetaceae. Due to its multifaceted pharmacological effects, this fungus has been the subject of scientific investigation. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms by which Inonotus obliquus treats diseases remain unclear. In this study, we prepared an aqueous extract derived from Inonotus obliquus and demonstrated that it effectively prevented the negative impacts of inflammatory agents on flies, including overproliferation and overdifferentiation of intestinal progenitor cells and decreased survival rate. Furthermore, elevated reactive oxygen species levels and cell death were alleviated by Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract, suggesting that this extract inhibited intestinal inflammation. Additionally, Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract had an impact on the insulin pathway, as it alleviated growth defects in flies that were fed a high-sugar diet and in chico mutants. In addition, we determined the composition of Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract and conducted a network pharmacology analysis in order to identify prospective key compounds and targets. In brief, Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract exhibited considerable potential as a therapeutic intervention for human diseases. Our research has established a foundational framework that supports the potential clinical implementation of Inonotus obliquus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Yu
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhixian Lai
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongmei Xue
- Department of Children's Emergency Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jiahua Zhu
- Department of Basic Medical, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Guanhua Yue
- Department of Basic Medical, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiewei Wang
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - LiHua Jin
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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2
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Bradshaw T, Simmons C, Ott RK, Armstrong AR. Ras/MAPK signaling mediates adipose tissue control of ovarian germline survival and ovulation in Drosophila melanogaster. Dev Biol 2024; 510:17-28. [PMID: 38423203 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
From insects to humans, oogenesis is tightly linked to nutritional input, yet little is known about how whole organism physiology matches dietary changes with oocyte development. Considering that diet-induced adipose tissue dysfunction is associated with an increased risk for fertility problems, and other obesity-associated pathophysiologies, it is critical to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms linking adipose nutrient sensing to remote control of the ovary and other tissues. Our previous studies in Drosophila melanogaster have shown that amino acid sensing, via the amino acid response pathway and mTOR-mediated signaling function within adipocytes to control germline stem cell maintenance and ovulation, respectively. Additionally, we demonstrated that insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling within adipocytes employs distinct effector axes, PI3K/Akt1-dependent and -independent, downstream of insulin receptor activity to mediate fat-to-ovary communication. Here, we report that the Ras/MAPK signaling axis functions in adipocytes to regulate early germline cyst survival and ovulation of mature oocytes but is not important for germline stem cell maintenance or the progression through vitellogenesis. Thus, these studies uncover the complexity of signaling pathway activity that mediates inter-organ communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tancia Bradshaw
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Chad Simmons
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Rachael K Ott
- University of South Carolina, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia, SC, USA
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3
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Li XC, Gandara L, Ekelöf M, Richter K, Alexandrov T, Crocker J. Rapid response of fly populations to gene dosage across development and generations. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4551. [PMID: 38811562 PMCID: PMC11137061 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48960-4] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Although the effects of genetic and environmental perturbations on multicellular organisms are rarely restricted to single phenotypic layers, our current understanding of how developmental programs react to these challenges remains limited. Here, we have examined the phenotypic consequences of disturbing the bicoid regulatory network in early Drosophila embryos. We generated flies with two extra copies of bicoid, which causes a posterior shift of the network's regulatory outputs and a decrease in fitness. We subjected these flies to EMS mutagenesis, followed by experimental evolution. After only 8-15 generations, experimental populations have normalized patterns of gene expression and increased survival. Using a phenomics approach, we find that populations were normalized through rapid increases in embryo size driven by maternal changes in metabolism and ovariole development. We extend our results to additional populations of flies, demonstrating predictability. Together, our results necessitate a broader view of regulatory network evolution at the systems level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying C Li
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany.
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Lautaro Gandara
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Måns Ekelöf
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Richter
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Theodore Alexandrov
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit between EMBL and Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- BioInnovation Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Justin Crocker
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany.
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4
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Krishnan N. Endocrine Control of Lipid Metabolism. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38782869 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2024_807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Lipids are essential in insects and play pleiotropic roles in energy storage, serving as a fuel for energy-driven processes such as reproduction, growth, development, locomotion, flight, starvation response, and diapause induction, maintenance, and termination. Lipids also play fundamental roles in signal transduction, hormone synthesis, forming components of the cell membrane, and thus are essential for maintenance of normal life functions. In insects, the neuroendocrine system serves as a master regulator of most life activities, including growth and development. It is thus important to pay particular attention to the regulation of lipid metabolism through the endocrine system, especially when considering the involvement of peptide hormones in the processes of lipogenesis and lipolysis. In insects, there are several lipogenic and lipolytic hormones that are involved in lipid metabolism such as insulin-like peptides (ILPs), adipokinetic hormone (AKH), 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE), juvenile hormone (JH), and serotonin. Other neuropeptides such as diapause hormone-pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (DH-PBAN), CCHamide-2, short neuropeptide F, and the cytokines Unpaired 1 and 2 may play a role in inducing lipogenesis. On the other hand, neuropeptides such as neuropeptide F, allatostatin-A, corazonin, leukokinin, tachykinins, limostatins, and insulin-like growth factor (ILP6) stimulate lipolysis. This chapter briefly discusses the current knowledge of the endocrine regulation of lipid metabolism in insects that could be utilized to reveal differences between insects and mammalian lipid metabolism which may help understand human diseases associated with dysregulation of lipid metabolism. Physiological similarities of insects to mammals make them valuable model systems for studying human diseases characterized by disrupted lipid metabolism, including conditions like diabetes, obesity, arteriosclerosis, and various metabolic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natraj Krishnan
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.
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5
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Umargamwala R, Manning J, Dorstyn L, Denton D, Kumar S. Understanding Developmental Cell Death Using Drosophila as a Model System. Cells 2024; 13:347. [PMID: 38391960 PMCID: PMC10886741 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040347] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell death plays an essential function in organismal development, wellbeing, and ageing. Many types of cell deaths have been described in the past 30 years. Among these, apoptosis remains the most conserved type of cell death in metazoans and the most common mechanism for deleting unwanted cells. Other types of cell deaths that often play roles in specific contexts or upon pathological insults can be classed under variant forms of cell death and programmed necrosis. Studies in Drosophila have contributed significantly to the understanding and regulation of apoptosis pathways. In addition to this, Drosophila has also served as an essential model to study the genetic basis of autophagy-dependent cell death (ADCD) and other relatively rare types of context-dependent cell deaths. Here, we summarise what is known about apoptosis, ADCD, and other context-specific variant cell death pathways in Drosophila, with a focus on developmental cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Umargamwala
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (J.M.); (L.D.)
| | - Jantina Manning
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (J.M.); (L.D.)
| | - Loretta Dorstyn
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (J.M.); (L.D.)
| | - Donna Denton
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (J.M.); (L.D.)
| | - Sharad Kumar
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia; (J.M.); (L.D.)
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
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6
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Li X, Li W, Zhang S, Sang W, Peng Y, Zhao Y. RNA interference against the putative insulin receptor substrate gene IRS1 affects growth and development in the pest natural enemy Pardosa pseudoannulata. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:648-660. [PMID: 37756442 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7792] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insulin signalling pathways play crucial roles in regulating growth and development in insects, but their effects on the growth and development of Arachnids, such as spiders, have rarely been studied. As a valuable pest natural enemy in agricultural fields, the molecular mechanisms of insulin signalling pathway-mediated growth and development of the wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata, are of particular interest. RESULTS In this study, we identified and characterized six insulin signalling pathway genes - InR, InR2, IRS1, PI3K1, PI3K2, and PDK - in Pardosa pseudoannulata. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results were used to analyse the relative expression levels of the six genes in different developmental instars and tissues, and in response to starvation treatment. In addition, the function of the insulin receptor substrate (IRS1) gene was investigated using RNA interference technology, which found that IRS1 significantly influenced nutrient content, developmental duration, body weight, and gonad development. CONCLUSION This study revealed the roles of six key insulin signalling pathway genes in Pardosa pseudoannulata, and in particular the importance of the IRS1 gene in regulating growth and development in the spider. The results lay the foundation for further research on the internal regulation mechanisms of growth and development in Araneae species, and also provide a reference for the artificial breeding of spiders. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Shichang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen Sang
- College of Plant Protection, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Peng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Regional Development and Environmental Response, Faculty of Resources and Environmental Science, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
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7
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Saedi H, Waro G, Giacchetta L, Tsunoda S. miR-137 regulates PTP61F, affecting insulin signaling, metabolic homeostasis, and starvation resistance in Drosophila. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319475121. [PMID: 38252824 PMCID: PMC10835047 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319475121] [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: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
miR-137 is a highly conserved brain-enriched microRNA (miRNA) that has been associated with neuronal function and proliferation. Here, we show that Drosophila miR-137 null mutants display increased body weight with enhanced triglyceride content and decreased locomotor activity. In addition, when challenged by nutrient deprivation, miR-137 mutants exhibit reduced motivation to feed and prolonged survival. We show through genetic epistasis and rescue experiments that this starvation resistance is due to a disruption in insulin signaling. Our studies further show that miR-137 null mutants exhibit a drastic reduction in levels of the phosphorylated/activated insulin receptor, InR (InR-P). We investigated if this is due to the predicted miR-137 target, Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 61F (PTP61F), ortholog of mammalian TC-PTP/PTP1B, which are known to dephosphorylate InR-P. Indeed, levels of an endogenously tagged GFP-PTP61F are significantly elevated in miR-137 null mutants, and we show that overexpression of PTP61F alone is sufficient to mimic many of the metabolic phenotypes of miR-137 mutants. Finally, we knocked-down elevated levels of PTP61F in the miR-137 null mutant background and show that this rescues levels of InR-P, restores normal body weight and triglyceride content, starvation sensitivity, as well as attenuates locomotor and starvation-induced feeding defects. Our study supports a model in which miR-137 is critical for dampening levels of PTP61F, thereby maintaining normal insulin signaling and energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hana Saedi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Girma Waro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Lea Giacchetta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
| | - Susan Tsunoda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523
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8
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Krishnan H, Ahmed S, Hubbard SR, Miller WT. Biochemical characterization of the Drosophila insulin receptor kinase and longevity-associated mutants. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23355. [PMID: 38071609 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301948r] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) insulin receptor (D-IR) is highly homologous to the human counterpart. Like the human pathway, D-IR responds to numerous insulin-like peptides to activate cellular signals that regulate growth, development, and lipid metabolism in fruit flies. Allelic mutations in the D-IR kinase domain elevate life expectancy in fruit flies. We developed a robust heterologous expression system to express and purify wild-type and longevity-associated mutant D-IR kinase domains to investigate enzyme kinetics and substrate specificities. D-IR exhibits remarkable similarities to the human insulin receptor kinase domain but diverges in substrate preferences. We show that longevity-associated mutations reduce D-IR catalytic activity. Deletion of the unique kinase insert domain portion or mutations proximal to activating tyrosines do not influence kinase activity, suggesting their potential role in substrate recruitment and downstream signaling. Through biochemical investigations, this study enhances our comprehension of D-IR's role in Drosophila physiology, complementing genetic studies and expanding our knowledge on the catalytic functions of this conserved signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harini Krishnan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Sultan Ahmed
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Stevan R Hubbard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - W Todd Miller
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Northport, New York, USA
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9
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Hayes E, Winston N, Stocco C. Molecular crosstalk between insulin-like growth factors and follicle-stimulating hormone in the regulation of granulosa cell function. Reprod Med Biol 2024; 23:e12575. [PMID: 38571513 PMCID: PMC10988955 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The last phase of folliculogenesis is driven by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and locally produced insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), both essential for forming preovulatory follicles. Methods This review discusses the molecular crosstalk of the FSH and IGF signaling pathways in regulating follicular granulosa cells (GCs) during the antral-to-preovulatory phase. Main findings IGFs were considered co-gonadotropins since they amplify FSH actions in GCs. However, this view is not compatible with data showing that FSH requires IGFs to stimulate GCs, that FSH renders GCs sensitive to IGFs, and that FSH signaling interacts with factors downstream of AKT to stimulate GCs. New evidence suggests that FSH and IGF signaling pathways intersect at several levels to regulate gene expression and GC function. Conclusion FSH and locally produced IGFs form a positive feedback loop essential for preovulatory follicle formation in all species. Understanding the mechanisms by which FSH and IGFs interact to control GC function will help design new interventions to optimize follicle maturation, perfect treatment of ovulatory defects, improve in vitro fertilization, and develop new contraceptive approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hayes
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Nicola Winston
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Carlos Stocco
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity of Illinois Chicago College of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
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10
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Frappaolo A, Giansanti MG. Using Drosophila melanogaster to Dissect the Roles of the mTOR Signaling Pathway in Cell Growth. Cells 2023; 12:2622. [PMID: 37998357 PMCID: PMC10670727 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222622] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved target of rapamycin (TOR) serine/threonine kinase controls eukaryotic cell growth, metabolism and survival by integrating signals from the nutritional status and growth factors. TOR is the catalytic subunit of two distinct functional multiprotein complexes termed mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) and mTORC2, which phosphorylate a different set of substrates and display different physiological functions. Dysregulation of TOR signaling has been involved in the development and progression of several disease states including cancer and diabetes. Here, we highlight how genetic and biochemical studies in the model system Drosophila melanogaster have been crucial to identify the mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling components and to dissect their function in cellular growth, in strict coordination with insulin signaling. In addition, we review new findings that involve Drosophila Golgi phosphoprotein 3 in regulating organ growth via Rheb-mediated activation of mTORC1 in line with an emerging role for the Golgi as a major hub for mTORC1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Frappaolo
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Giansanti
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
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11
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Darby AM, Lazzaro BP. Interactions between innate immunity and insulin signaling affect resistance to infection in insects. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1276357. [PMID: 37915572 PMCID: PMC10616485 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1276357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
An active immune response is energetically demanding and requires reallocation of nutrients to support resistance to and tolerance of infection. Insulin signaling is a critical global regulator of metabolism and whole-body homeostasis in response to nutrient availability and energetic needs, including those required for mobilization of energy in support of the immune system. In this review, we share findings that demonstrate interactions between innate immune activity and insulin signaling primarily in the insect model Drosophila melanogaster as well as other insects like Bombyx mori and Anopheles mosquitos. These studies indicate that insulin signaling and innate immune activation have reciprocal effects on each other, but that those effects vary depending on the type of pathogen, route of infection, and nutritional status of the host. Future research will be required to further understand the detailed mechanisms by which innate immunity and insulin signaling activity impact each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Darby
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Brian P. Lazzaro
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Cornell Institute of Host-Microbe Interactions and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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12
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Suzawa M, Bland ML. Insulin signaling in development. Development 2023; 150:dev201599. [PMID: 37847145 PMCID: PMC10617623 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201599] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient intake is obligatory for animal growth and development, but nutrients alone are not sufficient. Indeed, insulin and homologous hormones are required for normal growth even in the presence of nutrients. These hormones communicate nutrient status between organs, allowing animals to coordinate growth and metabolism with nutrient supply. Insulin and related hormones, such as insulin-like growth factors and insulin-like peptides, play important roles in development and metabolism, with defects in insulin production and signaling leading to hyperglycemia and diabetes. Here, we describe the insulin hormone family and the signal transduction pathways activated by these hormones. We highlight the roles of insulin signaling in coordinating maternal and fetal metabolism and growth during pregnancy, and we describe how secretion of insulin is regulated at different life stages. Additionally, we discuss the roles of insulin signaling in cell growth, stem cell proliferation and cell differentiation. We provide examples of the role of insulin in development across multiple model organisms: Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila, zebrafish, mouse and human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Suzawa
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Michelle L. Bland
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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13
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Li S, Wang J, Tian X, Toufeeq S, Huang W. Immunometabolic regulation during the presence of microorganisms and parasitoids in insects. Front Immunol 2023; 14:905467. [PMID: 37818375 PMCID: PMC10560992 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.905467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Multicellular organisms live in environments containing diverse nutrients and a wide variety of microbial communities. On the one hand, the immune response of organisms can protect from the intrusion of exogenous microorganisms. On the other hand, the dynamic coordination of anabolism and catabolism of organisms is a necessary factor for growth and reproduction. Since the production of an immune response is an energy-intensive process, the activation of immune cells is accompanied by metabolic transformations that enable the rapid production of ATP and new biomolecules. In insects, the coordination of immunity and metabolism is the basis for insects to cope with environmental challenges and ensure normal growth, development and reproduction. During the activation of insect immune tissues by pathogenic microorganisms, not only the utilization of organic resources can be enhanced, but also the activated immune cells can usurp the nutrients of non-immune tissues by generating signals. At the same time, insects also have symbiotic bacteria in their body, which can affect insect physiology through immune-metabolic regulation. This paper reviews the research progress of insect immune-metabolism regulation from the perspective of insect tissues, such as fat body, gut and hemocytes. The effects of microorganisms (pathogenic bacteria/non-pathogenic bacteria) and parasitoids on immune-metabolism were elaborated here, which provide guidance to uncover immunometabolism mechanisms in insects and mammals. This work also provides insights to utilize immune-metabolism for the formulation of pest control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirong Li
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- College of Life Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jing Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shangrao Normal University, Shangrao, China
| | - Xing Tian
- College of Life Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shahzad Toufeeq
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wuren Huang
- Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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14
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Chakraborty A, Peterson NG, King JS, Gross RT, Pla MM, Thennavan A, Zhou KC, DeLuca S, Bursac N, Bowles DE, Wolf MJ, Fox DT. Conserved chamber-specific polyploidy maintains heart function in Drosophila. Development 2023; 150:dev201896. [PMID: 37526609 PMCID: PMC10482010 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Developmentally programmed polyploidy (whole-genome duplication) of cardiomyocytes is common across evolution. Functions of such polyploidy are essentially unknown. Here, in both Drosophila larvae and human organ donors, we reveal distinct polyploidy levels in cardiac organ chambers. In Drosophila, differential growth and cell cycle signal sensitivity leads the heart chamber to reach a higher ploidy/cell size relative to the aorta chamber. Cardiac ploidy-reduced animals exhibit reduced heart chamber size, stroke volume and cardiac output, and acceleration of circulating hemocytes. These Drosophila phenotypes mimic human cardiomyopathies. Our results identify productive and likely conserved roles for polyploidy in cardiac chambers and suggest that precise ploidy levels sculpt many developing tissues. These findings of productive cardiomyocyte polyploidy impact efforts to block developmental polyploidy to improve heart injury recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archan Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nora G. Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Juliet S. King
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Ryan T. Gross
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Aatish Thennavan
- Department of Systems Biology, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77230, USA
| | - Kevin C. Zhou
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sophia DeLuca
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dawn E. Bowles
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Matthew J. Wolf
- Department of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Donald T. Fox
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Regeneration Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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15
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Tang Y, Hu YW, Wang SH, Zhou M, Ding YJ, Cai SQ, Tang B, Wang SG. RNAi-mediated CrebA silencing inhibits reproduction and immunity in Locusta migratoria manilensis. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 145:104711. [PMID: 37062456 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2023.104711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Locusta migratoria manilensis is a major agricultural pest that causes severe direct and indirect damage to several crops. Thus, to provide a theoretical foundation for pest control, the role of CrebA in the reproduction and immune regulation of L. migratoria was investigated. CrebA is a bZIP transcription factor that critically regulates intracellular protein secretion. In this study, CrebA was widely expressed in the brain, fat body, integument, midgut, and reproductive tissues of different maturity stages of adult locusts, especially in the female fat body. RNA interfering (RNAi)-mediated silencing of CrebA inhibited locusts ovarian development, and key reproduction gene expressions, Vgs, VgRs, Chico, and JHAMT were downregulated. After the locusts were injected with Micrococcus luteus or Escherichia coli, M. luteus activated lysozyme expression, while the E. coli activated both phenol oxidase cascade and lysozyme expression. Furthermore, both bacteria stimulated the upregulation of the antimicrobial peptide genes DEF3 and DEF4. However, CrebA silencing is fatal to locusts infection with E. coli, with a mortality rate of up to 96.3%, and resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of DEF3 and DEF4 and changes in the activities of phenol oxidase and lysozyme of locusts infected by bacteria. Collectively, CrebA may be involved in diverse biological processes, including reproduction and immunity. CrebA inhibited locusts reproduction by regulating JH signaling pathway and inhibits the expression of immune genes TLR6, IMD, and AMPs. These results demonstrate CrebA seems to play a crucial role in reproduction and innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Tang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, PR China
| | - Yao-Wen Hu
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, PR China
| | - Shao-Hua Wang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, PR China
| | - Min Zhou
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, PR China
| | - Yan-Juan Ding
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, PR China
| | - Si-Qi Cai
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, PR China
| | - Bin Tang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, PR China
| | - Shi-Gui Wang
- Hangzhou Key Laboratory of Animal Adaptation and Evolution, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 311121, PR China.
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16
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Rocha JJ, Jayaram SA, Stevens TJ, Muschalik N, Shah RD, Emran S, Robles C, Freeman M, Munro S. Functional unknomics: Systematic screening of conserved genes of unknown function. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002222. [PMID: 37552676 PMCID: PMC10409296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The human genome encodes approximately 20,000 proteins, many still uncharacterised. It has become clear that scientific research tends to focus on well-studied proteins, leading to a concern that poorly understood genes are unjustifiably neglected. To address this, we have developed a publicly available and customisable "Unknome database" that ranks proteins based on how little is known about them. We applied RNA interference (RNAi) in Drosophila to 260 unknown genes that are conserved between flies and humans. Knockdown of some genes resulted in loss of viability, and functional screening of the rest revealed hits for fertility, development, locomotion, protein quality control, and resilience to stress. CRISPR/Cas9 gene disruption validated a component of Notch signalling and 2 genes contributing to male fertility. Our work illustrates the importance of poorly understood genes, provides a resource to accelerate future research, and highlights a need to support database curation to ensure that misannotation does not erode our awareness of our own ignorance.
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Affiliation(s)
- João J. Rocha
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tim J. Stevens
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rajen D. Shah
- Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sahar Emran
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Robles
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Freeman
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Munro
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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17
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Szlachcic E, Dańko MJ, Czarnoleski M. Rapamycin supplementation of Drosophila melanogaster larvae results in less viable adults with smaller cells. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230080. [PMID: 37351490 PMCID: PMC10282583 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
The intrinsic sources of mortality relate to the ability to meet the metabolic demands of tissue maintenance and repair, ultimately shaping ageing patterns. Anti-ageing mechanisms compete for resources with other functions, including those involved in maintaining functional plasma membranes. Consequently, organisms with smaller cells and more plasma membranes should devote more resources to membrane maintenance, leading to accelerated intrinsic mortality and ageing. To investigate this unexplored trade-off, we reared Drosophila melanogaster larvae on food with or without rapamycin (a TOR pathway inhibitor) to produce small- and large-celled adult flies, respectively, and measured their mortality rates. Males showed higher mortality than females. As expected, small-celled flies (rapamycin) showed higher mortality than their large-celled counterparts (control), but only in early adulthood. Contrary to predictions, the median lifespan was similar between the groups. Rapamycin administered to adults prolongs life; thus, the known direct physiological effects of rapamycin cannot explain our results. Instead, we invoke indirect effects of rapamycin, manifested as reduced cell size, as a driver of increased early mortality. We conclude that cell size differences between organisms and the associated burdens of plasma membrane maintenance costs may be important but overlooked factors influencing mortality patterns in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szlachcic
- Life History Evolution Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maciej J. Dańko
- Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
| | - Marcin Czarnoleski
- Life History Evolution Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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18
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Privalova V, Labecka AM, Szlachcic E, Sikorska A, Czarnoleski M. Systemic changes in cell size throughout the body of Drosophila melanogaster associated with mutations in molecular cell cycle regulators. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7565. [PMID: 37160985 PMCID: PMC10169805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34674-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with different life strategies, organisms have evolved dramatic cellular composition differences. Understanding the molecular basis and fitness effects of these differences is key to elucidating the fundamental characteristics of life. TOR/insulin pathways are key regulators of cell size, but whether their activity determines cell size in a systemic or tissue-specific manner awaits exploration. To that end, we measured cells in four tissues in genetically modified Drosophila melanogaster (rictorΔ2 and Mnt1) and corresponding controls. While rictorΔ2 flies lacked the Rictor protein in TOR complex 2, downregulating the functions of this element in TOR/insulin pathways, Mnt1 flies lacked the transcriptional regulator protein Mnt, weakening the suppression of downstream signalling from TOR/insulin pathways. rictorΔ2 flies had smaller epidermal (leg and wing) and ommatidial cells and Mnt1 flies had larger cells in these tissues than the controls. Females had consistently larger cells than males in the three tissue types. In contrast, dorsal longitudinal flight muscle cells (measured only in males) were not altered by mutations. We suggest that mutations in cell cycle control pathways drive the evolution of systemic changes in cell size throughout the body, but additional mechanisms shape the cellular composition of some tissues independent of these mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeriya Privalova
- Life History Evolution Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Maria Labecka
- Life History Evolution Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Szlachcic
- Life History Evolution Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Sikorska
- Life History Evolution Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marcin Czarnoleski
- Life History Evolution Group, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland.
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19
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Jéssica Paloma ÁR, Juan Rafael RE. Activation of the Cap'n'collar C pathway (Nrf2 pathway in vertebrates) signaling in insulin pathway compromised Drosophila melanogaster flies ameliorates the diabetic state upon pro-oxidant conditions. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 335:114229. [PMID: 36781022 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
The insulin pathway is a crucial central system for metabolism and growth. The Nrf2 signaling pathway functions to counteract oxidative stress. Here we sought to study the consequences of an oxidative stress challenge to insulin compromised and control adult flies of different ages, varying the activation state of the Nrf2 pathway in flies, the Cap'n'collar C pathway. For this, we employed two different pro-oxidative conditions: 3 % hydrogen peroxide or 20 mM paraquat laced in the food. In both cases, wild type (control) flies die within a few days, yet there are significant differences between males and females, and also within flies of different ages (seven versus thirty days old flies). We repeated the same conditions with young (seven days old) flies that were heterozygous for a loss-of-function mutation in Keap1. There were no significant differences. We then tested two hypomorphic viable conditions of the insulin pathway (heteroallelic combination for the insulin receptor and the S6 Kinase), challenged in the same way: Whereas they also die in the pro-oxidant conditions, they fare significantly better when heterozygous for Keap1, in contrast to controls. We also monitored locomotion in all of these conditions, and, in general, found significant differences between flies without and with a mutant allele (heterozygous) for Keap1. Our results point to altered oxidative stress conditions in diabetic flies. These findings suggest that modest activation of the Cap'n'collar C pathway may be a treatment for diabetic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvarez-Rendón Jéssica Paloma
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Programa de posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Riesgo-Escovar Juan Rafael
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Programa de posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico.
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20
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Xing BL, Wang SF, Gulinuer A, Ye GY, Yang L. Transcriptional regulation of host insulin signaling pathway genes controlling larval development by Microplitis manilae parasitization. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 113:e22003. [PMID: 36694471 DOI: 10.1002/arch.22003] [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: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Idiobiont parasitoids using other insects as hosts sabotage the host growth and development to ensure their offspring survival. Numerous studies have discovered that insect development is subtly regulated by the conserved insulin signaling pathway. However, little is known about how wasp parasitization disrupts host development controlled by the insulin signaling pathway. Here we address this study to determine the effect of wasp parasitism on host Spodoptera frugiperda development using the idiobiont parasitoid Microplitis manilae as a model. Upon M. manilae parasitization, the body weight, body length, and food consumption of host insect were dramatically reduced compared to the unparasitized S. frugiperda. We next identified the core genes involved in host insulin signaling pathway and further analyzed the domain organizations of these genes. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the insulin receptors clustered S. frugiperda together with other noctuidae insects. In the latter study, we profiled the expression patterns of host insulin signaling pathway genes in response to M. manilae parasitization at 2, 24, and 48 h, significant decreases in mRNA levels were recorded in S. frugiperda larvae upon 24 and 48 h parasitization. These current findings substantially add to our understanding of the physiological interaction between parasitoid and host insects, thus contributing to revealing the molecular mechanism of parasitic wasps regulating host development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Lin Xing
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute & School of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Sanya, China
| | - Shao-Feng Wang
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ahamaijiang Gulinuer
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute & School of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Sanya, China
| | - Gong-Yin Ye
- Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, Sanya, China
- State Key Laboratory of Rice Biology & Ministry of Agriculture Key Lab of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects, Institute of Insect Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lei Yang
- Sanya Nanfan Research Institute & School of Tropical Crops, Hainan University, Sanya, China
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21
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Popovic R, Yu Y, Leal NS, Fedele G, Loh SHY, Martins LM. Upregulation of Tribbles decreases body weight and increases sleep duration. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049942. [PMID: 37083954 PMCID: PMC10151826 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049942] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic Tribbles proteins are pseudoenzymes that regulate multiple aspects of intracellular signalling. Both Drosophila melanogaster and mammalian members of this family of pseudokinases act as negative regulators of insulin signalling. Mammalian tribbles pseudokinase (TRIB) genes have also been linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with increased body weight, sleep problems and increased long-term mortality. Here, we investigated how manipulating the expression of Tribbles impacts body weight, sleep and mortality. We showed that the overexpression of Drosophila tribbles (trbl) in the fly fat body reduces both body weight and lifespan in adult flies without affecting food intake. Furthermore, it decreases the levels of Drosophila insulin-like peptide 2 (DILP2; ILP2) and increases night-time sleep. The three genes encoding TRIBs of mammals, TRIB1, TRIB2 and TRIB3, show both common and unique features. As the three human TRIB genes share features with Drosophila trbl, we further explored the links between TRIB genetic variants and both body weight and sleep in the human population. We identified associations between the polymorphisms and expression levels of the pseudokinases and markers of body weight and sleep duration. We conclude that Tribbles pseudokinases are involved in the control of body weight, lifespan and sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Popovic
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Yizhou Yu
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Nuno Santos Leal
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Giorgio Fedele
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Samantha H. Y. Loh
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - L. Miguel Martins
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Gleeson Building, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
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22
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Lopez-Rodriguez NA, Sanchez-Ortiz LK, Reynoso-Camacho R, Riesgo-Escovar JR, Loarca-Piña G. Chronic Consumption of Moringa Leaf Powder ( Moringa oleifera) Concentration-Dependent Effects in a Drosophila melanogaster Type 2 Diabetes Model. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2023; 42:285-294. [PMID: 35512766 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2022.2034068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The metabolic effects of chronic consumption of food laced with different doses of moringa leaf powder (MLP) were assessed using a heteroallelic mutant of the sole insulin receptor gene of Drosophila melanogaster (InR), and the yellow,white (y,w) control stock. METHODS The MLP composition was partially determined. Both strains were raised in a standard diet (SD) or in a SD supplemented with different MLP doses (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 4.0, and 5.5%) until 4-5 days of emergence. Afterward, the total carbohydrate, lipid, glucose, and triacylglyceride levels were measured in the flies. Additionally, survival and weight changes were reported. For metabolic tests, female and male virgin flies were evaluated separately. RESULTS Low MLP supplementation improved carbohydrate and glucose levels in the y,w strain. Additionally, the InR-mutant strain reported lower lipid content when subjected to the same regimes. Survival improved in both strains with low MLP doses, while chronic consumption of high MLP doses resulted in triacylglycerides increase, weight gain, and survival reduction. CONCLUSION Low doses of MLP supplementation improves some metabolic parameters that affect flies' survival, especially in the y,w strain. Furthermore, the same low doses of MLP treatments also resulted in metabolic improvements in the InR-mutant flies; however, MLP consumption levels should be carefully assessed. Supplemental data for this article is available online at.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norma A Lopez-Rodriguez
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República, Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro, Mexico
| | - Laura K Sanchez-Ortiz
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República, Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro, Mexico
| | - Rosalía Reynoso-Camacho
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República, Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro, Mexico
| | - Juan R Riesgo-Escovar
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Guadalupe Loarca-Piña
- Programa de Posgrado en Alimentos del Centro de la República, Research and Graduate Studies in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Centro Universitario, Santiago de Querétaro, Qro, Mexico
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23
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Chakraborty A, Peterson NG, King JS, Gross RT, Pla MM, Thennavan A, Zhou KC, DeLuca S, Bursac N, Bowles DE, Wolf MJ, Fox DT. Conserved Chamber-Specific Polyploidy Maintains Heart Function in Drosophila. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.10.528086. [PMID: 36798187 PMCID: PMC9934670 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.10.528086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Developmentally programmed polyploidy (whole-genome-duplication) of cardiomyocytes is common across evolution. Functions of such polyploidy are essentially unknown. Here, we reveal roles for precise polyploidy levels in cardiac tissue. We highlight a conserved asymmetry in polyploidy level between cardiac chambers in Drosophila larvae and humans. In Drosophila , differential Insulin Receptor (InR) sensitivity leads the heart chamber to reach a higher ploidy/cell size relative to the aorta chamber. Cardiac ploidy-reduced animals exhibit reduced heart chamber size, stroke volume, cardiac output, and acceleration of circulating hemocytes. These Drosophila phenotypes mimic systemic human heart failure. Using human donor hearts, we reveal asymmetry in nuclear volume (ploidy) and insulin signaling between the left ventricle and atrium. Our results identify productive and likely conserved roles for polyploidy in cardiac chambers and suggest precise ploidy levels sculpt many developing tissues. These findings of productive cardiomyocyte polyploidy impact efforts to block developmental polyploidy to improve heart injury recovery.
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24
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Wang Z, Tan D, Wang F, Guo S, Liu J, Cuthbertson AGS, Qiu B, Sang W. Insulin peptides and their receptors regulate ovarian development and oviposition behavior in Diaphorina citri. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:95-108. [PMID: 35510515 PMCID: PMC10084437 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Diaphorina citri is an important vector of Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) disease. After feeding on young host plant shoots, the population of D. citri can increase significantly. Females also only lay eggs on young shoots. However, there are few studies on the mechanism of this phenomenon. Exogenous nutrient signals can affect the insulin signaling system of D. citri after feeding on young shoots. In this study, the expression of upstream factors DcILP1, DcILP2, and DcIR in the insulin signaling system of D. citri was upregulated after feeding on young shoots. After being silenced by RNA interference technology, the results showed that the number of oviposited eggs of D. citri was significantly decreased and the ovarian development was inhibited with severe vacuolation. In addition, detection using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction showed that the upstream regulatory gene DcRheb of the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway and the downstream reproduction-related DcVg gene were also significantly downregulated. These results suggest that feeding upon young shoots may upregulate the expression levels of upstream factors DcILP1, DcILP2, and DcIR in the insulin signaling system. The signal will be through upregulating the expression of DcRheb, an upstream gene of the TOR signaling pathway. This in turn influences yolk metabolism, which eventually causes the ovaries of female D. citri to mature and therefore initiate oviposition behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
| | - Delong Tan
- Institute of Facility AgricultureGuangdong Academy of Agricultural SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Feifeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
| | - Shuhao Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jinhua Liu
- Natural Medicine Institute of Zhejiang YangShengTang Co.LTDHangzhouChina
| | | | - Baoli Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
| | - Wen Sang
- Key Laboratory of Bio‐Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong ProvinceSouth China Agricultural UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern AgricultureGuangzhouChina
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25
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Yan L, Du H, Li Y, Li X, Sun L, Cao C. Identification and characterization of key genes in insulin signaling pathway as molecular targets for controlling the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:899-908. [PMID: 36317953 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The insulin signaling pathway is closely related to metabolism, growth, reproductive capacity and lifespan of insects. However, the physiological function of the insulin signaling pathway is little known in Hyphantria cunea. RESULTS Five insulin signaling pathway genes (HcInR, HcPI3K, HcAKT, HcFOXO and HcTOR) in H. cunea were identified and characterized in this study. The spatiotemporal expression profiles of the genes showed that HcInR, HcAKT, HcPI3K and HcTOR expressions were higher at the egg stage than those in other development stages, whereas HcFOXO was highly expressed in the adult stage; all of these genes were highly expressed in the larval digestive system, especially in the midgut and hindgut. After RNA interference (RNAi) of the five genes in 5th instar H. cunea larvae, weight gain and survival rate (except in the siHcAKT-injected group) were significantly decreased, and the developmental duration of larval and pupal stages were prolonged. In addition, knockdown of five genes in 7th instar larvae decreased the pupation rate, survival rate and oviposition capacity, and resulted in abnormal development during larval-pupal transition. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that the insulin signaling pathway plays essential roles in growth and development and the molting process in H. cunea, providing an important basis for developing new potentially molecular targets for RNAi-based pest control and understanding the mechanism of H. cunea outbreak. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Du
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Ye Li
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Xue Li
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Lili Sun
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Chuanwang Cao
- Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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Noncoding RNA Regulation of Hormonal and Metabolic Systems in the Fruit Fly Drosophila. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13020152. [PMID: 36837772 PMCID: PMC9967906 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13020152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of RNAs is commonly recognised thanks to protein-coding RNAs, whereas non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were conventionally regarded as 'junk'. In the last decade, ncRNAs' significance and roles are becoming noticeable in various biological activities, including those in hormonal and metabolic regulation. Among the ncRNAs: microRNA (miRNA) is a small RNA transcript with ~20 nucleotides in length; long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is an RNA transcript with >200 nucleotides; and circular RNA (circRNA) is derived from back-splicing of pre-mRNA. These ncRNAs can regulate gene expression levels at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels through various mechanisms in insects. A better understanding of these crucial regulators is essential to both basic and applied entomology. In this review, we intend to summarise and discuss the current understanding and knowledge of miRNA, lncRNA, and circRNA in the best-studied insect model, the fruit fly Drosophila.
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Huangfu N, Zhu X, Wang L, Zhang K, Li D, Chen L, Gao X, Niu L, Gao M, Ji J, Luo J, Cui J. Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 ( IRS1) Regulates Oogenesis and Vitellogenesis in Propylea japonica by Mediating the FOXO Transcription Factor Expression, Independent of JH and 20E Signaling Pathways. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:300-310. [PMID: 36538395 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The insulin receptor substrate (IRS), as the core cytoplasmic adapter protein in the insulin/insulin-like signaling (IIS) pathway, is an important mediator of cellular signaling. However, it is still unknown how IRS crosstalk with hormone signaling regulates insect growth, development, and reproduction. In this study, we demonstrated that knockdown of IRS1 significantly inhibited oogenesis, vitellogenesis, and the development of nurse cells and follicular epithelial cells. In addition, qRT-PCR results showed that FOXO transcription factors significantly responded to silencing of the IRS1 gene. However, IRS1 silencing had no significant effect on the expression of juvenile hormone/20-hydroxyecdysone (JH/20E)-signaling genes, JH synthesis, and degradation enzyme-related genes and the JH/20E titers. Our results suggested that the IIS pathway regulated ovarian development and Vg production through FOXO, independent of JH and 20E signaling pathways. This study revealed the reproductive regulation mechanism in Propylea japonica, which provides a theoretical basis for large-scale expansion of P. japonica as an environment-friendly biological control strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningbo Huangfu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Li Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- College of Agronomy, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi 830052, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Lin Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Mengxue Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cotton Biology, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang 455000, China
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28
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Paloma Álvarez-Rendón J, Manuel Murillo-Maldonado J, Rafael Riesgo-Escovar J. The insulin signaling pathway a century after its discovery: Sexual dimorphism in insulin signaling. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 330:114146. [PMID: 36270337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Since practically a century ago, the insulin pathway was discovered in both vertebrates and invertebrates, implying an evolutionarily ancient origin. After a century of research, it is now clear that the insulin signal transduction pathway is a critical, flexible and pleiotropic pathway, evolving into multiple anabolic functions besides glucose homeostasis. It regulates paramount aspects of organismal well-being like growth, longevity, intermediate metabolism, and reproduction. Part of this diversification has been attained by duplications and divergence of both ligands and receptors riding on a common general signal transduction system. One of the aspects that is strikingly different is its usage in reproduction, particularly in male versus female development and fertility within the same species. This review highlights sexual divergence in metabolism and reproductive tract differences, the occurrence of sexually "exaggerated" traits, and sex size differences that are due to the sexes' differential activity/response to the insulin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Paloma Álvarez-Rendón
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Murillo-Maldonado
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico
| | - Juan Rafael Riesgo-Escovar
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico.
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29
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Scalia P, Williams SJ, Fujita-Yamaguchi Y, Giordano A. Cell cycle control by the insulin-like growth factor signal: at the crossroad between cell growth and mitotic regulation. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:1-37. [PMID: 36005738 PMCID: PMC9769454 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2108117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In proliferating cells and tissues a number of checkpoints (G1/S and G2/M) preceding cell division (M-phase) require the signal provided by growth factors present in serum. IGFs (I and II) have been demonstrated to constitute key intrinsic components of the peptidic active fraction of mammalian serum. In vivo genetic ablation studies have shown that the cellular signal triggered by the IGFs through their cellular receptors represents a non-replaceable requirement for cell growth and cell cycle progression. Retroactive and current evaluation of published literature sheds light on the intracellular circuitry activated by these factors providing us with a better picture of the pleiotropic mechanistic actions by which IGFs regulate both cell size and mitogenesis under developmental growth as well as in malignant proliferation. The present work aims to summarize the cumulative knowledge learned from the IGF ligands/receptors and their intracellular signaling transducers towards control of cell size and cell-cycle with particular focus to their actionable circuits in human cancer. Furthermore, we bring novel perspectives on key functional discriminants of the IGF growth-mitogenic pathway allowing re-evaluation on some of its signal components based upon established evidences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Scalia
- ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Research Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Caltanissetta, Italy,CST, Biology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United states,CONTACT Pierluigi Scalia ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Research Network, Philadelphia, PA9102, USA
| | - Stephen J Williams
- ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Research Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Caltanissetta, Italy,CST, Biology, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United states
| | - Yoko Fujita-Yamaguchi
- Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- ISOPROG-Somatolink EPFP Research Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA, Caltanissetta, Italy,School of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Italy
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30
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Banzai K, Nishimura T. Isolation of a novel missense mutation in insulin receptor as a spontaneous revertant in ImpL2 mutants in Drosophila. Development 2023; 150:285910. [PMID: 36504086 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling (IIS) correlates nutrient levels to metabolism and growth, thereby playing crucial roles in development and adult fitness. In the fruit fly Drosophila, ImpL2, an ortholog of IGFBP7, binds to and inhibits the function of Drosophila insulin-like peptides. In this study, we isolated a temperature-sensitive mutation in the insulin receptor (InR) gene as a spontaneous revertant in ImpL2 null mutants. The p.Y902C missense mutation is located at the functionally conserved amino acid residue of the first fibronectin type III domain of InR. The hypomorphic InR mutant animals showed a temperature-dependent reduction in IIS and body size. The mutant animals also exhibited metabolic defects, such as increased triglyceride and carbohydrate levels. Metabolomic analysis further revealed that defects in InR caused dysregulation of amino acid and ribonucleotide metabolism. We also observed that InR mutant females produced tiny irregular-shaped embryos with reduced fecundity. In summary, this novel allele of InR is a valuable tool for the Drosophila genetic model of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kota Banzai
- Laboratory for Growth Control Signaling, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishimura
- Laboratory for Growth Control Signaling, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.,Laboratory of Metabolic Regulation and Genetics, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8512, Japan
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31
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Congleton H, Kiser CA, Colom Diaz PA, Schlichting E, Walton DA, Long LJ, Reed LK, Martinez-Cruzado JC, Rele CP. Drosophila mojavensis - chico. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000677. [PMID: 36468157 PMCID: PMC9709638 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 01/01/1970] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chinmay P. Rele
- The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL USA
,
Correspondence to: Chinmay P. Rele (
)
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32
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Murphy BT, Mackrill JJ, O'Halloran KD. Impact of cancer cachexia on respiratory muscle function and the therapeutic potential of exercise. J Physiol 2022; 600:4979-5004. [PMID: 36251564 PMCID: PMC10091733 DOI: 10.1113/jp283569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is defined as a multi-factorial syndrome characterised by an ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass and progressive functional impairment, estimated to affect 50-80% of patients and responsible for 20% of cancer deaths. Elevations in the morbidity and mortality rates of cachectic cancer patients has been linked to respiratory failure due to atrophy and dysfunction of the ventilatory muscles. Despite this, there is a distinct scarcity of research investigating the structural and functional condition of the respiratory musculature in cancer, with the majority of studies exclusively focusing on limb muscle. Treatment strategies are largely ineffective in mitigating the cachectic state. It is now widely accepted that an efficacious intervention will likely combine elements of pharmacology, nutrition and exercise. However, of these approaches, exercise has received comparatively little attention. Therefore, it is unlikely to be implemented optimally, whether in isolation or combination. In consideration of these limitations, the current review describes the mechanistic basis of cancer cachexia and subsequently explores the available respiratory- and exercise-focused literature within this context. The molecular basis of cachexia is thoroughly reviewed. The pivotal role of inflammatory mediators is described. Unravelling the mechanisms of exercise-induced support of muscle via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in addition to promoting efficient energy metabolism via increased mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial function and muscle glucose uptake provide avenues for interventional studies. Currently available pre-clinical mouse models including novel transgenic animals provide a platform for the development of multi-modal therapeutic strategies to protect respiratory muscles in people with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben T Murphy
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John J Mackrill
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ken D O'Halloran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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33
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Jiao Y, Palli SR. Mitochondria dysfunction impairs Tribolium castaneum wing development during metamorphosis. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1252. [PMID: 36380075 PMCID: PMC9666433 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The disproportionate growth of insect appendages such as facultative growth of wings and exaggeration of beetle horns are examples of phenotypic plasticity. Insect metamorphosis is the critical stage for development of pupal and adult structures and degeneration of the larval cells. How the disproportionate growth of external appendages is regulated during tissue remodeling remains unanswered. Tribolium castaneum is used as a model to study the function of mitochondria in metamorphosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction is achieved by the knockdown of key mitochondrial regulators. Here we show that mitochondrial function is not required for metamorphosis except that severe mitochondrial dysfunction blocks ecdysis. Surprisingly, various abnormal wing growth, including short and wingless phenotypes, are induced after knocking down mitochondrial regulators. Mitochondrial activity is regulated by IIS (insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling)/FOXO (forkhead box, sub-group O) pathway through TFAM (transcription factor A, mitochondrial). RNA sequencing and differential gene expression analysis show that wing-patterning and insect hormone response genes are downregulated, while programmed cell death and immune response genes are upregulated in insect wing discs with mitochondrial dysfunction. These studies reveal that mitochondria play critical roles in regulating insect wing growth by targeting wing development during metamorphosis, thus showing a novel molecular mechanism underlying developmental plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyu Jiao
- grid.266539.d0000 0004 1936 8438Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546 USA
| | - Subba Reddy Palli
- grid.266539.d0000 0004 1936 8438Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546 USA
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34
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Ogienko AA, Omelina ES, Bylino OV, Batin MA, Georgiev PG, Pindyurin AV. Drosophila as a Model Organism to Study Basic Mechanisms of Longevity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911244. [PMID: 36232546 PMCID: PMC9569508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression determines the fate and function of various cells and tissues and, as a consequence, the correct development and functioning of complex organisms. Certain mechanisms of gene activity regulation provide adequate cell responses to changes in environmental factors. Aside from gene expression disorders that lead to various pathologies, alterations of expression of particular genes were shown to significantly decrease or increase the lifespan in a wide range of organisms from yeast to human. Drosophila fruit fly is an ideal model system to explore mechanisms of longevity and aging due to low cost, easy handling and maintenance, large number of progeny per adult, short life cycle and lifespan, relatively low number of paralogous genes, high evolutionary conservation of epigenetic mechanisms and signalling pathways, and availability of a wide range of tools to modulate gene expression in vivo. Here, we focus on the organization of the evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways whose components significantly influence the aging process and on the interconnections of these pathways with gene expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna A. Ogienko
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Evgeniya S. Omelina
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Novosibirsk State Agrarian University, 630039 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Oleg V. Bylino
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Batin
- Open Longevity, 15260 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, CA 91403, USA
| | - Pavel G. Georgiev
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation in Development, Institute of Gene Biology RAS, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey V. Pindyurin
- Department of Regulation of Genetic Processes, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-383-363-90-42
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35
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Barish S, Senturk M, Schoch K, Minogue AL, Lopergolo D, Fallerini C, Harland J, Seemann JH, Stong N, Kranz PG, Kansagra S, Mikati MA, Jasien J, El-Dairi M, Galluzzi P, Ariani F, Renieri A, Mari F, Wangler MF, Arur S, Jiang YH, Yamamoto S, Shashi V, Bellen HJ. The microRNA processor DROSHA is a candidate gene for a severe progressive neurological disorder. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2934-2950. [PMID: 35405010 PMCID: PMC9433733 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DROSHA encodes a ribonuclease that is a subunit of the Microprocessor complex and is involved in the first step of microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis. To date, DROSHA has not yet been associated with a Mendelian disease. Here, we describe two individuals with profound intellectual disability, epilepsy, white matter atrophy, microcephaly and dysmorphic features, who carry damaging de novo heterozygous variants in DROSHA. DROSHA is constrained for missense variants and moderately intolerant to loss-of-function (o/e = 0.24). The loss of the fruit fly ortholog drosha causes developmental arrest and death in third instar larvae, a severe reduction in brain size and loss of imaginal discs in the larva. Loss of drosha in eye clones causes small and rough eyes in adult flies. One of the identified DROSHA variants (p.Asp1219Gly) behaves as a strong loss-of-function allele in flies, while another variant (p.Arg1342Trp) is less damaging in our assays. In worms, a knock-in that mimics the p.Asp1219Gly variant at a worm equivalent residue causes loss of miRNA expression and heterochronicity, a phenotype characteristic of the loss of miRNA. Together, our data show that the DROSHA variants found in the individuals presented here are damaging based on functional studies in model organisms and likely underlie the severe phenotype involving the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Barish
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mumine Senturk
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kelly Schoch
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Amanda L Minogue
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Diego Lopergolo
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Chiara Fallerini
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Jake Harland
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jacob H Seemann
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicholas Stong
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Peter G Kranz
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Sujay Kansagra
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mohamad A Mikati
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joan Jasien
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Mays El-Dairi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke Health, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Paolo Galluzzi
- Department of Medical Genetics, NeuroImaging and NeuroInterventional Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera e Universitaria, Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Francesca Ariani
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Alessandra Renieri
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Francesca Mari
- Med Biotech Hub and Competence Center, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Medical Genetics, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
- Genetica Medica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Michael F Wangler
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Swathi Arur
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Shinya Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vandana Shashi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Hugo J Bellen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, BCM, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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36
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Fumagalli S, Pende M. S6 kinase 1 at the central node of cell size and ageing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:949196. [PMID: 36036012 PMCID: PMC9417411 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.949196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic evidence in living organisms from yeast to plants and animals, including humans, unquestionably identifies the Target Of Rapamycin kinase (TOR or mTOR for mammalian/mechanistic) signal transduction pathway as a master regulator of growth through the control of cell size and cell number. Among the mTOR targets, the activation of p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) is exquisitely sensitive to nutrient availability and rapamycin inhibition. Of note, in vivo analysis of mutant flies and mice reveals that S6K1 predominantly regulates cell size versus cell proliferation. Here we review the putative mechanisms of S6K1 action on cell size by considering the main functional categories of S6K1 targets: substrates involved in nucleic acid and protein synthesis, fat mass accumulation, retrograde control of insulin action, senescence program and cytoskeleton organization. We discuss how S6K1 may be involved in the observed interconnection between cell size, regenerative and ageing responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mario Pende
- *Correspondence: Stefano Fumagalli, ; Mario Pende,
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Miao Y, Chen R, Wang X, Zhang J, Tang W, Zhang Z, Liu Y, Xu Q. Drosophila melanogaster diabetes models and its usage in the research of anti-diabetes management with traditional Chinese medicines. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:953490. [PMID: 36035393 PMCID: PMC9403128 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.953490] [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: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing rapidly worldwide, but the underlying molecular mechanisms of disease development have not been elucidated, and the current popular anti-diabetic approaches still have non-negligible limitations. In the last decades, several different DM models were established on the classic model animal, the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), which provided a convenient way to study the mechanisms underlying diabetes and to discover and evaluate new anti-diabetic compounds. In this article, we introduce the Drosophila Diabetes model from three aspects, including signal pathways, established methods, and pharmacodynamic evaluations. As a highlight, the progress in the treatments and experimental studies of diabetes with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) based on the Drosophila Diabetes model is reviewed. We believe that the values of TCMs are underrated in DM management, and the Drosophila Diabetes models can provide a much more efficient tool to explore its values of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaodong Miao
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Yaodong Miao,
| | - Rui Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolu Wang
- Jimo District Qingdao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weina Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaoyuan Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Xu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Qiang Xu,
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The regulation of circadian rhythm by insulin signaling in Drosophila. Neurosci Res 2022; 183:76-83. [PMID: 35872183 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.07.005] [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: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythm is well conserved across species and relates to numerous biological functions. Circadian misalignment impairs metabolic function. Insulin signaling is a key modulator of metabolism in the fruit fly as well as mammals and its defects cause metabolic disease. Daily diet timing affects both circadian rhythmicities of behavior and metabolism. However, the relationship between the circadian clock and insulin signaling is still elusive. Here, we report that insulin signaling regulates circadian rhythm in Drosophila melanogaster. We found the insulin receptor substrate mutant, chico1, showed a shorter free-running circadian period. The knockdown of insulin receptor (InR), or another signaling molecule downstream of InR, dp110, or the expression of a dominant-negative form of InR resulted in the shortening of the circadian period and diminished its amplitude. The impairment of insulin signaling both in all neurons and restricted circadian clock neurons altered circadian period length, indicating that the insulin signaling plays a role in the regulation of circadian rhythm in clock cells. Among 3 insulin-like ligands expressed in the brain, dilp5 showed the largest effect on circadian phenotype when deleted. These results suggested that insulin signaling contributes to the robustness of the circadian oscillation and coordinates metabolism and behavior.
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A conserved domain of Drosophila RNA-binding protein Pumilio interacts with multiple CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex subunits to repress target mRNAs. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102270. [PMID: 35850301 PMCID: PMC9418443 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pumilio is a sequence-specific RNA-binding protein that controls development, stem cell fate, and neurological functions in Drosophila. Pumilio represses protein expression by destabilizing target mRNAs in a manner dependent on the CCR4-NOT deadenylase complex. Three unique repression domains in the N-terminal region of Pumilio were previously shown to recruit CCR4-NOT, but how they do so was not well understood. In this study, we identified the motifs that are necessary and sufficient for the activity of the third repression domain of Pumilio, designated RD3, which is present in all isoforms and has conserved regulatory function. We identified multiple conserved regions of RD3 that are important for repression activity in cell-based reporter gene assays. Using yeast two hybrid assays, we show that RD3 contacts specific regions of the Not1, Not2, and Not3 subunits of the CCR4-NOT complex. Our results indicate that RD3 makes multivalent interactions with CCR4-NOT mediated by conserved short linear interaction motifs. Specifically, two phenylalanine residues in RD3 make crucial contacts with Not1 that are essential for its repression activity. Using reporter gene assays, we also identify three new target mRNAs that are repressed by Pumilio and show that RD3 contributes to their regulation. Together, these results provide important insights into the mechanism by which Pumilio recruits CCR4-NOT to regulate the expression of target mRNAs.
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40
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Tafesh-Edwards G, Kalukin A, Eleftherianos I. Zika Virus Induces Sex-Dependent Metabolic Changes in Drosophila melanogaster to Promote Viral Replication. Front Immunol 2022; 13:903860. [PMID: 35844546 PMCID: PMC9280044 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.903860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika is a member of the Flaviviridae virus family that poses some of the most significant global health risks, causing neurologic complications that range from sensory neuropathy and seizures to congenital Zika syndrome (microcephaly) in infants born to mothers infected during pregnancy. The recent outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) and its serious health threats calls for the characterization and understanding of Zika pathogenesis, as well as host antiviral immune functions. Although ZIKV has been associated with activating the RNA interference (RNAi) immune pathway and altering host metabolism, in-depth studies are still required to uncover the specifics of the complex host-virus interactions and provide additional insights into the molecular components that determine the outcome of this disease. Previous research establishes the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster as a reliable model for studying viral pathogens, as it shares significant similarities with that of vertebrate animal systems. Here, we have developed an in vivo Drosophila model to investigate ZIKV-mediated perturbed metabolism in correlation to the RNAi central mediator Dicer-2. We report that ZIKV infection reprograms glucose and glycogen metabolism in Dicer-2 mutants to maintain efficient replication and successful propagation. Flies that exhibit these metabolic effects also show reduced food intake, which highlights the complicated neurological defects associated with ZIKV. We show that ZIKV infection significantly reduces insulin gene expression in Dicer-2 mutants, suggesting an insulin antiviral role against ZIKV and a direct connection to RNAi immunity. Moreover, we find that the insulin receptor substrate chico is crucial to the survival of ZIKV-infected flies. These observations are remarkably more severe in adult female flies compared to males, indicating possible sex differences in the rates of infection and susceptibility to the development of disease. Such findings not only demonstrate that metabolic alterations can be potentially exploited for developing immune therapeutic strategies but also that preventive measures for disease development may require sex-specific approaches. Therefore, further studies are urgently needed to explore the molecular factors that could be considered as targets to inhibit ZIKV manipulation of host cell metabolism in females and males.
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Mascolo E, Liguori F, Merigliano C, Schiano L, Gnocchini E, Pilesi E, Volonté C, Di Salvo ML, Contestabile R, Tramonti A, Vernì F. Vitamin B6 rescues insulin resistance and glucose-induced DNA damage caused by reduced activity of Drosophila PI3K. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3578-3586. [PMID: 35678366 PMCID: PMC9545242 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The insulin signaling pathway controls cell growth and metabolism, thus its deregulation is associated with both cancer and diabetes. Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) contributes to the cascade of phosphorylation events occurring in the insulin pathway by activating the protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), which phosphorylates several substrates, including those involved in glucose uptake and storage. PI3K inactivating mutations are associated with insulin resistance while activating mutations are identified in human cancers. Here we show that RNAi‐induced depletion of the Drosophila PI3K catalytic subunit (Dp110) results in diabetic phenotypes such as hyperglycemia, body size reduction, and decreased glycogen content. Interestingly, we found that hyperglycemia produces chromosome aberrations (CABs) triggered by the accumulation of advanced glycation end‐products and reactive oxygen species. Rearing PI3KRNAi flies in a medium supplemented with pyridoxal 5′‐phosphate (PLP; the catalytically active form of vitamin B6) rescues DNA damage while, in contrast, treating PI3KRNAi larvae with the PLP inhibitor 4‐deoxypyridoxine strongly enhances CAB frequency. Interestingly, PLP supplementation rescues also diabetic phenotypes. Taken together, our results provide a strong link between impaired PI3K activity and genomic instability, a crucial relationship that needs to be monitored not only in diabetes due to impaired insulin signaling but also in cancer therapies based on PI3K inhibitors. In addition, our findings confirm the notion that vitamin B6 is a good natural remedy to counteract insulin resistance and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Mascolo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Merigliano
- Department of Molecular and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ludovica Schiano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gnocchini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Pilesi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Volonté
- Preclinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti", National Research Council (IASI-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Martino L Di Salvo
- Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti and Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Contestabile
- Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti and Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Tramonti
- Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti and Department of Biochemical Sciences "A. Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (IBPM-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Vernì
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Meshrif WS, El Husseiny IM, Elbrense H. Drosophila melanogaster as a low-cost and valuable model for studying type 2 diabetes. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:457-466. [PMID: 35189046 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has been used as the most successful invertebrate model for studying metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). We induced T2D by feeding Drosophila larvae on a high-sugar diet (HSD). The glucose and trehalose, glycogen, lipid, triglyceride, and protein levels were determined in HSD-fed larvae. Moreover, larval food intake, water content, size, and weight in addition to the development until pupation were observed. Levels of Drosophila insulin-like peptides (DILPs 2, 3, and 5), as well as adipokinetic hormone (AKH), were also determined in HSD-fed larvae by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that HSD could induce elevated levels of glucose, trehalose, glycogen, and proteins in larvae. The larvae consumed less food intake and were smaller, lighter, and less developed on HSD than those on the control diet. Moreover, the water content of larvae fed HSD was similar to that fed the control diet. HSD induced higher expression of DILP3 and AKH, confirming hyperglycemia with insulin resistance. In sum, Drosophila offers an appropriate model for quick and inexpensive in vivo experimentation on human metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesam S Meshrif
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Iman M El Husseiny
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Hanaa Elbrense
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Millington JW, Biswas P, Chao C, Xia YH, Wat LW, Brownrigg GP, Sun Z, Basner-Collins PJ, Klein Geltink RI, Rideout EJ. A low-sugar diet enhances Drosophila body size in males and females via sex-specific mechanisms. Development 2022; 149:dev200491. [PMID: 35195254 PMCID: PMC10656461 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In Drosophila, changes to dietary protein elicit different body size responses between the sexes. Whether these differential body size effects extend to other macronutrients remains unclear. Here, we show that lowering dietary sugar (0S diet) enhanced body size in male and female larvae. Despite an equivalent phenotypic effect between the sexes, we detected sex-specific changes to signalling pathways, transcription and whole-body glycogen and protein. In males, the low-sugar diet augmented insulin/insulin-like growth factor signalling pathway (IIS) activity by increasing insulin sensitivity, where increased IIS was required for male metabolic and body size responses in 0S. In females reared on low sugar, IIS activity and insulin sensitivity were unaffected, and IIS function did not fully account for metabolic and body size responses. Instead, we identified a female-biased requirement for the Target of rapamycin pathway in regulating metabolic and body size responses. Together, our data suggest the mechanisms underlying the low-sugar-induced increase in body size are not fully shared between the sexes, highlighting the importance of including males and females in larval studies even when similar phenotypic outcomes are observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason W. Millington
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Puja Biswas
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Charlotte Chao
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Yi Han Xia
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Lianna W. Wat
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - George P. Brownrigg
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ziwei Sun
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Paige J. Basner-Collins
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ramon I. Klein Geltink
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Elizabeth J. Rideout
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, Canada
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44
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The great small organisms of developmental genetics: Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. Dev Biol 2022; 485:93-122. [PMID: 35247454 PMCID: PMC9092520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Experimental embryologists working at the turn of the 19th century suggested fundamental mechanisms of development, such as localized cytoplasmic determinants and tissue induction. However, the molecular basis underlying these processes proved intractable for a long time, despite concerted efforts in many developmental systems to isolate factors with a biological role. That road block was overcome by combining developmental biology with genetics. This powerful approach used unbiased genome-wide screens to isolate mutants with developmental defects and to thereby identify genes encoding key determinants and regulatory pathways that govern development. Two small invertebrates were the pioneers: the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Their modes of development differ in many ways, but the two together led the way to unraveling the molecular mechanisms of many fundamental developmental processes. The discovery of the grand homologies between key players in development throughout the animal kingdom underscored the usefulness of studying these small invertebrate models for animal development and even human disease. We describe developmental genetics in Drosophila and C. elegans up to the rise of genomics at the beginning of the 21st Century. Finally, we discuss themes that emerge from the histories of such distinct organisms and prospects of this approach for the future.
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45
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Attwaters M, Hughes SM. Cellular and molecular pathways controlling muscle size in response to exercise. FEBS J 2022; 289:1428-1456. [PMID: 33755332 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
From the discovery of ATP and motor proteins to synaptic neurotransmitters and growth factor control of cell differentiation, skeletal muscle has provided an extreme model system in which to understand aspects of tissue function. Muscle is one of the few tissues that can undergo both increase and decrease in size during everyday life. Muscle size depends on its contractile activity, but the precise cellular and molecular pathway(s) by which the activity stimulus influences muscle size and strength remain unclear. Four correlates of muscle contraction could, in theory, regulate muscle growth: nerve-derived signals, cytoplasmic calcium dynamics, the rate of ATP consumption and physical force. Here, we summarise the evidence for and against each stimulus and what is known or remains unclear concerning their molecular signal transduction pathways and cellular effects. Skeletal muscle can grow in three ways, by generation of new syncytial fibres, addition of nuclei from muscle stem cells to existing fibres or increase in cytoplasmic volume/nucleus. Evidence suggests the latter two processes contribute to exercise-induced growth. Fibre growth requires increase in sarcolemmal surface area and cytoplasmic volume at different rates. It has long been known that high-force exercise is a particularly effective growth stimulus, but how this stimulus is sensed and drives coordinated growth that is appropriately scaled across organelles remains a mystery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Attwaters
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, UK
| | - Simon M Hughes
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, UK
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Abstract
The Drosophila wing imaginal disc is a tissue of undifferentiated cells that are precursors of the wing and most of the notum of the adult fly. The wing disc first forms during embryogenesis from a cluster of ∼30 cells located in the second thoracic segment, which invaginate to form a sac-like structure. They undergo extensive proliferation during larval stages to form a mature larval wing disc of ∼35,000 cells. During this time, distinct cell fates are assigned to different regions, and the wing disc develops a complex morphology. Finally, during pupal stages the wing disc undergoes morphogenetic processes and then differentiates to form the adult wing and notum. While the bulk of the wing disc comprises epithelial cells, it also includes neurons and glia, and is associated with tracheal cells and muscle precursor cells. The relative simplicity and accessibility of the wing disc, combined with the wealth of genetic tools available in Drosophila, have combined to make it a premier system for identifying genes and deciphering systems that play crucial roles in animal development. Studies in wing imaginal discs have made key contributions to many areas of biology, including tissue patterning, signal transduction, growth control, regeneration, planar cell polarity, morphogenesis, and tissue mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bipin Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kenneth D Irvine
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Waksman Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Wu Q, Du X, Feng X, Cheng H, Chen Y, Lu C, Wu M, Tong H. Chlordane exposure causes developmental delay and metabolic disorders in Drosophila melanogaster. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 225:112739. [PMID: 34481351 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of metabolic diseases is increasing every year, and several studies have highlighted the activity of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in causing hyperlipidemia and diabetes, and these compounds are considered to be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Chlordane is classified as an endocrine disruptor, but the mechanism of how it functions is still unclear. This study investigates the effects of chlordane exposure on Drosophila larvae. Drosophila was cultured in diet containing 0.01 μM, 0.1 μM, 1 μM, 5 μM, and 10 μM chlordane, and the toxicity of chlordane, the growth and development of Drosophila, the homeostasis of glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin signaling pathway, lipid peroxidation-related indicators and Nrf2 signaling pathway were evaluated. We here found that exposure to high concentrations of chlordane decreased the survival rate of Drosophila and that exposure to low concentrations of chlordane caused disruption of glucose and lipid metabolism, increased insulin secretion and impairment of insulin signaling. Notably, it also led to massive ROS production and lipid peroxidation despite of the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway, an important pathway for maintaining redox homeostasis. Collectively, chlordane causes lipid peroxidation and disrupts redox homeostasis, which may be a potential mechanism leading to impaired insulin signaling and the metabolism of glucose and lipid, ultimately affects Drosophila development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifang Wu
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xueting Du
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xucong Feng
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Huimin Cheng
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Yingjun Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Chenying Lu
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Mingjiang Wu
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Haibin Tong
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
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48
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Biglou SG, Bendena WG, Chin-Sang I. An overview of the insulin signaling pathway in model organisms Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Peptides 2021; 145:170640. [PMID: 34450203 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway is an evolutionary conserved pathway across metazoans and is required for development, metabolism and behavior. This pathway is associated with various human metabolic disorders and cancers. Thus, model organisms including Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans provide excellent opportunities to examine the structure and function of this pathway and its influence on cellular metabolism and proliferation. In this review, we will provide an overview of human insulin and the human insulin signaling pathway and explore the recent discoveries in model organisms Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans. Our review will provide information regarding the various insulin-like peptides in model organisms as well as the conserved functions of insulin signaling pathways. Further investigation of the insulin signaling pathway in model organisms could provide a promising opportunity to develop novel therapies for various metabolic disorders and insulin-mediated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz G Biglou
- Department of Biology, Queen's University Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada
| | - William G Bendena
- Department of Biology, Queen's University Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada.
| | - Ian Chin-Sang
- Department of Biology, Queen's University Kingston, ON, K7L3N6, Canada
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49
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Liguori F, Mascolo E, Vernì F. The Genetics of Diabetes: What We Can Learn from Drosophila. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011295. [PMID: 34681954 PMCID: PMC8541427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion and/or action. All diabetes types have a strong genetic component. The most frequent forms, type 1 diabetes (T1D), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), are multifactorial syndromes associated with several genes’ effects together with environmental factors. Conversely, rare forms, neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) and maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY), are caused by mutations in single genes. Large scale genome screenings led to the identification of hundreds of putative causative genes for multigenic diabetes, but all the loci identified so far explain only a small proportion of heritability. Nevertheless, several recent studies allowed not only the identification of some genes as causative, but also as putative targets of new drugs. Although monogenic forms of diabetes are the most suited to perform a precision approach and allow an accurate diagnosis, at least 80% of all monogenic cases remain still undiagnosed. The knowledge acquired so far addresses the future work towards a study more focused on the identification of diabetes causal variants; this aim will be reached only by combining expertise from different areas. In this perspective, model organism research is crucial. This review traces an overview of the genetics of diabetes and mainly focuses on Drosophila as a model system, describing how flies can contribute to diabetes knowledge advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Liguori
- Preclinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - Elisa Mascolo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fiammetta Vernì
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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50
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Moraes KCM, Montagne J. Drosophila melanogaster: A Powerful Tiny Animal Model for the Study of Metabolic Hepatic Diseases. Front Physiol 2021; 12:728407. [PMID: 34603083 PMCID: PMC8481879 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.728407] [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: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal experimentation is limited by unethical procedures, time-consuming protocols, and high cost. Thus, the development of innovative approaches for disease treatment based on alternative models in a fast, safe, and economic manner is an important, yet challenging goal. In this paradigm, the fruit-fly Drosophila melanogaster has become a powerful model for biomedical research, considering its short life cycle and low-cost maintenance. In addition, biological processes are conserved and homologs of ∼75% of human disease-related genes are found in the fruit-fly. Therefore, this model has been used in innovative approaches to evaluate and validate the functional activities of candidate molecules identified via in vitro large-scale analyses, as putative agents to treat or reverse pathological conditions. In this context, Drosophila offers a powerful alternative to investigate the molecular aspects of liver diseases, since no effective therapies are available for those pathologies. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common form of chronic hepatic dysfunctions, which may progress to the development of chronic hepatitis and ultimately to cirrhosis, thereby increasing the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This deleterious situation reinforces the use of the Drosophila model to accelerate functional research aimed at deciphering the mechanisms that sustain the disease. In this short review, we illustrate the relevance of using the fruit-fly to address aspects of liver pathologies to contribute to the biomedical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen C M Moraes
- Laboratório de Sinalização Celular e Expressão Gênica, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Instituto de Biociências, UNESP, Rio Claro, Brazil
| | - Jacques Montagne
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), CEA, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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