1
|
Costa-Leonardo AM, Janei V, Ignatti AC, da Silva IB. Termite queen physogastry and associated mechanisms shaping a high lifetime fecundity. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2025; 163:104824. [PMID: 40409458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2025.104824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2025] [Revised: 05/17/2025] [Accepted: 05/20/2025] [Indexed: 05/25/2025]
Abstract
Termites are eusocial insects whose colonies are usually headed by a pair of reproductives (queen and king). During its lifespan, the royal couple faces an age-dependent increase in fecundity. In queens, it reflects on the disproportional development of the ovaries and enlargement of the abdominal cuticle, a phenomenon referred to as physogastry. Beyond the impact on the ovaries and egg production, physogastry requires the morphological and physiological reprogramming of other systems such as the digestive, tracheal, muscular, and circulatory, resulting in a process that takes years to happen. Given the sampling difficulty and the absence of physogastric queens in some model species, such a topic is overlooked, and a comprehensive review has not been provided to date. Here we aim to review the process of physogastry in termite queens, from the pioneer studies on the morphological changes accompanying this process to recent advances in the molecular mechanisms underlying fecundity and the remarkable longevity reached by mature queens (e.g., TI-J-LiFe framework). Intrinsic and extrinsic factors driving this phenomenon, its impact on colony growth, and the current knowledge gaps are also discussed. We expect that our approach paves the way for further studies of termite physogastry, especially given the advances of molecular tools and recent termite phylogenies, and comparative analyses with other eusocial insects and the mechanisms driving this phenomenon in the different groups. Physogastry is a rare process in adult insects and remarkable in termite queens, offering aunique opportunity to unravel the basis of a highly fecund life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Costa-Leonardo
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
| | - Vanelize Janei
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Ignatti
- Laboratório de Cupins, Departamento de Biologia Geral e Aplicada, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista - UNESP, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil
| | - Iago Bueno da Silva
- Evolution, Genomes, Behavior, and Ecology (EGCE), Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, IRD, Gif‑Sur‑Yvette, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Haroon, Khan Z, Javaid W, Xing LX. Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) and Telomeric Analysis in Somatic Organs of Reproductive and Non-Reproductive Castes of Termite Reticulitermes chinensis. BIOLOGY 2025; 14:166. [PMID: 40001934 PMCID: PMC11852100 DOI: 10.3390/biology14020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2024] [Revised: 01/05/2025] [Accepted: 01/18/2025] [Indexed: 02/27/2025]
Abstract
The study of Reticulitermes chinensis offers valuable insights into insect aging and longevity, focusing on telomere biology and simple sequence repeats (SSRs). Telomeres, the protective cap at chromosome ends, are often linked to cellular aging and lifespan. Through transcriptomic analysis using the RepeatExplorer tool, a total of 10,740 SSR loci were identified, encompassing di-, tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-nucleotide motifs. Among these, tri-nucleotide repeats were the most prevalent (2702), with prominent motifs including AC/GT (21.91%), AAG/CTT (8.49%), and AGC/CTG (8.2%). The identified SSRs serve as valuable genetic markers for taxonomy, phylogenetic, and population genetics. A telomeric sequence array featuring the TTAGG repeat motif was also discovered, with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) confirming its localization at chromosome ends. Telomere lengths R. chinensis ranged from tens to hundreds of kilobases but showed no significant correlation with lifespan differences among termite castes. All castes had the same telomere length. This finding suggests that R. chinensis may possess a unique telomere maintenance mechanism, decoupling telomere length from aging and challenging the conventional view that shorter telomeres are indicative aging. It is hypothesized that telomerase activity plays a critical role in preserving telomere integrity in this species. These findings underscore the complexity and evolutionary adaptations of telomere biology in social insects. Moreover, the variation and organization of SSRs in R. chinensis provide a rich genetic resource for genome mapping, evolutionary research, and population genetics. This study sheds light on telomere dynamics and genetic diversity in termites, opening new pathways for research in evolutionary biology and the molecular mechanisms of aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haroon
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.); (W.J.)
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Zahid Khan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Wasim Javaid
- College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (H.); (W.J.)
| | - Lian-Xi Xing
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu J, Wen X, Wang J, Yue Z, Jiang Q. Gonadal development of adultoid reproductive in subterranean termites indicates strong reproductive potential. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 159:104721. [PMID: 39547546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104721] [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: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/17/2024]
Abstract
The fair allocation of reproductive resources between population growth and outward dispersal plays a crucial role in determining competitive advantage and ecological success of organisms within their environment. Termite colonies demonstrate flexibility in allocating their reproductive resources through wing polymorphism: with alates possessing fully developed wings for dispersal to propagate the colony's genetic material, while adultoids have floppy wings, serving a secondary reproductive to ensure stability and development within the natal colony. However, the extent of reproductive potential exhibited by alates (post-shed-wings called dealate) and adultoids within the colony remains uncertain. In this study, through experimentation, we compared the reproductive capacity of dealate and adultoid. We found that the adultoids can develop to maturity and lay eggs faster after emergence. The reproductive potential including the number of ovariole, the number of oocytes in growth and vitellogenesis stage, and the expression levels of vitellogenin genes were all higher than dealates. More importantly, paired adultoids has a longer oviposition cycle and is able to obtain more eggs and larvae. These results suggest that adultoids possess a greater reproductive potential allowing them to produce a large number of offspring within a short period of time. Our results help to an explanation of the biological significance that the differentiation of adultoids reproductive persist in lower termite colonies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wu
- Applied Research Center for Life Science, Xi'an International University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, PR China; College of Medicine, Xi'an International University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, PR China
| | - Xiaolan Wen
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China; Key Laboratory of Guangxi Colleges and Universities of Biological Molecular Medicine Research, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, PR China
| | - Jinpei Wang
- Applied Research Center for Life Science, Xi'an International University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Yue
- Applied Research Center for Life Science, Xi'an International University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, PR China.
| | - Qi Jiang
- Applied Research Center for Life Science, Xi'an International University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710077, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Peng X, Khan Z, Liu XM, Deng SL, Fang YG, Zhang M, Su XH, Xing LX, Yan XR. Embryonic Development of Parthenogenetic and Sexual Eggs in Lower Termites. INSECTS 2023; 14:640. [PMID: 37504646 PMCID: PMC10380263 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, termites are one of few social insects. In this research, the stages of embryonic development in the parthenogenetic and sexual eggs of Reticulitermes aculabialis and R. flaviceps were observed and described. In R. flaviceps, the egg development of the FF and FM groups happened during the early phases of development, whereas in R. aculabialis, this appeared mainly during the late phase of development. The variance in the number of micropyles between the R. flaviceps FF colony type and the R. aculabialis FF colony type was statistically significant. Five stages of egg development were found in both types of R. aculabialis but only the sexual eggs of R. flaviceps. In R. flaviceps, 86% of the parthenogenetic eggs stopped growing during the blastoderm development, with the yolk cell assembling frequently in the center of the egg. According to the results of the single-cell transcriptome sequencing, we investigated the egg-to-larval expression level of genes (pka, map2k1, mapk1/3, hgk, mkp, and pax6) and indicated that the levels of essential gene expression in RaFF were considerably higher than in RfFF (p < 0.05). We also discovered that the oocyte cleavage rate in the FF colony type was considerably lower in R. flaviceps compared to R. aculabialis, which gave rise to a smaller number of mature oocytes in R. flaviceps. During ovulation in both species, oocytes underwent activation and one or two cleavage events, but the development of unfertilized eggs ceased in R. flaviceps. It was shown that termite oocyte and embryonic development were heavily influenced by genes with significant expressions. Results from the databases KEGG, COG, and GO unigenes revealed the control of numerous biological processes. This study is the first to complete a database of parthenogenetic and sexual eggs of R. flaviceps and R. aculabialis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Peng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
| | - Zahid Khan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
- Zoology Department, University of Swabi, Swabi 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
| | - Xiao-Min Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
| | - Shi-Lin Deng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
| | - Yong-Gang Fang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
| | - Xiao-Hong Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- Xi’an Brand of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an 710043, China
| | - Lian-Xi Xing
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- Xi’an Brand of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an 710043, China
| | - Xing-Rong Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China; (X.P.); (Z.K.); (X.-M.L.); (S.-L.D.); (Y.-G.F.); (M.Z.); (X.-H.S.)
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- Xi’an Brand of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an 710043, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Haroon, Li YX, Ye CX, Su J, Nabi G, Su XH, Xing LX. De Novo Transcriptome Assembly and Analysis of Longevity Genes Using Subterranean Termite ( Reticulitermes chinensis) Castes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13660. [PMID: 36362447 PMCID: PMC9657995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113660] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The longevity phenomenon is entirely controlled by the insulin signaling pathway (IIS-pathway). Both vertebrates and invertebrates have IIS-pathways that are comparable to one another, though no one has previously described de novo transcriptome assembly of IIS-pathway-associated genes in termites. In this research, we analyzed the transcriptomes of both reproductive (primary kings “PK” and queens “PQ”, secondary worker reproductive kings “SWRK” and queens “SWRQ”) and non-reproductive (male “WM” and female “WF” workers) castes of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis. The goal was to identify the genes responsible for longevity in the reproductive and non-reproductive castes. Through transcriptome analysis, we annotated 103,589,264 sequence reads and 184,436 (7G) unigenes were assembled, GC performance was measured at 43.02%, and 64,046 sequences were reported as CDs sequences. Of which 35 IIS-pathway-associated genes were identified, among 35 genes, we focused on the phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1 (Pdk1), protein kinase B2 (akt2-a), tuberous sclerosis-2 (Tsc2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (EIF4E) and ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) genes. Previously these genes (Pdk1, akt2-a, mTOR, EIF4E, and RPS6) were investigated in various organisms, that regulate physiological effects, growth factors, protein translation, cell survival, proliferation, protein synthesis, cell metabolism and survival, autophagy, fecundity rate, egg size, and follicle number, although the critical reason for longevity is still unclear in the termite castes. However, based on transcriptome profiling, the IIS-pathway-associated genes could prolong the reproductive caste lifespan and health span. Therefore, the transcriptomic shreds of evidence related to IIS-pathway genes provide new insights into the maintenance and relationships between biomolecular homeostasis and remarkable longevity. Finally, we propose a strategy for future research to decrypt the hidden costs associated with termite aging in reproductive and non-reproductive castes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haroon
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, No. 229, North Taibai Rd., Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Yu-Xin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, No. 229, North Taibai Rd., Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Chen-Xu Ye
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, No. 229, North Taibai Rd., Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Jian Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, No. 229, North Taibai Rd., Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Ghulam Nabi
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31120 Krakow, Poland
| | - Xiao-Hong Su
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, No. 229, North Taibai Rd., Xi’an 710069, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Lian-Xi Xing
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, No. 229, North Taibai Rd., Xi’an 710069, China
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eerkens AL, Vledder A, Rooij N, Foijer F, Nijman HW, Bruyn M. Rapid and efficient generation of antigen‐specific isogenic T cells from cryopreserved blood samples. Immunol Cell Biol 2022; 100:285-295. [PMID: 35194830 PMCID: PMC9314923 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12538] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9)‐mediated gene editing has been leveraged for the modification of human and mouse T cells. However, limited experience is available on the application of CRISPR/Cas9 electroporation in cryopreserved T cells collected during clinical trials. To address this, we aimed to optimize a CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing protocol compatible with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) samples routinely produced during clinical trials. PBMCs from healthy donors were used to generate knockout T‐cell models for interferon‐γ, Cbl proto‐oncogene B (CBLB), Fas cell surface death receptor (Fas) and T‐cell receptor (TCRαβ) genes. The effect of CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing on T cells was evaluated using apoptosis assays, cytokine bead arrays and ex vivo and in vitro stimulation assays. Our results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing of ex vivo T cells is efficient and does not overtly affect T‐cell viability. Cytokine release and T‐cell proliferation were not affected in gene‐edited T cells. Interestingly, memory T cells were more susceptible to CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing than naïve T cells. Ex vivo and in vitro stimulation with antigens resulted in equivalent antigen‐specific T‐cell responses in gene‐edited and untouched control cells, making CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing compatible with clinical antigen‐specific T‐cell activation and expansion assays. Here, we report an optimized protocol for rapid, viable and highly efficient genetic modification in ex vivo human antigen‐specific T cells, for subsequent functional evaluation and/or expansion. Our platform extends CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing for use in gold‐standard clinically used immune‐monitoring pipelines and serves as a starting point for development of analogous approaches, such as those including transcriptional activators and/or epigenetic modifiers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneke L Eerkens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Annegé Vledder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Rooij
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Hans W Nijman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Marco Bruyn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology University of Groningen University Medical Center Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ye C, Song Z, Wu T, Zhang W, Saba NU, Xing L, Su X. Endocuticle is involved in caste differentiation of the lower termite. Curr Zool 2021; 67:489-499. [PMID: 34616947 PMCID: PMC8489109 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoab005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Caste differentiation in termites is one of the most conspicuous examples of facultative polyphenism in animals. It is clear that specific cuticular formation occurs in hard exocuticles during caste differentiation. However, the developmental pattern of the soft endocuticle in the differentiation pathways of castes is unknown. To reveal whether the endocuticle is involved in caste differentiation, we compared the exocuticle and endocuticle thickness of individuals in 2 pathways (nymph line and worker line) of caste differentiation in the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis. The endocuticle protein genes were identified by transcriptome analysis and the expression patterns of these genes were confirmed in caste differentiation. We found that the endocuticle structure showed dynamic changes in 2 pathways, and the first difference in endocuticle structure occurred after larvae differentiation bifurcated into workers and nymphs. The thinning of the endocuticle was a significant event from nymphs developing into alates with the thickest exocuticle and thinnest endocuticle. The thickest endocuticle layers were found in the heads of the workers and the ultrastructure of the endocuticle in the heads was more complex than that in the thorax-abdomens. Six endocuticle protein genes were identified and annotated as endocuticle structural glycoproteins SgAbd-2, SgAbd-9, and Abd-5. The expression levels of endocuticle protein genes changed dramatically during caste development and the expression levels in neotenic reproductives (secondary reproductives) were significantly higher than those in alates (primary reproductives). These results reveal the roles of endocuticles in caste differentiation and adaptation to the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxu Ye
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Zhuanzhuan Song
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Taoyu Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Wenxiu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Noor us Saba
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Lianxi Xing
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| | - Xiaohong Su
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory for Animal Conservation, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu K, Shen X, Song C, Chen H, Chen Y, Ji Z, Yuan A, Yang X, Kong L. Construction of rGO-Encapsulated Co 3 O 4 -CoFe 2 O 4 Composites with a Double-Buffer Structure for High-Performance Lithium Storage. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2101080. [PMID: 34263546 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202101080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are promising anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Nevertheless, their poor electronic and ionic conductivity as well as huge volume change leads to low capacity release and rapid capacity decay. Herein, a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-encapsulated TMOs strategy is developed to address the above problems. The Co3 O4 -CoFe2 O4 @rGO composites with rGO sheets-encapsulated Co3 O4 -CoFe2 O4 microcubes are successfully constructed through a simple metal-organic frameworks precursor route, in which Co[Fe(CN)5 NO] microcubes are in situ coated by graphene oxide sheets, followed by a two-step calcination process. As anode material of LIBs, Co3 O4 -CoFe2 O4 @rGO exhibits remarkable reversible capacity (1393 mAh g-1 at 0.2 A g-1 after 300 cycles), outstanding long-term cycling stability (701 mAh g-1 at 2.0 A g-1 after 500 cycles), and excellent rate capability (420 mAh g-1 at 4.0 A g-1 ). The superior lithium storage performance can be attributed to the unique double-buffer structure, in which the outer flexible rGO shells can prevent the structure collapse of the electrode and improve its conductivity, while the hierarchical porous cores of Co3 O4 -CoFe2 O4 microcubes can buffer the volume expansion. This work provides a general and straightforward strategy for the construction of novel rGO-encapsulated bimetal oxides for energy storage and conversion application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keqiang Xu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Technology in Environmental Protection of Jiangsu Province, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China
| | - Xiaoping Shen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, P. R. China
| | - Chunsen Song
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, P. R. China
| | - Huaiyang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, P. R. China
| | - Yao Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, P. R. China
| | - Zhenyuan Ji
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, P. R. China
| | - Aihua Yuan
- School of Environmental & Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003, P. R. China
| | - Xiuli Yang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Technology in Environmental Protection of Jiangsu Province, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, China
| | - Lirong Kong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kakkar A, Verma RK, Samal B, Chatterjee S. Interplay between the cyclic di-GMP network and the cell-cell signalling components coordinates virulence-associated functions in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae. Environ Microbiol 2021; 23:5433-5462. [PMID: 34240791 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.15664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes a serious disease of rice known as bacterial leaf blight. Several virulence-associated functions have been characterized in Xoo. However, the role of important second messenger c-di-GMP signalling in the regulation of virulence-associated functions still remains elusive in this phytopathogen. In this study we have performed an investigation of 13 c-di-GMP modulating deletion mutants to understand their contribution in Xoo virulence and lifestyle transition. We show that four Xoo proteins, Xoo2331, Xoo2563, Xoo2860 and Xoo2616, are involved in fine-tuning the in vivo c-di-GMP abundance and also play a role in the regulation of virulence-associated functions. We have further established the importance of the GGDEF domain of Xoo2563, a previously characterized c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase, in the virulence-associated functions of Xoo. Interestingly the strain harbouring the GGDEF domain deletion (ΔXoo2563GGDEF ) exhibited EPS deficiency and hypersensitivity to streptonigrin, indicative of altered iron metabolism. This is in contrast to the phenotype exhibited by an EAL overexpression strain wherein, the ΔXoo2563GGDEF exhibited other phenotypes, similar to the strain overexpressing the EAL domain. Taken together, our results indicate a complex interplay of c-di-GMP signalling with the cell-cell signalling to coordinate virulence-associated function in Xoo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akanksha Kakkar
- Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Uppal, Hyderabad, 500039, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raj Kumar Verma
- Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Uppal, Hyderabad, 500039, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Biswajit Samal
- Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Uppal, Hyderabad, 500039, India.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Mangalore, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Transcriptomic evidence that insulin signalling pathway regulates the ageing of subterranean termite castes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8187. [PMID: 32424344 PMCID: PMC7235038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64890-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin is a protein hormone that controls the metabolism of sugar, fat and protein via signal transduction in cells, influencing growth and developmental processes such as reproduction and ageing. From nematodes to fruit flies, rodents and other animals, glucose signalling mechanisms are highly conserved. Reproductive termites (queens and kings) exhibit an extraordinarily long lifespan relative to non-reproductive individuals such as workers, despite being generated from the same genome, thus providing a unique model for the investigation of longevity. The key reason for this molecular mechanism, however, remains unclear. To clarify the molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon, we sequenced the transcriptomes of the primary kings (PKs), primary queens (PQs), male (WMs) and female (WFs) workers of the lower subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis. We performed RNA sequencing and identified 33 insulin signalling pathway-related genes in R. chinensis. RT-qPCR analyses revealed that EIF4E and RPS6 genes were highly expressed in WMs and WFs workers, while mTOR expression was lower in PKs and PQs than in WMs and WFs. PQs and PKs exhibited lower expression of akt2-a than female workers. As the highly conserved insulin signalling pathway can significantly prolong the healthspan and lifespan, so we infer that the insulin signalling pathway regulates ageing in the subterranean termite R. chinensis. Further studies are recommended to reveal the biological function of insulin signalling pathway-related genes in the survival of termites to provide new insights into biomolecular homeostasis maintenance and its relationship to remarkable longevity.
Collapse
|
11
|
Shang F, Ding BY, Ye C, Yang L, Chang TY, Xie J, Tang LD, Niu J, Wang JJ. Evaluation of a cuticle protein gene as a potential RNAi target in aphids. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020; 76:134-140. [PMID: 31461217 DOI: 10.1002/ps.5599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) has potential as a pest insect control technique. One possible RNAi target is the cuticle protein, which is important in insect molting and development. As an example, here we evaluate the possibility of designing double-stranded RNA (RNA) that is effective for silencing the cuticle protein 19 gene (CP19) in aphids but is harmless to non-target predator insects. RESULTS The sequences of CP19s were similar (86.6-94.4%) among the tested aphid species (Aphis citricidus, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and Myzus persicae) but different in the predator Propylaea japonica. Ingestion of species-specific dsRNAs of CP19 by the three aphids produced 39.3-64.2% gene silencing and 45.8-55.8% mortality. Ingestion of non-species-specific dsRNA (dsAcCP19) by Ac. pisum and M. persicae gave gene silencing levels ranging from 40.4% to 50.3% and 43.3-50.8% mortality. The dsApCP19 did not affect PjCP19 expression or developmental duration in P. japonica. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that CP19 is a promising RNAi target for aphid control via one dsRNA design. The targeting of genes that are conserved in insect pests but not present in beneficial insects is a useful RNAi-based pest control strategy. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng Shang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bi-Yue Ding
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Ye
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Teng-Yu Chang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiaqin Xie
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center for Fungal Insecticide, Genetic Engineering Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Liang-De Tang
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, China
| | - Jinzhi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International Joint Laboratory of China-Belgium on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, State Cultivation Base of Crop Stress Biology for Southern Mountainous Land, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rasheed H, Ye C, Meng Y, Ran Y, Li J, Su X. Comparative transcriptomic analysis and endocuticular protein gene expression of alate adults, workers and soldiers of the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:742. [PMID: 31615402 PMCID: PMC6794787 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6149-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The insect cuticle is mainly composed of exocuticle and endocuticle layers that consist of a large number of structural proteins. The thickness and synthesis of the exocuticle depend on different castes that perform various functions in alates, workers and soldiers. However, it is not clear whether the soft endocuticle is involved in the division of labour in termite colonies. To reveal the structural characteristics of the endocuticle in different castes, we investigated the thickness of endocuticle layers in alates, workers and soldiers of the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis, and then we sequenced their transcriptome and detected the endocuticle protein genes. The differential expression levels of the endocuticular protein genes were confirmed in the three castes. RESULTS We found that there was a great difference in the thickness of the endocuticle among the alates, soldiers and workers. The thickest endocuticle layers were found in the heads of the workers 7.88 ± 1.67 μm. The endocuticle layer in the head of the workers was approximately three-fold and nine-fold thicker than that in the heads of soldiers and alates, respectively. The thinnest endocuticle layers occurred in the head, thorax and abdomen of alates, which were 0.86 ± 0.15, 0.76 ± 0.24 and 0.52 ± 0.17 μm thick, respectively, and had no significant differences. A total of 43,531,650 clean sequencing reads was obtained, and 89,475 unigenes were assembled. Of the 70 identified cuticular protein genes, 10 endocuticular genes that belong to the RR-1 family were selected. qRT-PCR analysis of the five endocuticular genes (SgAbd-2, SgAbd-9, Abd-5, SgAbd-2-like and Abd-4-like) revealed that the endocuticle genes were more highly expressed in workers than in soldiers and alates. CONCLUSION These results suggest that SgAbd and Abd are the key components of the endocuticle. We infer that the thicker endocuticle in workers is helpful for them to perform their functions against environmental stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humaira Rasheed
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yufeng Meng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuehua Ran
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohong Su
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Northwest University), Ministry of Education, Xi'an, China.
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ye C, Rasheed H, Ran Y, Yang X, Xing L, Su X. Transcriptome changes reveal the genetic mechanisms of the reproductive plasticity of workers in lower termites. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:702. [PMID: 31500567 PMCID: PMC6734246 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6037-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The reproductive plasticity of termite workers provides colonies with tremendous flexibility to respond to environmental changes, which is the basis for evolutionary and ecological success. Although it is known that all colony members share the same genetic background and that differences in castes are caused by differences in gene expression, the pattern of the specific expression of genes involved in the differentiation of workers into reproductives remains unclear. In this study, the isolated workers of Reticulitermes labralis developed into reproductives, and then comparative transcriptomes were used for the first time to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the reproductive plasticity of workers. Results We identified 38,070 differentially expressed genes and found a pattern of gene expression involved in the differentiation of the workers into reproductives. 12, 543 genes were specifically upregulated in the isolated workers. Twenty-five signal transduction pathways classified into environmental information processing were related to the differentiation of workers into reproductives. Ras functions as a signalling switch regulates the reproductive plasticity of workers. The catalase gene which is related to longevity was up-regulated in reproductives. Conclusion We demonstrate that workers leaving the natal colony can induce the expression of stage-specific genes in the workers, which leads to the differentiation of workers into reproductives and suggests that the signal transduction along the Ras-MAPK pathway crucially controls the reproductive plasticity of the workers. This study also provides an important model for revealing the molecular mechanism of longevity changes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-6037-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxu Ye
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Humaira Rasheed
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuehua Ran
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lianxi Xing
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohong Su
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an, China. .,College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
| |
Collapse
|