Retargeting of the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin Cyt2Aa against hemipteran insect pests

Bacillus thuringiensis-derived pesticidal proteins toxic to the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is among the most important threats to global agriculture and food security. In addition to losses associated with feeding, B. tabaci vectors hundreds of plant viruses, many of which cause severe disease in staple food crops. The management of B. tabaci is confounded by extensive resistance to chemical insecticides. While pesticidal proteins derived from entomopathogenic bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) could provide for alternative management approaches, only one pesticidal protein with toxicity to B. tabaci has been identified. Here we screened 11 Bt-derived pesticidal proteins from several different structural classes against the highly invasive, Middle East-Asian Minor 1 (MEAM1) cryptic species of B. tabaci, and assessed the impact of a B. tabaci-active protein on the gut epithelial membrane by transmission electron microscopy. The pesticidal proteins were expressed in Bt or in Escherichia coli and purified for use in bioassays. The toxicity of purified proteins was first assessed by feeding adults on a single dose followed by lethal concentration (LC50) determination for proteins with significant mortality relative to the buffer control. The proteins Tpp78Aa1, Tpp78Ba1, and Cry1Ca were toxic to B. tabaci with LC50 values of 99, 96, and 351 µg/mL, respectively. Disruption of the brush border and severe reduction in microvilli on the gut surface caused by Tpp78Aa1 is consistent with the mode of action of Bt-derived pesticidal proteins. These proteins may provide valuable tools for the integrated management of B. tabaci populations and associated reduced incidence of B. tabaci vectored plant viral diseases.

Gut-binding peptides as potential tools to reduce virus binding to honey bee gut surface proteins

Colonies of the western honey bee, Apis mellifera, are severely impacted by a wide range of stressors, with Varroa mites and associated viruses being among the most serious threats to honey bee health. Viral load plays an important role in colony demise, with the iflavirus Deformed wing virus (DWV) and the dicistrovirus Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) being of particular concern. By feeding adult honey bees on a phage display library to identify gut-binding peptides (R. Mishra, Y. Guo, P. Kumar, P. E. Cantón, C. S. Tavares, R. Banerjee, S. Kuwar, and B. C. Bonning, Curr Res Insect Sci, 1:100012, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cris.2021.100012), we identified Bee midgut-Binding Peptide (BBP2.1), which shares 75% and 85% identity with regions on the DWV capsid protein and IAPV ORFx protein, respectively. These viral protein domains are likely to be instrumental in virus interaction with the honey bee gut. Pull-down assays with honey bee gut brush border membrane vesicles were used to confirm peptide-mCherry binding to the gut for BBP2.1 and the two similar virus-derived sequences, peptides BBP2.1DWV and BBP2.1IAPV. In vitro competition assays showed that all three peptides compete with both IAPV and DWV virions for binding to honey bee gut-derived brush border membrane vesicles, suggesting that the three peptides and the two viruses bind to the same proteins. Ingestion of BBP2.1 reduced the movement of DWV, but not IAPV from the honey bee gut into the body and did not rescue IAPV-associated mortality. These results are discussed in relation to the biological function of IAPV ORFx and the potential utility of virus-blocking peptides for suppression of virus infection to reduce virus load and virus-associated honey bee mortality.IMPORTANCEEach year, approximately 40% of managed honey bee hives in the United States are lost due to a variety of environmental stressors. Although increases in virus infection are among the most important factors resulting in colony loss, there are currently no effective tools for the management of virus infection in honey bees. In this study, we identified a peptide that binds to the gut of the honey bee and competes with two of the most important honey bee viruses, Israeli acute paralysis virus of bees (IAPV) and Deformed wing virus (DWV), for binding to gut proteins. In vivo competition between this peptide and DWV demonstrates the potential utility of gut-binding peptides for the protection of honey bees from virus infection for reduced virus-associated honey bee mortality.

Pathogen Binding and Entry: Molecular Interactions with the Insect Gut

The point of entry for the majority of arthropod pathogens and arthropod-vectored pathogens of plant, animal, and human health importance is the arthropod midgut. Pathogen interaction with the midgut therefore represents a primary target for intervention to prevent pathogen infection and transmission. Despite this key role in pathogen invasion, relatively little is known of the specific molecular interactions between pathogens and the surface of the arthropod gut epithelium, with few pathogen receptors having been definitively identified. This article provides an overview of pathogen molecular interactions in the arthropod midgut, with a focus on gut surface proteins that mediate pathogen entry, and highlights recent methodological advances that facilitate the identification of pathogen receptor proteins.

The beta pore-forming bacterial pesticidal protein Tpp78Aa1 is toxic to the Asian citrus psyllid vector of the citrus greening bacterium

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri transmits the causative agent of huanglongbing, or citrus greening disease, that has decimated global citrus production. Pesticidal proteins derived from bacteria such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can provide effective and environmentally friendly alternatives for management of D. citri, but few with sufficient toxicity to D. citri have been identified. Here, we report on the toxicity of 14 Bt-derived pesticidal proteins from five different structural groups against D. citri. These proteins were selected based on previously reported toxicity to other hemipteran species and on pesticidal protein availability. Most of the proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli and purified from inclusion bodies or His-tag affinity purification, while App6Aa2 was expressed in Bt and purified from spore/crystal mixtures. Pesticidal proteins were initially screened by feeding psyllids on a single dose, and lethal concentration (LC50) then determined for proteins with significantly greater mortality than the buffer control. The impact of CLas infection of D. citri on toxicity was assessed for selected proteins via topical feeding. The Bt protein Tpp78Aa1 was toxic to D. citri adults with an LC50 of approximately 204 µg/mL. Nymphs were more susceptible to Tpp78Aa1 than adults but no significant difference in susceptibility was observed between healthy and CLas-infected nymphs or adults. Tpp78Aa1 and other reported D. citri-active proteins may provide valuable tools for suppression of D. citri populations.

Diversity of transgenes in sustainable management of insect pests

Insecticidal transgenes, when incorporated and expressed in plants, confer resistance against insects by producing several products having insecticidal properties. Protease inhibitors, lectins, amylase inhibitors, and chitinase genes are associated with the natural defenses developed by plants to counter insect attacks. Several toxin genes are also derived from spiders and scorpions for protection against insects. Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner is a microbial source of insecticidal toxins. Several methods have facilitated the large-scale production of transgenic plants. Bt-derived cry, cyt, vip, and sip genes, plant-derived genes such as lectins, protease inhibitors, and alpha-amylase inhibitors, insect cell wall-degrading enzymes like chitinase and some proteins like arcelins, plant defensins, and ribosome-inactivating proteins have been successfully utilized to impart resistance to insects. Besides, transgenic plants expressing double-stranded RNA have been developed with enhanced resistance. However, the long-term effects of transgenes on insect resistance, the environment, and human health must be thoroughly investigated before they are made available for commercial planting. In this chapter, the present status, prospects, and future scope of transgenes for insect pest management have been summarized and discussed.

Cry1Ba1-mediated toxicity of transgenic Bergera koenigii and Citrus sinensis to the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, vectors the bacterial causative agent of citrus greening disease, which has severely impacted citrus production on a global scale. As the current repeated application of chemical insecticides is unsustainable for management of this insect and subsequent protection of groves, we investigated the potential use of the bacteria-derived pesticidal protein, Cry1Ba1, when delivered via transgenic citrus plants. Having demonstrated transformation of the Indian curry leaf tree, Bergera koenigii, for Cry1Ba1 expression for use as a trap plant, we produced transgenic plants of Duncan grapefruit, Citrus paridisi, Valencia sweet orange, Citrus sinensis, and Carrizo citrange, C. sinensis x Poncirus trifoliata, for expression of Cry1Ba1. The presence of the cry1ba1 gene, and cry1ba1 transcription were confirmed. Western blot detection of Cry1Ba1 was confirmed in most cases. When compared to those from wild-type plants, leaf discs from transgenic Duncan and Valencia expressing Cry1Ba1 exhibited a "delayed senescence" phenotype, similar to observations made for transgenic B. koenigii. In bioassays, significant reductions in the survival of adult psyllids were noted on transgenic B. koenigii and Valencia sweet orange plants expressing Cry1Ba1, but not on transgenic Duncan grapefruit or Carrizo citrange. In contrast to psyllids fed on wild type plants, the gut epithelium of psyllids fed on transgenic plants was damaged, consistent with the mode of action of Cry1Ba1. These results indicate that the transgenic expression of a bacterial pesticidal protein in B. koenigii and Valencia sweet orange offers a viable option for management of D. citri, that may contribute to solutions that counter citrus greening disease.

Genetic transformation of 'Hamlin' and 'Valencia' sweet orange plants expressing the cry11A gene of Bacillus thuringiensis as another tool to the management of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae)

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) is the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter spp., the bacteria associated with huanglongbing (HLB), the most devastating disease of citrus worldwide. HLB management has heavily counted on insecticide applications to control the ACP, although there are efforts towards more sustainable alternatives. In previous work, our group assessed the potential bioactivity of different strains of Bacillus thuringiensis (Eubacteriales: Bacillaceae) (Bt) containing cry/cyt genes as feasible tools to control ACP nymphs. Here, we report an attempt to use the cry11A gene from Bt to produce transgenic sweet orange plants using two promoters. For the genetic transformation, 'Hamlin' and 'Valencia' sweet orange seedlings were used as sources of explants. Transgenic plants were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers, and the transgene copy number was confirmed by Southern blot analyses. Transcript expression levels were determined by qPCR. Mortality assays of D. citri nymphs were carried out in a greenhouse, and the effect of the events tested ranged from 22 to 43% at the end of the five-day exposure period. To our knowledge, this is the first manuscript reporting the production of citrus plants expressing the Bt cry11A gene for the management of D. citri nymphs.

Mutation of a Threonine Residue in αD-β4 Loop of Cyt2Aa2 Protein Influences Binding on Fluid Lipid Membranes

Cyt proteins are insecticidal proteins originally from Bacillus thuringiensis. The lipid binding of the Cyt2Aa2 protein depends on the phase of the lipid bilayer. In this work, the importance of the conserved T144 residue in the αD-β4 loop for lipid binding on fluid lipid membranes was investigated via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Lipid membrane fluidity could be monitored for the following lipid mixture systems: POPC/DPPC, POPC/SM, and DOPC/SM. AFM results revealed that the T144A mutant was unable to bind to pure POPC bilayers. Similar topography between the wildtype and T144A mutant was seen for the POPC/Chol system. Small aggregates of T144A mutant were observed in the POPC and DOPC domains of the lipid mixture systems. In addition, the T144A mutant had no cytotoxic effect against human colon cancer cells. These results suggest that alanine replacement into threonine 144 hinders the binding of Cyt2Aa2 on liquid lipid membranes. These observations provide a possibility to modify the Cyt2Aa2 protein to specific cells via lipid phase selection.

Botanical products in Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) management in Pisum sativum L

Botanical products have an important role in the development of sustainable and ecologically friendly agriculture. Therefore, this study is focused on assessing the insecticidal activity of botanical products (Pyrethro Natura and Rapax) applied individually and in combination with an organic fertilizer (Fitasio) against Acyrthosiphon pisum. Further the change in the plastid pigments concentrations, productivity as well as product selectivity on Coccinella septempunctata larvae was explored. The experiment was conducted at the fields of the Institute of Forage crops, Pleven, Bulgaria from 2019 to 2021 year in spring forage peas. An alternate method of assessing the insecticide efficacy was used based on insect days and cumulative insect days. It was found that the mixture of Pyrethro Natura and Phytasio was associated with the highest overall efficacy against A. pisum and a reduction of cumulative insect days by 64.4% through a span of 9 days with an additive interaction between compounds. The botanical products used had a beneficial effect on the vegetative development of the plants. The Pyrethro Natura in combination with Fitasio provided the highest productivity of 30.7%, content of plastid pigments, and the best plant physiological condition. Botanicals were harmless with toxicity not exceeding 25% against ladybug larvae and displayed an important perspective due to their multiple benefits.

Peptide mediated, enhanced toxicity of a bacterial pesticidal protein against southern green stink bug

The damage caused by stink bugs that feed on agricultural crops accounts for such significant losses that transgenic plant resistance to stink bugs would be highly desirable. As the level of toxicity of the Bacillus thuringiensis-derived, ETX/Mtx2 pesticidal protein Mpp83Aa1 is insufficient for practical use against the southern green stink bug Nezara viridula, we employed two disparate approaches to isolate peptides NvBP1 and ABP5 that bind to specific proteins (alpha amylase and aminopeptidase N respectively) on the surface of the N. viridula gut. Incorporation of these peptides into Mpp83Aa1 provided artificial anchors resulting in increased gut binding, and enhanced toxicity. These peptide-modified pesticidal proteins with increased toxicity provide a key advance for potential future use against N. viridula when delivered by transgenic plants to mitigate economic loss associated with this important pest.

Biotechnological Approaches for Host Plant Resistance to Insect Pests

Annually, the cost of insect pest control in agriculture crosses billions of dollars around the world. Until recently, broad-spectrum synthetic pesticides were considered as the most effective means of pest control in agriculture. However, over the years, the overreliance on pesticides has caused adverse effects on beneficial insects, human health and the environment, and has led to the development of pesticide resistant insects. There is a critical need for the development of alternative pest management strategies aiming for minimum use of pesticides and conservation of natural enemies for maintaining the ecological balance of the environment. Host plant resistance plays a vital role in integrated pest management but the development of insect-resistant varieties through conventional ways of host plant resistance takes time, and is challenging as it involves many quantitative traits positioned at various loci. Biotechnological approaches such as gene editing, gene transformation, marker-assisted selection etc. in this direction have recently opened up a new era of insect control options. These could contribute towards about exploring a much wider array of novel insecticidal genes that would otherwise be beyond the scope of conventional breeding. Biotechnological interventions can alter the gene expression level and pattern as well as the development of transgenic varieties with insecticidal genes and can improve pest management by providing access to novel molecules. This review will discuss the emerging biotechnological tools available to develop insect-resistant engineered crop genotypes with a better ability to resist the attack of insect pests.

Engineering of Cry3Bb1 provides mechanistic insights toward countering western corn rootworm resistance

The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is an economically important pest of corn (maize) in North America and Europe. Current management practices for WCR involve transgenic expression of insecticidal proteins to minimize larval feeding damage to corn roots. The evolution of resistant WCR populations to transgenic corn expressing insecticidal proteins (e.g. Cry3Bb1, Gpp34Ab1/Tpp35Ab1) necessitates efforts to discover and deploy new modes of action for WCR control. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the addition of short peptides selected for binding to the WCR gut would restore insecticidal activity of Cry3Bb1 to resistant insects. Phage display technology coupled with deep sequencing was used to identify peptides selected for binding to WCR brush border membrane vesicles and to recombinant putative receptors aminopeptidase and cadherin. The binding and specificity of selected peptides was confirmed by ELISA and pull-down assays, and candidate gut surface binding partners were identified. Although production of 284 novel Cry3Bb1 variants with these peptides did not restore activity against resistant WCR in artificial diet bioassays, 112 variants were active against susceptible insects. These results provided insights for the mechanism of Cry3Bb1 activity and toward engineering a new mode-of-action via receptor re-targeting in the context of protein structure and function.

Dynamics in Pest Status of Phytophagous Stink Bugs in the Neotropics

In this review article, we present and discuss the main factors influencing the change in pest status of phytophagous stink bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) in the Neotropics. We have surveyed the published records over the past 50 years and divided this timeframe into decades. This was done to rank in time the relative abundance (percentage) of the following species, known pests of commodities, in the Neotropical Region: the Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.); the green-bellied stink bugs, Diceraeus melacanthus Dallas and D. furcatus (F.); the redbanded stink bug, Piezodorus guildinii (Westwood); the southern green stink bug, Nezara viridula (L.); and the brown-winged stink bug, Edessa meditabunda (F.). The analysis showed that E. heros, D. melacanthus, and D. furcatus, formerly minor pests, in the last decade (2010s) became major pests. The once most important pest species, N. viridula and P. guildinii, decreased their pest status in the last decade. Edessa meditabunda, which never achieved high populations, showed a tendency to increase in abundance in the last two decades (2000s and 2010s). Major factors believed to influence the dynamics of pest populations of stink bugs in the Neotropics include cropping systems (no-tillage replacing conventional soil plowing, and crop rotation); genetically modified (GM) plants (mostly plants expressing insecticidal crystalline proteins derived from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner - Bt); change in availability of host and associated plants in the new landscape scenario; increased usage of chemicals (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides); and change in the role of natural enemies in modern day agriculture.

Genetic Modification of Bergera koenigii for Expression of the Bacterial Pesticidal Protein Cry1Ba1

The curry leaf tree, Bergera koenigii, is highly attractive to the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, which vectors the bacterial causative agent of citrus greening or huanglongbing disease. This disease has decimated citrus production in Florida and in other citrus-producing countries. As D. citri exhibits high affinity for feeding on young leaves of B. koenigii, transgenic B. koenigii expressing bacteria-derived pesticidal proteins such as Cry1Ba1 have potential for D. citri management when planted in or adjacent to citrus groves. Importantly, the plant pathogenic bacterium that causes citrus greening does not replicate in B. koenigii. Transgenic plants of B. koenigii were produced by insertion of the gene encoding the active core of the pesticidal protein Cry1Ba1 derived from Bacillus thuringiensis. The transformation success rate was low relative to that of other citrus, at 0.89%. T-DNA integration into the genome and cry1ba1 transcription in transgenic plants were confirmed. Transgenic plants expressing Cry1Ba1 differed from wild-type plants, differed in photosynthesis parameters and hormone levels in some instances, and a marked delay in wilting of detached leaves. The gut epithelium of D. citri fed on transgenic plants was severely damaged, consistent with Cry1Ba1-mediated pore formation, confirming expression of the pesticidal protein by transgenic B. koenigii. These results demonstrate that transgenic B. koenigii expressing bacteria-derived pesticidal proteins can be produced for potential use as trap plants for suppression of D. citri populations toward protection of citrus groves from citrus greening.

Biotechnological interventions for the sustainable management of a global pest, whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are polyphagous invasive hemipteran insects that cause serious losses of important crops by directly feeding on phloem sap and transmitting pathogenic viruses. These insects have emerged as a major threat to global agriculture and food security. Chemically synthesized insecticides are currently the only option to control whiteflies, but the ability of whiteflies to evolve resistance against insecticides has made the management of these insects very difficult. Natural host-plant resistance against whiteflies identified in some crop plants has not been exploited to a great extent. Genetic engineering approaches, such as transgenics and RNA interference (RNAi), are potentially useful for the control of whiteflies. Transgenic plants harboring insecticidal toxins/lectins developed via nuclear or chloroplast transformation are a promising vehicle for whitefly control. Double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) of several insect genes, delivered either through microinjection into the insect body cavity or orally via an artificial diet and transiently or stably expressed in transgenic plants, have controlled whiteflies in model plants and in some crops at the laboratory level, but not at the field level. In this review, we highlight the merits and demerits of each delivery method along with strategies for sustained delivery of dsRNAs via fungal entomopathogen/endosymbiont or nontransgenic RNAi approaches, foliar sprays, root absorption or nanocarriers as well as the factors affecting efficient RNAi and their biosafety issues. Genome sequencing and transcriptome studies of whitefly species are facilitating the selection of appropriate genes for RNAi and gene-editing technology for the efficient and resilient management of whiteflies and their transmitted viruses.

A sugarcane mosaic virus vector for rapid in planta screening of proteins that inhibit the growth of insect herbivores

Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm) is a notorious pest that threatens maize production worldwide. Current control measures involve the use of chemical insecticides and transgenic maize expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. Although additional transgenes have confirmed insecticidal activity, limited research has been conducted in maize, at least partially due to the technical difficulty of maize transformation. Here, we describe implementation of a sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) vector for rapidly testing the efficacy of both endogenous maize genes and heterologous genes from other organisms for the control of S. frugiperda in maize. Four categories of proteins were tested using the SCMV vector: (i) maize defence signalling proteins: peptide elicitors (Pep1 and Pep3) and jasmonate acid conjugating enzymes (JAR1a and JAR1b); (ii) maize defensive proteins: the previously identified ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP2) and maize proteinase inhibitor (MPI), and two proteins with predicted but unconfirmed anti-insect activities, an antimicrobial peptide (AMP) and a lectin (JAC1); (iii) lectins from other plant species: Allium cepa agglutinin (ACA) and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA); and (iv) scorpion and spider toxins: peptides from Urodacus yaschenkoi (UyCT3 and UyCT5) and Hadronyche versuta (Hvt). In most cases, S. frugiperda larval growth was reduced by transient SCMV-mediated overexpression of genes encoding these proteins. Additionally, experiments with a subset of the SCMV-expressed genes showed effectiveness against two aphid species, Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid) and Myzus persicae (green peach aphid). Together, these results demonstrate that SCMV vectors are a rapid screening method for testing the efficacy and insecticidal activity of candidate genes in maize.

Anti-idiotypic single-chain variable fragment antibody partially mimic the functionally spatial structure of Cry2Aa toxin

The anti-idiotypic antibody is widely used in the field of immunology to simulate structural features or even induce the biological activity of antigens. In this study, we obtained seven anti-idiotypic single-chain variable fragments (scFv) antibodies of Cry2Aa toxin from a phage-displayed mutant library constructed using error-prone PCR technique. A mutant designated 2-12B showed the best binding ability amongst all anti-idiotypic scFv isolates to Plutella xylostella brush border membrane vesicles (BBMVs). 2-12B and Cry2Aa toxin shared a potential receptor of polycalin in P. xylostella BBMVs. Homology modeling and molecular docking demonstrated that 2-12B and Cry2Aa toxin have seven common binding amino acid residues in polycalin. Insect bioassay results suggested that 2-12 had insecticidal efficacy against P. xylostella larvae. These results indicated that the Cry2Aa anti-idiotypic scFv antibody 2-12B partially mimicked the structure and function of Cry2Aa toxin. The anti-idiotypic scFv antibody provides the basic material for the future study of surrogate molecules or new insecticidal materials.

Streamlined phage display library protocols for identification of insect gut binding peptides highlight peptide specificity

Phage display libraries have been used to isolate insect gut binding peptides for use as pathogen transmission blocking agents, and to provide artificial anchors for increased toxicity of bacteria-derived pesticidal proteins. Previously, phage clones displaying enriched peptides were sequenced by Sanger sequencing. Here we present a streamlined protocol for identification of insect gut binding peptides, using insect-appropriate feeding strategies, with next generation sequencing and tailored bioinformatics analyses. The bioinformatics pipeline is designed to eliminate poorly enriched and false positive peptides, and to identify peptides predicted to be stable and hydrophilic. In addition to developing streamlined protocols, we also sought to address whether candidate gut binding peptides can bind to insects from more than one order, which is an important consideration for safe, practical use of peptide-modified pesticidal proteins. To this end, we screened phage display libraries for peptides that bind to the gut epithelia of two pest insects, the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera) and beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera), and one beneficial insect, the western honey bee, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera). While unique peptide sequences totaling 13,427 for D. citri, 89,561 for S. exigua and 69,053 for A. mellifera were identified from phage eluted from the surface of the insect guts, final candidate pools were comprised of 53, 107 and 1423 peptides respectively. The benefits of multiple rounds of biopanning, along with peptide binding properties in relation to practical use of peptide-modified pesticidal proteins for insect pest control are discussed.

Selection of Bacillus thuringiensis strains in citrus and their pathogenicity to Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) nymphs

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins are effective in controlling insect pests either through the spraying of products or when expressed in transgenic crops. The discovery of endophytic Bt strains opened new perspectives for studies aimed at the control of sap-sucking insects, such as the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), a vector of "Candidatus Liberibacter spp.," associated with citrus huanglongbing (HLB). In this study, translocation of endophytic Bt strains in citrus seedlings inoculated with Bt suspension delivered by soil-drench, and their systemic pathogenicity to D. citri nymphs were investigated. The pathogenicity of three wild-type Bt strains against D. citri third-instar nymphs was demonstrated. Among the 10 recombinant strains tested (each of them harboring a single cry or cyt gene), 3 can be highlighted, causing 42%-77% and 66%-90% nymphal mortality at 2 and 5 d after inoculation, respectively. The isolation of Bt cells from young citrus shoots and dead nymphs, and PCR performed with specific primers, confirmed the involvement of the Bt strains in the psyllid mortality. This is the first report showing the translocation of Bt strains from citrus seedling roots to shoots and their potential to control D. citri nymphs that fed on these soil-drench inoculated seedlings. The Bt strains that caused the highest mortality rates have the potential to be used as bioinsecticides to control D. citri and the identified genes can be used for the production of transgenic Bt citrus.

The Cytocidal Spectrum of Bacillus thuringiensis Toxins: From Insects to Human Cancer Cells

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a ubiquitous bacterium in soils, insect cadavers, phylloplane, water, and stored grain, that produces several proteins, each one toxic to different biological targets such as insects, nematodes, mites, protozoa, and mammalian cells. Most Bt toxins identify their particular target through the recognition of specific cell membrane receptors. Cry proteins are the best-known toxins from Bt and a great amount of research has been published. Cry are cytotoxic to insect larvae that affect important crops recognizing specific cell membrane receptors such as cadherin, aminopeptidase-N, and alkaline phosphatase. Furthermore, some Cry toxins such as Cry4A, Cry4B, and Cry11A act synergistically with Cyt toxins against dipteran larvae vectors of human disease. Research developed with Cry proteins revealed that these toxins also could kill human cancer cells through the interaction with specific receptors. Parasporins are a small group of patented toxins that may or may not have insecticidal activity. These proteins could kill a wide variety of mammalian cancer cells by recognizing specific membrane receptors, just like Cry toxins do. Surface layer proteins (SLP), unlike the other proteins produced by Bt, are also produced by most bacteria and archaebacteria. It was recently demonstrated that SLP produced by Bt could interact with membrane receptors of insect and human cancer cells to kill them. Cyt toxins have a structure that is mostly unrelated to Cry toxins; thereby, other mechanisms of action have been reported to them. These toxins affect mainly mosquitoes that are vectors of human diseases like Anopheles spp (malaria), Aedes spp (dengue, zika, and chikungunya), and Culex spp (Nile fever and Rift Valley fever), respectively. In addition to the Cry, Cyt, and parasporins toxins produced during spore formation as inclusion bodies, Bt strains also produce Vip (Vegetative insecticidal toxins) and Sip (Secreted insecticidal proteins) toxins with insecticidal activity during their vegetative growth phase.

Possible Insecticidal Mechanism of Cry41-Related Toxin against Myzus persicae by Enhancing Cathepsin B Activity

Cry toxins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis are well known for their high insecticidal activities against Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera; however, their activities against Aphididae are very low. Recently, it has been reported that a Cry41-related toxin exhibited moderate activity against the aphid Myzus persicae, and thus, it is highly desirable to uncover its unique mechanism. In this paper, we report that Cathepsin B, calcium-transporting ATPase, and symbiotic bacterial-associated protein ATP-dependent-6-phosphofructokinase were pulled down from the homogenate of M. persicae as unique proteins that possibly bound to Cry41-related toxin. Cathepsin B has been reported to cleave and inactivate antiapoptotic proteins and plays a role in caspase-initiated apoptotic cascades. In this study, Cathepsin B was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified, and in vitro interaction between recombinant Cathepsin B and Cry41-related toxin was demonstrated. Interestingly, we found that addition of Cry41-related toxin obviously enhanced Cathepsin B activity. We propose a model for the mechanism of Cry41-related toxin as follows: Cry41-related toxin enters the aphid cells and enhances Cathepsin B activity, resulting in acceleration of apoptosis of aphid cells.

Characterization of a cytolytic-like gene from the aphid-obligate fungal pathogen Conidiobolus obscurus

Cytolytic (Cyt)-like genes are known by omics analyses to exist widely in bacterial and fungal pathogens, but their insecticidal activities in fungi remains unknown. A full-length coding sequence of a Cyt-like gene was first amplified from Conidiobolus obscurus (an obligate aphid-pathogenic fungus) through RACE (rapid-amplification of cDNA ends). The deduced protein structure was structurally characterized by a single Cyt-typical α/β domain. The expression level of the Cyt-like gene in conidia correlated well with the fungal virulence against aphids (r² = 0.97). The results demonstrate the Cyt-like gene acts as an important virulence factor of C. obscurus against aphids, and has potential for exploitation in aphid control.

Genome Editing, Gene Drives, and Synthetic Biology: Will They Contribute to Disease-Resistant Crops, and Who Will Benefit?

Genetically engineered crops have been grown for more than 20 years, resulting in widespread albeit variable benefits for farmers and consumers. We review current, likely, and potential genetic engineering (GE) applications for the development of disease-resistant crop cultivars. Gene editing, gene drives, and synthetic biology offer novel opportunities to control viral, bacterial, and fungal pathogens, parasitic weeds, and insect vectors of plant pathogens. We conclude that there will be no shortage of GE applications totackle disease resistance and other farmer and consumer priorities for agricultural crops. Beyond reviewing scientific prospects for genetically engineered crops, we address the social institutional forces that are commonly overlooked by biological scientists. Intellectual property regimes, technology regulatory frameworks, the balance of funding between public- and private-sector research, and advocacy by concerned civil society groups interact to define who uses which GE technologies, on which crops, and for the benefit of whom. Ensuring equitable access to the benefits of genetically engineered crops requires affirmative policies, targeted investments, and excellent science.

Structural characterization and heterologous expression of a new cyt gene cloned from Bacillus thuringiensis

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains produce Cry (crystal) and Cyt (cytolytic) proteins belonging to the group of bacterial toxins known as pore-forming toxins (PFTs), which interact with midgut cells of target insects to create pores, disruption of ion homeostasis and eventual death. PFTs have synergistic insecticidal activities and have been used as biopesticides against agriculturally important insects. Identification of new Cyt proteins is important because of their specific toxicity towards hemipteran pests, against which the Cry proteins are not effective. We have structurally characterized a cyt (cyt1007) gene from an Indian Bt isolate SK-1007. The presence of a "Bacillus thuringiensis toxin" domain and maximum identity of 36% with Cyt2Ca in the deduced amino acid sequence indicated Cyt1007 protein to be a new member of Cyt family. Three dimensional (3D) modeling (PMDB ID: PM0081490) revealed that it adopts a typical ferredoxin-like fold, and is composed of a single domain of α/β architecture, in which a single β sheet is surrounded by two α helical layers. The putative lipid binding site and probable mode of action of Cyt1007 protein were predicted through comparative analysis with other Cyt toxins and their distant homologs Evf (Erwinia virulence factor) and VVA2 (Volvatoxin A2). Heterologous expression of cyt1007 gene as a 25 kDa protein in Escherichia coli was achieved at high levels in both soluble and insoluble fractions. Affinity chromatography-based purification yielded 83.6% purified Cyt1007 protein, which can be used for downstream applications for the investigation of its toxicity. Graphical abstract Steps in the structural characterization and heterologous expression of a new cyt gene cloned from Bacillus thuringiensis.

Toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis-Derived Pesticidal Proteins Cry1Ab and Cry1Ba against Asian Citrus Psyllid, Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera)

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera), is an important pest of citriculture. The ACP vectors a bacterium that causes huanglongbing (HLB), a devastating and incurable disease of citrus. The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces multiple toxins with activity against a diverse range of insects. In efforts to provide additional control methods for the ACP vector of HLB, we identified pesticidal proteins derived from Bt for toxicity against ACP. The trypsin proteolytic profiles of strain-derived toxins were characterized. Strain IBL-00200, one of six strains with toxins shown to have basal activity against ACP was selected for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) identification of the individual Cry toxins expressed. Toxicity assays with individual toxins derived from IBL-00200 were then performed. The activated form of the Cry toxins Cry1Ab and Cry1Ba were toxic to ACP with LC₅₀ values of approximately 120 µg/mL. Disruption of the midgut epithelium was associated with the toxicity of both the IBL-00200-derived toxin mixture, and with Cry1Ba. With further optimization of the efficacy of Cry1Ab and Cry1Ba, these toxins may have practical utility against ACP. Bt toxins with activity against ACP may provide an additional tool for management of ACP and the associated HLB disease, thereby providing a more sustainable and environmentally benign approach than repeated application of broad-spectrum insecticides.

Recent progress on the interaction between insects and Bacillus thuringiensis crops

Extensive use of chemical pesticides poses a great threat to the environment and food safety. The discovery of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins with effective insecticidal activity against pests and the development of transgenic technology of plants opened a new era of pest control. Transgenic Bt crops, including maize, cotton and soya bean, have now been produced and commercialized to protect against about 30 major coleopteran and lepidopteran pests, greatly benefiting the environment and the economy. However, with the long-term cultivation of Bt crops, some target pests have gradually developed resistance. Numerous studies have indicated that mutations in genes for toxins activation, toxin-binding and insect immunization are important sources in Bt resistance. An in-depth exploration of the corresponding Bt-resistance mechanisms will aid in the design of new strategies to prevent and control pests. Future research will focus on Bt crops expressing new genes and multiple genes to control a broader range of pests as part of an integrated pest management programme. This article is part of the theme issue 'Biotic signalling sheds light on smart pest management'.

Differential efficiency of a begomovirus to cross the midgut of different species of whiteflies results in variation of virus transmission by the vectors

Begomoviruses are important crop viral disease agents, and they are transmitted by whiteflies of the Bemisia tabaci complex. Although the transmission of begomoviruses by whiteflies has been studied for many years, the mechanisms governing differential transmission of begomoviruses by different species of the Bemisia tabaci complex remain largely unknown. Here we firstly compared the transmission efficiency of tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV) by four species of the B. tabaci complex and found that Asia II 1 transmitted this virus with the highest efficiency, whereas MEAM1 transmitted it with the lowest. Next, by performing quantitative analysis of virus and immune-fluorescence detection, we found that the efficiency of TbCSV to cross the midgut wall was higher in Asia II 1 than in MEAM1. Finally, we set the quantities of virions in the haemolymph to the same level in Asia II 1 and MEAM1 via injection and then compared their capacity in TbCSV transmission, and found that the difference in TbCSV transmission between them became smaller. Taken together, our findings suggest that the efficiency of a begomovirus to cross the midgut wall of a whitefly to reach the vector's haemolymph plays a significant role in determining transmission of the virus.

Identification of Plant Virus Receptor Candidates in the Stylets of Their Aphid Vectors

Plant viruses transmitted by insects cause tremendous losses in most important crops around the world. The identification of receptors of plant viruses within their insect vectors is a key challenge to understanding the mechanisms of transmission and offers an avenue for future alternative control strategies to limit viral spread. We here report the identification of two cuticular proteins within aphid mouthparts, and we provide experimental support for the role of one of them in the transmission of a noncirculative virus. These two proteins, named Stylin-01 and Stylin-02, belong to the RR-1 cuticular protein subfamily and are highly conserved among aphid species. Using an immunolabeling approach, they were localized in the maxillary stylets of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum and the green peach aphid Myzus persicae, in the acrostyle, an organ earlier shown to harbor receptors of a noncirculative virus. A peptide motif present at the C termini of both Stylin-01 and Stylin-02 is readily accessible all over the surface of the acrostyle. Competition for in vitro binding to the acrostyle was observed between an antibody targeting this peptide and the helper component protein P2 of Cauliflower mosaic virus Furthermore, silencing the stylin-01 but not stylin-02 gene through RNA interference decreased the efficiency of Cauliflower mosaic virus transmission by Myzus persicae These results identify the first cuticular proteins ever reported within arthropod mouthparts and distinguish Stylin-01 as the best candidate receptor for the aphid transmission of noncirculative plant viruses.IMPORTANCE Most noncirculative plant viruses transmitted by insect vectors bind to their mouthparts. They are acquired and inoculated within seconds when insects hop from plant to plant. The receptors involved remain totally elusive due to a long-standing technical bottleneck in working with insect cuticle. Here we characterize the role of the two first cuticular proteins ever identified in arthropod mouthparts. A domain of these proteins is directly accessible at the surface of the cuticle of the acrostyle, an organ at the tip of aphid stylets. The acrostyle has been shown to bind a plant virus, and we consistently demonstrated that one of the identified proteins is involved in viral transmission. Our findings provide an approach to identify proteins in insect mouthparts and point at an unprecedented gene candidate for a plant virus receptor.

Coexistence of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)-transgenic and conventional rice affects insect abundance and plant fitness in fields

BACKGROUND

As genetically modified (GM) crops are cultivated worldwide, concerns are emerging about the ecological consequences of the coexistence of transgenic and non-transgenic crops in fields. We first conducted field experiments using insect-resistant transgenic rice expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt-transgenic rice) and its counterpart conventional rice (Oryza sativa L.) with or without insecticide spraying in 2013 and 2014. In 2015 and 2016, Bt-transgenic and conventional rice plants were employed in pure and mixed cages, with an infestation of the target insect (Chilo suppressalis) and with insecticide spraying as the control treatment to prevent target insect infestation.

RESULTS

The presence of Bt-transgenic rice decreased the abundance of target insects but did not affect non-target insects and predators in fields. Compared with conventional rice, Bt-transgenic rice showed more empty seeds but comparable seed production in cages. The infestation of target insects significantly decreased the plant fitness of conventional rice in pure cages, but did not affect its fitness when conventional rice coexisted with Bt-transgenic rice. In mixed cages, the presence of Bt-transgenic rice decreased the abundance of target insects and the percentage of dead sheaths in conventional rice.

CONCLUSION

The presence of Bt-transgenic rice benefits the growth and reproduction of non-transgenic rice in fields because of a decreased abundance of target insects. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Classes, Databases, and Prediction Methods of Pharmaceutically and Commercially Important Cystine-Stabilized Peptides

Cystine-stabilized peptides represent a large family of peptides characterized by high structural stability and bactericidal, fungicidal, or insecticidal properties. Found throughout a wide range of taxa, this broad and functionally important family can be subclassified into distinct groups dependent upon their number and type of cystine bonding patters, tertiary structures, and/or their species of origin. Furthermore, the annotation of proteins related to the cystine-stabilized family are under-represented in the literature due to their difficulty of isolation and identification. As a result, there are several recent attempts to collate them into data resources and build analytic tools for their dynamic prediction. Ultimately, the identification and delivery of new members of this family will lead to their growing inclusion into the repertoire of commercial viable alternatives to antibiotics and environmentally safe insecticides. This review of the literature and current state of cystine-stabilized peptide biology is aimed to better describe peptide subfamilies, identify databases and analytics resources associated with specific cystine-stabilized peptides, and highlight their current commercial success.

Expression of hybrid fusion protein (Cry1Ac::ASAL) in transgenic rice plants imparts resistance against multiple insect pests

To evolve rice varieties resistant to different groups of insect pests a fusion gene, comprising DI and DII domains of Bt Cry1Ac and carbohydrate binding domain of garlic lectin (ASAL), was constructed. Transgenic rice lines were generated and evaluated to assess the efficacy of Cry1Ac::ASAL fusion protein against three major pests, viz., yellow stem borer (YSB), leaf folder (LF) and brown planthopper (BPH). Molecular analyses of transgenic plants revealed stable integration and expression of the fusion gene. In planta insect bioassays on transgenics disclosed enhanced levels of resistance compared to the control plants. High insect mortality of YSB, LF and BPH was observed on transgenics compared to that of control plants. Furthermore, honeydew assays revealed significant decreases in the feeding ability of BPH on transgenic plants as compared to the controls. Ligand blot analysis, using BPH insects fed on cry1Ac::asal transgenic rice plants, revealed a modified receptor protein-binding pattern owing to its ability to bind to additional receptors in insects. The overall results authenticate that Cry1Ac::ASAL protein is endowed with remarkable entomotoxic effects against major lepidopteran and hemipteran insects. As such, the fusion gene appears promising and can be introduced into various other crops to control multiple insect pests.

Strategies for Enhanced Crop Resistance to Insect Pests

Insect pests are responsible for substantial crop losses worldwide through direct damage and transmission of plant diseases, and novel approaches that complement or replace broad-spectrum chemical insecticides will facilitate the sustainable intensification of food production in the coming decades. Multiple strategies for improved crop resistance to insect pests, especially strategies relating to plant secondary metabolism and immunity and microbiome science, are becoming available. Recent advances in metabolic engineering of plant secondary chemistry offer the promise of specific toxicity or deterrence to insect pests; improved understanding of plant immunity against insects provides routes to optimize plant defenses against insects; and the microbiomes of insect pests can be exploited, either as a target or as a vehicle for delivery of insecticidal agents. Implementation of these advances will be facilitated by ongoing advances in plant breeding and genetic technologies.

Rapid evolution to host plant resistance by an invasive herbivore: soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) virulence in North America to aphid resistant cultivars

Preventing rapid evolution of herbivores to plant traits that confer resistance is an area of active research for applied entomologists. The subfield of insect resistance management (IRM) uses elements of population genetics and ecology to prevent increases in the frequency of virulent (i.e. resistant) sub-populations of an insect pest. Efforts to delay such an increase include using highly lethal toxins (i.e., a high dose), combining multiple resistance traits in one cultivar (i.e., pyramids), and using susceptible plants (i.e. a refuge) within or near plantings of the resistant crop. Even if fully implemented, theoretical models suggest that IRM plans for asexually-reproducing insects (e.g. aphids) cannot limit the frequency of resistance to provide sustainable use of a pest-resistant cultivar. We discuss how feeding by conspecifics aphids induces susceptibility such that a "within plant" refuge is created, allowing both virulent and avirulent (i.e. susceptible) populations to persist. We use the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura), and the rapid occurrence of virulence in the US to resistant cultivars of soybean (Glycine max). We describe how feeding by A. glycines on soybeans alters the quality of the plant as a host. These systemic changes to the plants' physiology allow avirulent A. glycines to thrive on resistant cultivars. We explore how the induction of susceptibility by a herbivore can slow an increase in the frequency of virulent populations to resistant host plants. We suggest that a within plant refuge, combined with standard IRM practices, can allow for sustainable use of plant resistance to asexually-reproducing insect pests.

Recent advancement on chemical arsenal of Bt toxin and its application in pest management system in agricultural field

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming, soil bacterium, which is very popular bio-control agent in agricultural and forestry. In general, B. thuringiensis secretes an array of insecticidal proteins including toxins produced during vegetative growth phase (such as secreted insecticidal protein, Sip; vegetative insecticidal proteins, Vip), parasporal crystalline δ-endotoxins produced during vegetative stationary phase (such as cytolytic toxin, Cyt; and crystal toxin, Cry), and β-exotoxins. Till date, a wide spectrum of Cry proteins has been reported and most of them belong to three-domain-Cry toxins, Bin-like toxin, and Etx_Mtx2-like toxins. To the best of our knowledge, neither Bt insecticidal toxins are exclusive to Bt nor all the strains of Bt are capable of producing insecticidal Bt toxins. The lacuna in their latest classification has also been discussed. In this review, the updated information regarding the insecticidal Bt toxins and their different mode of actions were summarized. Before applying the Bt toxins on agricultural field, the non-specific effects of toxins should be investigated. We also have summarized the problem of insect resistance and the strategies to combat with this problem. We strongly believe that this information will help a lot to the budding researchers in the field of modern pest control biotechnology.

Engineering Bacillus thuringiensis Cyt1Aa toxin specificity from dipteran to lepidopteran toxicity

The Cyt and Cry toxins are different pore-forming proteins produced by Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria, and used in insect-pests control. Cry-toxins have a complex mechanism involving interaction with several proteins in the insect gut such as aminopeptidase N (APN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cadherin (CAD). It was shown that the loop regions of domain II of Cry toxins participate in receptor binding. Cyt-toxins are dipteran specific and interact with membrane lipids. We show that Cry1Ab domain II loop3 is involved in binding to APN, ALP and CAD receptors since point mutation Cry1Ab-G439D affected binding to these proteins. We hypothesized that construction of Cyt1A-hybrid proteins providing a binding site that recognizes gut proteins in lepidopteran larvae could result in improved Cyt1Aa toxin toward lepidopteran larvae. We constructed hybrid Cyt1Aa-loop3 proteins with increased binding interaction to Manduca sexta receptors and increased toxicity against two Lepidopteran pests, M. sexta and Plutella xylostella. The hybrid Cyt1Aa-loop3 proteins were severely affected in mosquitocidal activity and showed partial hemolytic activity but retained their capacity to synergize Cry11Aa toxicity against mosquitos. Our data show that insect specificity of Cyt1Aa toxin can be modified by introduction of loop regions from another non-related toxin with different insect specificity.

Computational and biological characterization of fusion proteins of two insecticidal proteins for control of insect pests

Sucking pests pose a serious agricultural challenge, as available transgenic technologies such as Bacillus thuringiensis crystal toxins (Bt) are not effective against them. One approach is to produce fusion protein toxins for the control of these pests. Two protein toxins, Hvt (ω-atracotoxin from Hadronyche versuta) and onion leaf lectin, were translationally fused to evaluate the negative effects of fusion proteins on Phenacoccus solenopsis (mealybug), a phloem-feeding insect pest. Hvt was cloned both N-terminally (HL) and then C-terminally (LH) in the fusion protein constructs, which were expressed transiently in Nicotiana tabacum using a Potato Virus X (PVX) vector. The HL fusion protein was found to be more effective against P. solenopsis, with an 83% mortality rate, as compared to the LH protein, which caused 65% mortality. Hvt and lectin alone caused 42% and 45%, respectively, under the same conditions. Computational studies of both fusion proteins showed that the HL protein is more stable than the LH protein. Together, these results demonstrate that translational fusion of two insecticidal proteins improved the insecticidal activity relative to each protein individually and could be expressed in transgenic plants for effective control of sucking pests.

Analysis of Homologs of Cry-toxin Receptor-Related Proteins in the Midgut of a Non-Bt Target, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens is one of the most destructive insect pests in the rice fields of Asia. Like other hemipteran insects, BPH is not susceptible to Cry toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or transgenic rice carrying Bt cry genes. Lack of Cry receptors in the midgut is one of the main reasons that BPH is not susceptible to the Cry toxins. The main Cry-binding proteins (CBPs) of the susceptible insects are cadherin, aminopeptidase N (APN), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In this study, we analyzed and validated de novo assembled transcripts from transcriptome sequencing data of BPH to identify and characterize homologs of cadherin, APN, and ALP. We then compared the cadherin-, APN-, and ALP-like proteins of BPH to previously reported CBPs to identify their homologs in BPH. The sequence analysis revealed that at least one cadherin, one APN, and two ALPs of BPH contained homologous functional domains identified from the Cry-binding cadherin, APN, and ALP, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction used to verify the expression level of each putative Cry receptor homolog in the BPH midgut indicated that the CBPs homologous APN and ALP were expressed at high or medium-high levels while the cadherin was expressed at a low level. These results suggest that homologs of CBPs exist in the midgut of BPH. However, differences in key motifs of CBPs, which are functional in interacting with Cry toxins, may be responsible for insusceptibility of BPH to Cry toxins.

Cry64Ba and Cry64Ca, Two ETX/MTX2-Type Bacillus thuringiensis Insecticidal Proteins Active against Hemipteran Pests

Genetically modified crops that express insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins have become a primary approach for control of lepidopteran (moth) and coleopteran (beetle) pests that feed by chewing the plants. However, the sap-sucking insects (Hemiptera) are not particularly susceptible to Bt toxins. In this study, we describe two Cry toxins (Cry64Ba and Cry64Ca) from Bt strain 1012 that showed toxicity against two important hemipteran rice pests, Laodelphax striatellus and Sogatella furcifera Both of these proteins contain an ETX/MTX2 domain and share common sequence features with the β-pore-forming toxins. Coexpression of cry64Ba and cry64Ca genes in the acrystalliferous Bt strain HD73^- resulted in high insecticidal activity against both hemipteran pests. No toxicity was observed on other pests such as Ostrinia furnacalis, Plutella xylostella, or Colaphellus bowringi Also, no hemolytic activity or toxicity against cancer cells was detected. Binding assays showed specific binding of the Cry64Ba/Cry64Ca toxin complex to brush border membrane vesicles isolated from L. striatellus Cry64Ba and Cry64Ca are Bt Cry toxins highly effective against hemipteran pests and could provide a novel strategy for the environmentally friendly biological control of rice planthoppers in transgenic plants.IMPORTANCE In Asia, rice is an important staple food, whose production is threatened by rice planthoppers. To date, no effective Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein has been shown to have activity against rice planthoppers. We cloned two Bt toxin genes from Bt strain 1012 that showed toxicity against small brown planthoppers (Laodelphax striatellus) and white-backed planthoppers (Sogatella furcifera). To our knowledge, the proteins encoded by the cry64Ba and cry64Ca genes are the most efficient insecticidal Bt Cry proteins with activity against hemipteran insects reported so far. Cry64Ba and Cry64Ca showed no toxicity against some lepidopteran or coleopteran pests. These two proteins should be able to be used for integrated hemipteran pest management.

Bacillus thuringiensis Cyt2Aa2 binding on lipid/cholesterol bilayer depends on protein concentration and time

Bacillus thuringiensis produces cytolytic proteins (Cyt) that show toxicity against dipteran insect larvae acting directly on the cell membrane. Up to now, two different models have been proposed to explain the interaction mechanism of the cytolytic protein Cyt2Aa2 on lipid membranes: pore-forming and detergent-like action. Here we report on the interaction of Cyt2Aa2 with lipid/cholesterol bilayers at early stage (far from equilibrium) as a function of protein concentration. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) measurements showed that the rate of protein adsorption increased with concentration, although the mass of the final protein-lipid was similar after two hours. In addition, the dissipation (compliance of the hybrid lipid/protein layer) increased with decreasing protein concentration. Furthermore, atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the structure of the protein-lipid layer was concentration and time dependent. A rigid hybrid homogeneous layer was observed at protein concentrations of 50 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml after 30 min. At lower concentrations, 10 μg/ml and 17.5 μg/ml, protein adsorption on the lipid layer led to the formation of small aggregates. Interestingly, at 25 μg/ml a transition of a hole-like structure into a homogeneous layer was observed. This suggests that 25 μg/ml is a threshold concentration for the binding mechanism of Cyt2Aa2 on to lipid membranes.

Expression of Bacillus thuringiensis cytolytic toxin (Cyt2Ca1) in citrus roots to control Diaprepes abbreviatus larvae

Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) is an important pest of citrus in the USA. Currently, no effective management strategies of D. abbreviatus exist in citriculture, and new methods of control are desperately sought. To protect citrus against D. abbreviatus a transgenic citrus rootstock expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Cyt2Ca1, an insect toxin protein, was developed using Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of 'Carrizo' citrange [Citrus sinensis (L) Osbeck Poncirus trifoliate (L) Raf]. The transgenic citrus root stock expressed the cytolytic toxin Cyt2Ca1 constitutively under the control of a 35S promoter in the transgenic Carrizo citrange trifoliate hybrid including the roots that are the food source of larval D. abbreviatus. The engineered citrus was screened by Western blot and RT-qPCR analyses for cyt2Ca1 and positive citrus identified. Citrus trees expressing different levels of cyt2Ca1 transcripts were identified (Groups A-C). High expression of the toxin in the leaves (10⁹ transcripts/ng RNA), however, retarded plant growth. The transgenic plants were grown in pots and the roots exposed to 3week old D. abbreviatus larvae using no-choice plant bioassays. Three cyt2Ca1 transgenic plants were identified that sustained less root damage belonging to Group B and C. One plant caused death to 43% of the larvae that fed on its roots expressed 8×10⁶cyt2Ca1 transcripts/ng RNA. These results show, for the first time, that Cyt2Ca1 expressed in moderate amounts by the roots of citrus does not retard citrus growth and can protect it from larval D. abbreviatus.

Time influence on the interaction between Cyt2Aa2 and lipid/cholesterol bilayers

Protein-membrane interactions are still an important topic of investigation. One of the suitable experimental techniques used by the scientific community to address such question is atomic force microscopy. In a previous work, we have reported that the binding mechanism between the cytolytic and antimicrobial protein (Cyt2Aa2) and lipid/cholesterol bilayers was concentration-dependent, leading to either the formation of holes in the bilayer or aggregates. Here we study such binding mechanism as a function of time at low protein concentrations (10 µg/mL). We demonstrate that although holes are formed during the first stages of the protein-lipid interaction, a reparation process due to molecular mobility in the bilayer leads to a homogenous and isotropic protein-lipid/cholesterol layer within 3 hr. The combination of imaging, force spectroscopy, and phase contrast delivered information about topography dynamics (molecular mobility), layer thickness, and mechanical properties of the protein-lipid/cholesterol system. These results highlight the importance of the observation time in (such type of) protein-lipid interactions (at low protein concentrations).

Modification of Cry4Aa toward Improved Toxin Processing in the Gut of the Pea Aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum

Aphids are sap-sucking insects (order: Hemiptera) that cause extensive damage to a wide range of agricultural crops. Our goal was to optimize a naturally occurring insecticidal crystalline (Cry) toxins produced by the soil-dwelling bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis for use against the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum. On the basis that activation of the Cry4Aa toxin is a rate-limiting factor contributing to the relatively low aphicidal activity of this toxin, we introduced cathepsin L and cathepsin B cleavage sites into Cry4Aa for rapid activation in the aphid gut environment. Incubation of modified Cry4Aa and aphid proteases in vitro demonstrated enhanced processing of the toxin into the active form for some of the modified constructs relative to non-modified Cry4Aa. Aphids fed artificial diet with toxin at a final concentration of 125 μg/ml showed enhanced mortality after two days for one of the four modified constructs. Although only modest toxin improvement was achieved by use of this strategy, such specific toxin modifications designed to overcome factors that limit aphid toxicity could be applied toward managing aphid populations via transgenic plant resistance.

Continuous evolution of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins overcomes insect resistance

The Bacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxins (Bt toxins) are widely used insecticidal proteins in engineered crops that provide agricultural, economic, and environmental benefits. The development of insect resistance to Bt toxins endangers their long-term effectiveness. Here we have developed a phage-assisted continuous evolution selection that rapidly evolves high-affinity protein-protein interactions, and applied this system to evolve variants of the Bt toxin Cry1Ac that bind a cadherin-like receptor from the insect pest Trichoplusia ni (TnCAD) that is not natively bound by wild-type Cry1Ac. The resulting evolved Cry1Ac variants bind TnCAD with high affinity (dissociation constant Kd = 11-41 nM), kill TnCAD-expressing insect cells that are not susceptible to wild-type Cry1Ac, and kill Cry1Ac-resistant T. ni insects up to 335-fold more potently than wild-type Cry1Ac. Our findings establish that the evolution of Bt toxins with novel insect cell receptor affinity can overcome insect Bt toxin resistance and confer lethality approaching that of the wild-type Bt toxin against non-resistant insects.

Enhancing Integrated Pest Management in GM Cotton Systems Using Host Plant Resistance

Cotton has lost many ancestral defensive traits against key invertebrate pests. This is suggested by the levels of resistance to some pests found in wild cotton genotypes as well as in cultivated landraces and is a result of domestication and a long history of targeted breeding for yield and fiber quality, along with the capacity to control pests with pesticides. Genetic modification (GM) allowed integration of toxins from a bacteria into cotton to control key Lepidopteran pests. Since the mid-1990s, use of GM cotton cultivars has greatly reduced the amount of pesticides used in many cotton systems. However, pests not controlled by the GM traits have usually emerged as problems, especially the sucking bug complex. Control of this complex with pesticides often causes a reduction in beneficial invertebrate populations, allowing other secondary pests to increase rapidly and require control. Control of both sucking bug complex and secondary pests is problematic due to the cost of pesticides and/or high risk of selecting for pesticide resistance. Deployment of host plant resistance (HPR) provides an opportunity to manage these issues in GM cotton systems. Cotton cultivars resistant to the sucking bug complex and/or secondary pests would require fewer pesticide applications, reducing costs and risks to beneficial invertebrate populations and pesticide resistance. Incorporation of HPR traits into elite cotton cultivars with high yield and fiber quality offers the potential to further reduce pesticide use and increase the durability of pest management in GM cotton systems. We review the challenges that the identification and use of HPR against invertebrate pests brings to cotton breeding. We explore sources of resistance to the sucking bug complex and secondary pests, the mechanisms that control them and the approaches to incorporate these defense traits to commercial cultivars.

Transgenic plants expressing the AaIT/GNA fusion protein show increased resistance and toxicity to both chewing and sucking pests

The adoption of pest-resistant transgenic plants to reduce yield losses and decrease pesticide use has been successful. To achieve the goal of controlling both chewing and sucking pests in a given transgenic plant, we generated transgenic tobacco, Arabidopsis, and rice plants expressing the fusion protein, AaIT/GNA, in which an insecticidal scorpion venom neurotoxin (Androctonus australis toxin, AaIT) is fused to snowdrop lectin (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin, GNA). Compared with transgenic tobacco and Arabidopsis plants expressing AaIT or GNA, transgenic plants expressing AaIT/GNA exhibited increased resistance and toxicity to one chewing pest, the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera. Transgenic tobacco and rice plants expressing AaIT/GNA showed increased resistance and toxicity to two sucking pests, the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, and the rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, respectively. Moreover, in the field, transgenic rice plants expressing AaIT/GNA exhibited a significant improvement in grain yield when infested with N. lugens. This study shows that expressing the AaIT/GNA fusion protein in transgenic plants can be a useful approach for controlling pests, particularly sucking pests which are not susceptible to the toxin in Bt crops.

Loop replacements with gut-binding peptides in Cry1Ab domain II enhanced toxicity against the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål)

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Cry toxins have been used widely in pest managements. However, Cry toxins are not effective against sap-sucking insects (Hemiptera), which limits the application of Bt for pest management. In order to extend the insecticidal spectrum of Bt toxins to the rice brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, we modified Cry1Ab putative receptor binding domains with selected BPH gut-binding peptides (GBPs). Three surface exposed loops in the domain II of Cry1Ab were replaced with two GBPs (P2S and P1Z) respectively. Bioassay results showed that toxicity of modified toxin L2-P2S increased significantly (~9 folds) against BPH nymphs. In addition, damage of midgut cells was observed from the nymphs fed with L2-P2S. Our results indicate that modifying Cry toxins based on the toxin-gut interactions can broaden the insecticidal spectrum of Bt toxin. This method provides another approach for the development of transgenic crops with novel insecticidal activity against hemipteran insects and insect populations resistant to current Bt transgenic crops.

The Effect of an Interspersed Refuge on Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae), Their Natural Enemies, and Biological Control

Soybean production in the north central United States has relied heavily on the use of foliar and seed applied insecticides to manage Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae). An additional management strategy is the use soybean cultivars containing A. glycines resistance genes (Rag). Previous research has demonstrated that Rag cultivars are capable of preventing yield loss equivalent to the use of foliar and seed-applied insecticides.However, the presence of virulent biotypes in North America has raised concern for the durability of Rag genes. A resistance management program that includes a refuge for avirulent biotypes could limit the frequency at which virulent biotypes increase within North America. To what extent such a refuge reduces the effectiveness of aphid-resistant soybean is not clear. We conducted an experiment to determine whether a susceptible refuge mixed into resistant soybean (i.e., interspersed refuge or refuge-in-a-bag) affects the seasonal exposure of aphids, their natural enemies, biological control, and yield protection provided by aphid resistance. We compared three ratios of interspersed refuges (resistant: susceptible; 95:5, 90:10, 75:25) to plots grown with 100%susceptible or resistant soybean. We determined that an interspersed refuge of at least 25% susceptible seed would be necessary to effectively produce avirulent individuals. Interspersed refuges had negligible effects onyield and the natural enemy community. However, there was evidence that they increased the amount of biological control that occurred within a plot. We discuss the compatibility of interspersed refuges for A. glycines management and whether resistance management can prolong the durability of Rag genes.