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Mitić BM, Jovanović VB, Todosijević MM, Eckhard M, Vasiljević LC, Tešević VV, Vujisić LV. Chemical defence of a centipede (Clinopodes flavidus). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 155:104649. [PMID: 38754699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2024.104649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Chemical substances are of utmost importance for the biotic interactions between animals and their predators/parasites; many of these semiochemicals are emitted for defence purposes. One of the most deterrent and toxic biogenic substances we know of is hydrogen cyanide, which can be stored by certain insects, millipedes, centipedes and arachnids in the form of stable and less volatile molecules. The aim of this study was to analyse the biology and chemistry of such a defence mechanism in a geophilomorph centipede (Chilopoda). The cyanogenic secretion of Clinopodes flavidus is discharged from the ventral glands, whose glandular units are located in the space between the cuticle and the trunk muscles and do not extend deep into the segment. In addition to hydrogen cyanide, the ventral secretion contains 2-methylpentanoic acid, benzaldehyde, benzoyl cyanide, 2-methyl branched C-9 carboxylic acid (tentatively identified as 2-methyloctanoic acid), methyl 2-phenylacetate, benzoic acid and mandelonitrile as well as four major proteins with a molecular weight of 150, 66.2, 59 and 55 kDa. The correlation between the presence of ventral glands and guarding with the female's ventral side facing away from the eggs and young indicates a functional link between these two traits. We hope that the specificity of the chemical composition of the ventral secretion could serve as a criterion for chemotaxonomy and that the analysis of more species will help to clarify the phylogenetic relationships within the Geophilomorpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojan M Mitić
- Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Technology Zvornik, University of East Sarajevo, Karakaj 34a, 75400 Zvornik, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | - Vesna B Jovanović
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina M Todosijević
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Margret Eckhard
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstrasse 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ljubica C Vasiljević
- Faculty of Technology Zvornik, University of East Sarajevo, Karakaj 34a, 75400 Zvornik, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Vele V Tešević
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljubodrag V Vujisić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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2
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Yamaguchi T, Asano Y. Nitrile-synthesizing enzymes and biocatalytic synthesis of volatile nitrile compounds: A review. J Biotechnol 2024; 384:20-28. [PMID: 38395363 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Nitriles (R-CN) comprise a broad group of chemicals industrially produced and used in fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and bulk applications, polymer chemistry, solvents, etc. Nitriles are important starting materials for producing carboxylic acids, amides, amines, and several other compounds. In addition, some volatile nitriles have been evaluated for their potential as ingredients in fragrance and flavor formulations. However, many nitrile synthesis methods have drawbacks, such as drastic reaction conditions, limited substrate scope, lack of readily available reagents, poor yields, and long reaction times. In contrast to chemical synthesis, biocatalytic approaches using enzymes can produce nitriles without harsh conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures, or toxic compounds. In this review, we summarize the nitrile-synthesizing enzymes from microorganisms, plants, and animals. Furthermore, we introduce several examples of biocatalytic synthesis of volatile nitrile compounds, particularly those using aldoxime dehydratase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yamaguchi
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan.
| | - Yasuhisa Asano
- Biotechnology Research Center and Department of Biotechnology, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
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3
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Shahid M, Khan MS, Singh UB. Pesticide-tolerant microbial consortia: Potential candidates for remediation/clean-up of pesticide-contaminated agricultural soil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116724. [PMID: 37500042 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116724] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Reclamation of pesticide-polluted lands has long been a difficult endeavour. The use of synthetic pesticides could not be restricted due to rising agricultural demand. Pesticide toxicity has become a pressing agronomic problem due to its adverse impact on agroecosystems, agricultural output, and consequently food security and safety. Among different techniques used for the reclamation of pesticide-polluted sites, microbial bioremediation is an eco-friendly approach, which focuses on the application of resilient plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that may transform or degrade chemical pesticides to innocuous forms. Such pesticide-resilient PGPR has demonstrated favourable effects on soil-plant systems, even in pesticide-contaminated environments, by degrading pesticides, providing macro-and micronutrients, and secreting active but variable secondary metabolites like-phytohormones, siderophores, ACC deaminase, etc. This review critically aims to advance mechanistic understanding related to the reduction of phytotoxicity of pesticides via the use of microbe-mediated remediation techniques leading to crop optimization in pesticide-stressed soils. The literature surveyed and data presented herein are extremely useful, offering agronomists-and crop protectionists microbes-assisted remedial strategies for affordably enhancing crop productivity in pesticide-stressed soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shahid
- Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM), Kushmaur, Mau Nath Bhanjan, 275103, UP, India; Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture Science, Aligarh Muslim University (A.M.U.), Aligarh, 202001, UP, India.
| | - Mohammad Saghir Khan
- Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture Science, Aligarh Muslim University (A.M.U.), Aligarh, 202001, UP, India
| | - Udai B Singh
- Plant-Microbe Interaction and Rhizosphere Biology Lab, ICAR-National Bureau of Agriculturally Important Microorganisms (NBAIM), Kushmaur, Mau Nath Bhanjan, 275103, UP, India
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4
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Anand A, Falquet L, Abou-Mansour E, L'Haridon F, Keel C, Weisskopf L. Biological hydrogen cyanide emission globally impacts the physiology of both HCN-emitting and HCN-perceiving Pseudomonas. mBio 2023; 14:e0085723. [PMID: 37650608 PMCID: PMC10653877 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00857-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Bacteria communicate by exchanging chemical signals, some of which are volatile and can remotely reach other organisms. HCN was one of the first volatiles discovered to severely impact exposed organisms by inhibiting their respiration. Using HCN-deficient mutants in two Pseudomonas strains, we demonstrate that HCN's impact goes beyond the sole inhibition of respiration and affects both emitting and receiving bacteria in a global way, modulating their motility, biofilm formation, and production of antimicrobial compounds. Our data suggest that bacteria could use HCN not only to control their own cellular functions, but also to remotely influence the behavior of other bacteria sharing the same environment. Since HCN emission occurs in both clinically and environmentally relevant Pseudomonas, these findings are important to better understand or even modulate the expression of bacterial traits involved in both virulence of opportunistic pathogens and in biocontrol efficacy of plant-beneficial strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Anand
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Falquet
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Christoph Keel
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laure Weisskopf
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Raspotnig G, Bodner M, Fröhlich D, Blesl J, Stabentheiner E, Kunert O. After chemo-metamorphosis: p-menthane monoterpenoids characterize the oil gland secretion of adults of the oribatid mite, Nothrus palustris. CHEMOECOLOGY 2023; 33:71-82. [PMID: 37519904 PMCID: PMC10382390 DOI: 10.1007/s00049-023-00386-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The oil gland secretion of the oribatid mite Nothrus palustris is known to show the phenomenon of juvenile-adult polymorphism, i.e., juvenile instars produce secretions predominated by geranial, whereas adults secrete dehydrocineole along with a number of chemically unidentified compounds. We here re-analyzed the secretions of adult N. palustris by GC-MS and NMR spectroscopy, eventually identifying the unknown compounds as p-menthane monoterpenoids. The major components were two isomeric 6-isopropenyl-3-methyl-cyclohex-3-en-1-yl formates (= p-1,8-menthadien-5-yl formates), which accounted for about 75% of the secretion. These were accompanied by five additional, only partly identified p-menthanes (or p-methane-derivatives), all of which represented minor or trace components. In addition, adult secretions contained two C21-hydrocarbons, 1,12-heneicosadiene (major) and a heneicosatriene (minor). Menthane monoterpenoids represent a novel sub-class of terpene compounds in the oil gland secretions of Oribatida. In case of N. palustris, we assume that both geranial and p-menthane monoterpenoids arise via the mevalonate pathway which obviously shows a split at the level of geranyl pyrophosphate, leading to geranial in juveniles and to p-menthanes in adults. The significance of methane occurrence in oil glands as well as the taxonomic distribution of juvenile-adult polymorphism in oribatid oil gland secretions is discussed. The latter phenomenon-i.e., "chemo-metamorphosis" of secretions-is not known from early- and middle-derivative Oribatida nor from Astigmata, but appears to be more common in some derivative desmonomatan and brachypyline oribatid groups.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julia Blesl
- Institute of Biology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Olaf Kunert
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Schober L, Dobiašová H, Jurkaš V, Parmeggiani F, Rudroff F, Winkler M. Enzymatic reactions towards aldehydes: An overview. FLAVOUR FRAG J 2023; 38:221-242. [PMID: 38505272 PMCID: PMC10947199 DOI: 10.1002/ffj.3739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Many aldehydes are volatile compounds with distinct and characteristic olfactory properties. The aldehydic functional group is reactive and, as such, an invaluable chemical multi-tool to make all sorts of products. Owing to the reactivity, the selective synthesis of aldehydic is a challenging task. Nature has evolved a number of enzymatic reactions to produce aldehydes, and this review provides an overview of aldehyde-forming reactions in biological systems and beyond. Whereas some of these biotransformations are still in their infancy in terms of synthetic applicability, others are developed to an extent that allows their implementation as industrial biocatalysts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Schober
- Institute of Molecular BiotechnologyGraz University of TechnologyGrazAustria
| | - Hana Dobiašová
- Institute of Chemical and Environmental EngineeringSlovak University of TechnologyBratislavaSlovakia
| | - Valentina Jurkaš
- Institute of Molecular BiotechnologyGraz University of TechnologyGrazAustria
| | - Fabio Parmeggiani
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali ed Ingegneria Chimica “Giulio Natta”Politecnico di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Florian Rudroff
- Institute of Applied Synthetic ChemistryTU WienViennaAustria
| | - Margit Winkler
- Institute of Molecular BiotechnologyGraz University of TechnologyGrazAustria
- Area BiotransformationsAustrian Center of Industrial BiotechnologyGrazAustria
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7
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Silva-Brandão KL, Freitas AVL, Cardoso MZ, Cogni R, de Morais ABB. The Chemistry and Chemical Ecology of Lepidopterans as Investigated in Brazil. PROGRESS IN THE CHEMISTRY OF ORGANIC NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 116:37-66. [PMID: 34698945 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-80560-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The interdisciplinary field of Chemical Ecology in Brazil is currently composed of groups that emerged through the pioneering studies of Keith Spalding Brown Jr. and José Tércio Barbosa Ferreira. Following Keith Brown 's steps, José Roberto Trigo continued investigating the role of plant natural products in mediating the association among insects and their host plants, mainly in the Order Lepidoptera. The role of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in those associations was investigated extensively by Brown and Trigo, and most of what is currently known on this subject is based on their studies. The present work acknowledges their contribution to the Brazilian chemical ecology field and on insect-plant communication studies mediated by different chemical compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina L Silva-Brandão
- Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Av. Candido Rondom, 400, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - André V L Freitas
- Departamento de Biologia Animal and Museu da Diversidade Biológica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, 255, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Márcio Zikán Cardoso
- Departamento de Ecologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Av. Carlos Chagas Filho, 373, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, CEP 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Cogni
- Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, Rua do Matão, 321, São Paulo, SP, CEP 05508-090, Brazil
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8
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Contribution of Hydrogen Cyanide to the Antagonistic Activity of Pseudomonas Strains Against Phytophthora infestans. Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8081144. [PMID: 32731625 PMCID: PMC7464445 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8081144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants face many biotic and abiotic challenges in nature; one of them is attack by disease-causing microbes. Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight is one of the most prominent pathogens of the potato responsible for multi-billion-dollar losses every year. We have previously reported that potato-associated Pseudomonas strains inhibited P. infestans at various developmental stages. A comparative genomics approach identified several factors putatively involved in this anti-oomycete activity, among which was the production of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Here, we report the relative contribution of HCN emission to the overall anti-Phytophthora activity of two cyanogenic Pseudomonas strains, P. putida R32 and P. chlororaphis R47. To quantify this contribution, we generated HCN-negative mutants (Δhcn) and compared their activities to those of their respective wild types in different experiments assessing P. infestans mycelial growth, zoospore germination, and infection of potato leaf disks. Using in vitro experiments allowing only volatile-mediated interactions, we observed that HCN accounted for most of the mycelial growth inhibition (57% in R47 and 80% in R32). However, when allowing both volatile and diffusible compound-mediated interactions, HCN only accounted for 1% (R47) and 18% (R32) of mycelial growth inhibition. Likewise, both mutants inhibited zoospore germination in a similar way as their respective wild types. More importantly, leaf disk experiments showed that both wild-type and Δhcn strains of R47 and R32 were able to limit P. infestans infection to a similar extent. Our results suggest that while HCN is a major contributor to the in vitro volatile-mediated restriction of P. infestans mycelial growth, it does not play a major role in the inhibition of other disease-related features such as zoospore germination or infection of plant tissues.
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9
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The effect of cyanogenic glucosides and their breakdown products on predation by domestic chicks. CHEMOECOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-020-00304-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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10
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Schmelzle S, Blüthgen N. Under pressure: force resistance measurements in box mites (Actinotrichida, Oribatida). Front Zool 2019; 16:24. [PMID: 31312228 PMCID: PMC6611053 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-019-0325-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mechanical defenses are very common and diverse in prey species, for example in oribatid mites. Here, the probably most complex form of morphological defense is known as ptychoidy, that enables the animals to completely retract the appendages into a secondary cavity and encapsulate themselves. The two groups of ptychoid mites constituting the Ptyctima, i.e. Euphthiracaroidea and Phthiracaroidea, have a hardened cuticle and are well protected against similar sized predators. Euphthiracaroidea additionally feature predator-repelling secretions. Since both taxa evolved within the glandulate group of Oribatida, the question remains why Phthiracaroidea lost this additional protection. In earlier predation bioassays, chemically disarmed specimens of Euphthiracaroidea were cracked by the staphylinid beetle Othius punctulatus, whereas equally sized specimens of Phthiracaroidea survived. We thus hypothesized that Phthiracaroidea can withstand significantly more force than Euphthiracaroidea and that the specific body form in each group is key in understanding the loss of chemical defense in Phthiracaroidea. To measure force resistance, we adapted the principle of machines applying compressive forces for very small animals and tested the two ptyctimous taxa as well as the soft-bodied mite Archegozetes longisetosus. Results Some Phthiracaroidea individuals sustained about 560,000 times their body weight. Their mean resistance was about three times higher, and their mean breaking point in relation to body weight nearly two times higher than Euphthiracaroidea individuals. The breaking point increased with body weight and differed significantly between the two taxa. Across taxa, the absolute force resistance increased sublinearly (with a 0.781 power term) with the animal's body weight. Force resistance of A. longisetosus was inferior in all tests (about half that of Euphthiracaroidea after accounting for body weight). As an important determinant of mechanical resistance in ptychoid mites, the individuals' cuticle thickness increased sublinearly with body diameter and body mass as well and did not differ significantly between the taxa. Conclusion We showed the feasibility of the force resistance measurement method, and our results were consistent with the hypothesis that Phthiracaroidea compensated its lack of chemical secretions by a heavier mechanical resistance based on a different body form and associated build-up of hemolymph pressure (defensive trade-off).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Schmelzle
- Department of Biology, Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nico Blüthgen
- Department of Biology, Ecological Networks, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstr. 3, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
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11
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Beran F, Köllner TG, Gershenzon J, Tholl D. Chemical convergence between plants and insects: biosynthetic origins and functions of common secondary metabolites. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2019; 223:52-67. [PMID: 30707438 DOI: 10.1111/nph.15718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite the phylogenetic distance between plants and insects, these two groups of organisms produce some secondary metabolites in common. Identical structures belonging to chemical classes such as the simple monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, iridoid monoterpenes, cyanogenic glycosides, benzoic acid derivatives, benzoquinones and naphthoquinones are sometimes found in both plants and insects. In addition, very similar glucohydrolases involved in activating two-component defenses, such as glucosinolates and cyanogenic glycosides, occur in both plants and insects. Although this trend was first noted many years ago, researchers have long struggled to find convincing explanations for such co-occurrence. In some cases, identical compounds may be produced by plants to interfere with their function in insects. In others, plant and insect compounds may simply have parallel functions, probably in defense or attraction, and their co-occurrence is a coincidence. The biosynthetic origin of such co-occurring metabolites may be very different in insects as compared to plants. Plants and insects may have different pathways to the same metabolite, or similar sequences of intermediates, but different enzymes. Further knowledge of the ecological roles and biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites may shed more light on why plants and insects produce identical substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Beran
- Research Group Sequestration and Detoxification in Insects, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Tobias G Köllner
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Jonathan Gershenzon
- Department of Biochemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Str 8, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Dorothea Tholl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, 409 Latham Hall, 220 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA
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12
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Crotty FV, Adl SM. Competition and Predation in Soil Fungivorous Microarthropods Using Stable Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1274. [PMID: 31231351 PMCID: PMC6568236 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The soil food web is often described as having three main energy channels: root, bacterial and fungal. Here we provide quantitative data using a sensitive stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry procedure with microcosms on species interactions in the fungal pathway. We measured 15N and 13C enrichment in microarthropods through grazing rare isotope enriched fungal mycelia. Experimental treatments were various combinations of 1, 2, 3, 4 microarthropods species. We used three fungivores (the collembolan Lepidocyrtus curvicollis, the Astigmata Tyrophagus putrescentiae, the Oribatida Oribatula tibialis), and the Mesostigmata predator Hypoaspis acquilifer. We collected individuals of each species separately, as well as their feces, and molt where available. All three fungivorous microarthropods consumed significantly more than their own body weight per day. The three fungivores differed in their consumption of the mycelium as it was not equally palatable to each. The Mesostigmata predator Hypoaspis also differed in its microarthropod prey preference. In multiple species combinations microarthropod behavioral interactions modified consumption and predation rates. Our selection of mites of different sizes, with varied preference for the mycelium, combined with differing predation rates on each mite, demonstrate that even three trophic level interactions with only five interacting species are not predictably simple. The interpretation of the stable isotope results and consumed-excreted weights indicate that: (a) behavior and microscopic observations should not be ignored in competition-predation interactions, and (b) functional guilds can take advantage of more diverse food opportunities. The reality of mixed diets complicates functional guild assignments that are reflected in 15N and 13C isotope levels at natural abundances in the environment. Microcosm experiments with this sensitive technique can help decipher the interpretation of rare isotope natural abundance values, as well as providing measured consumption, growth, and excretion rate values for modeling soil food web interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sina M. Adl
- Department of Soil Science, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Zhang L, Zhao M, Chen J, Wang M, Yu X. Reduction of cyanide content of bitter almond and its oil using different treatments. Int J Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/ijfs.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyan Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering Northwest A&F University 22 Xinong Road Yangling 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Min Zhao
- Xi'an Wanlong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 2 Yong'an Road Yangling 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Jia Chen
- College of Food Science and Engineering Northwest A&F University 22 Xinong Road Yangling 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Mengzhu Wang
- College of Food Science and Engineering Northwest A&F University 22 Xinong Road Yangling 712100 Shaanxi China
| | - Xiuzhu Yu
- College of Food Science and Engineering Northwest A&F University 22 Xinong Road Yangling 712100 Shaanxi China
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14
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Wei J, Shao W, Cao M, Ge J, Yang P, Chen L, Wang X, Kang L. Phenylacetonitrile in locusts facilitates an antipredator defense by acting as an olfactory aposematic signal and cyanide precursor. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav5495. [PMID: 30746481 PMCID: PMC6357733 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav5495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Many aggregating animals use aposematic signals to advertise their toxicity to predators. However, the coordination between aposematic signals and toxins is poorly understood. Here, we reveal that phenylacetonitrile (PAN) acts as an olfactory aposematic signal and precursor of hypertoxic hydrogen cyanide (HCN) to protect gregarious locusts from predation. We found that PAN biosynthesis from phenylalanine is catalyzed by CYP305M2, a novel gene encoding a cytochrome P450 enzyme in gregarious locusts. The RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown of CYP305M2 increases the vulnerability of gregarious locusts to bird predation. By contrast, the elevation of PAN levels through supplementation with synthetic PAN increases the resistance of solitary locusts to predation. When locusts are attacked by birds, PAN is converted to HCN, which causes food poisoning in birds. Our results indicate that locusts develop a defense mechanism wherein an aposematic compound is converted to hypertoxic cyanide in resistance to predation by natural enemies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
| | - Wenbo Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Minmin Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Jin Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
| | - Pengcheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
| | - Xianhui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
- Corresponding author. (L.K.); (X.W.)
| | - Le Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100080, P. R. China
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, P. R. China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
- Corresponding author. (L.K.); (X.W.)
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Heethoff M, Brückner A, Schmelzle S, Schubert M, Bräuer M, Meusinger R, Dötterl S, Norton RA, Raspotnig G. Life as a fortress – structure, function, and adaptive values of morphological and chemical defense in the oribatid mite Euphthiracarus reticulatus (Actinotrichida). BMC ZOOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40850-018-0031-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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16
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Evolution of the Biosynthetic Pathway for Cyanogenic Glucosides in Lepidoptera. J Mol Evol 2018; 86:379-394. [DOI: 10.1007/s00239-018-9854-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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17
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Zagrobelny M, de Castro ÉCP, Møller BL, Bak S. Cyanogenesis in Arthropods: From Chemical Warfare to Nuptial Gifts. INSECTS 2018; 9:E51. [PMID: 29751568 PMCID: PMC6023451 DOI: 10.3390/insects9020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemical defences are key components in insect⁻plant interactions, as insects continuously learn to overcome plant defence systems by, e.g., detoxification, excretion or sequestration. Cyanogenic glucosides are natural products widespread in the plant kingdom, and also known to be present in arthropods. They are stabilised by a glucoside linkage, which is hydrolysed by the action of β-glucosidase enzymes, resulting in the release of toxic hydrogen cyanide and deterrent aldehydes or ketones. Such a binary system of components that are chemically inert when spatially separated provides an immediate defence against predators that cause tissue damage. Further roles in nitrogen metabolism and inter- and intraspecific communication has also been suggested for cyanogenic glucosides. In arthropods, cyanogenic glucosides are found in millipedes, centipedes, mites, beetles and bugs, and particularly within butterflies and moths. Cyanogenic glucosides may be even more widespread since many arthropod taxa have not yet been analysed for the presence of this class of natural products. In many instances, arthropods sequester cyanogenic glucosides or their precursors from food plants, thereby avoiding the demand for de novo biosynthesis and minimising the energy spent for defence. Nevertheless, several species of butterflies, moths and millipedes have been shown to biosynthesise cyanogenic glucosides de novo, and even more species have been hypothesised to do so. As for higher plant species, the specific steps in the pathway is catalysed by three enzymes, two cytochromes P450, a glycosyl transferase, and a general P450 oxidoreductase providing electrons to the P450s. The pathway for biosynthesis of cyanogenic glucosides in arthropods has most likely been assembled by recruitment of enzymes, which could most easily be adapted to acquire the required catalytic properties for manufacturing these compounds. The scattered phylogenetic distribution of cyanogenic glucosides in arthropods indicates that the ability to biosynthesise this class of natural products has evolved independently several times. This is corroborated by the characterised enzymes from the pathway in moths and millipedes. Since the biosynthetic pathway is hypothesised to have evolved convergently in plants as well, this would suggest that there is only one universal series of unique intermediates by which amino acids are efficiently converted into CNglcs in different Kingdoms of Life. For arthropods to handle ingestion of cyanogenic glucosides, an effective detoxification system is required. In butterflies and moths, hydrogen cyanide released from hydrolysis of cyanogenic glucosides is mainly detoxified by β-cyanoalanine synthase, while other arthropods use the enzyme rhodanese. The storage of cyanogenic glucosides and spatially separated hydrolytic enzymes (β-glucosidases and α-hydroxynitrile lyases) are important for an effective hydrogen cyanide release for defensive purposes. Accordingly, such hydrolytic enzymes are also present in many cyanogenic arthropods, and spatial separation has been shown in a few species. Although much knowledge regarding presence, biosynthesis, hydrolysis and detoxification of cyanogenic glucosides in arthropods has emerged in recent years, many exciting unanswered questions remain regarding the distribution, roles apart from defence, and convergent evolution of the metabolic pathways involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika Zagrobelny
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | | | - Birger Lindberg Møller
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
- VILLUM Center for Plant Plasticity, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
| | - Søren Bak
- Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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18
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Tetsch L. Ein blaues Wunder für Fressfeinde. CHEM UNSERER ZEIT 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ciuz.201770403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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19
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Pentzold S, Jensen MK, Matthes A, Olsen CE, Petersen BL, Clausen H, Møller BL, Bak S, Zagrobelny M. Spatial separation of the cyanogenic β-glucosidase ZfBGD2 and cyanogenic glucosides in the haemolymph of Zygaena larvae facilitates cyanide release. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:170262. [PMID: 28680679 PMCID: PMC5493921 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.170262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Low molecular weight compounds are typically used by insects and plants for defence against predators. They are often stored as inactive β-glucosides and kept separate from activating β-glucosidases. When the two components are mixed, the β-glucosides are hydrolysed releasing toxic aglucones. Cyanogenic plants contain cyanogenic glucosides and release hydrogen cyanide due to such a well-characterized two-component system. Some arthropods are also cyanogenic, but comparatively little is known about their system. Here, we identify a specific β-glucosidase (ZfBGD2) involved in cyanogenesis from larvae of Zygaena filipendulae (Lepidoptera, Zygaenidae), and analyse the spatial organization of cyanide release in this specialized insect. High levels of ZfBGD2 mRNA and protein were found in haemocytes by transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. Heterologous expression in insect cells showed that ZfBGD2 hydrolyses linamarin and lotaustralin, the two cyanogenic glucosides present in Z. filipendulae. Linamarin and lotaustralin as well as cyanide release were found exclusively in the haemoplasma. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that ZfBGD2 clusters with other insect β-glucosidases, and correspondingly, the ability to hydrolyse cyanogenic glucosides catalysed by a specific β-glucosidase evolved convergently in insects and plants. The spatial separation of the β-glucosidase ZfBGD2 and its cyanogenic substrates within the haemolymph provides the basis for cyanide release in Z. filipendulae. This spatial separation is similar to the compartmentalization of the two components found in cyanogenic plant species, and illustrates one similarity in cyanide-based defence in these two kingdoms of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Pentzold
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Mikael Kryger Jensen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Annemarie Matthes
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Carl Erik Olsen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Bent Larsen Petersen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Henrik Clausen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Birger Lindberg Møller
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Søren Bak
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Mika Zagrobelny
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Copenhagen Plant Science Centre, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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