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Higgins SA, Igwe DO, Coradetti S, Ramsey JS, DeBlasio SL, Pitino M, Shatters RG, Niedz R, Fleites LA, Heck M. Plant-Derived, Nodule-Specific Cysteine-Rich Peptides as a Novel Source of Biopesticides for Controlling Citrus Greening Disease. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2024; 114:971-981. [PMID: 38376984 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-09-23-0322-kc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Nodule-specific cysteine-rich (NCR) peptides, encoded in the genome of the Mediterranean legume Medicago truncatula (barrelclover), are known to regulate plant-microbe interactions. A subset of computationally derived 20-mer peptide fragments from 182 NCR peptides was synthesized to identify those with activity against the unculturable vascular pathogen associated with citrus greening disease, 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas). Grounded in a design of experiments framework, we evaluated the peptides in a screening pipeline involving three distinct assays: a bacterial culture assay with Liberibacter crescens, a CLas-infected excised citrus leaf assay, and an assay to evaluate effects on bacterial acquisition by the nymphal stage of hemipteran vector Diaphorina citri. A subset of the 20-mer NCR peptide fragments inhibits both CLas growth in citrus leaves and CLas acquisition by D. citri. Two peptides induced higher levels of D. citri mortality. These findings reveal 20-mer NCR peptides as a new class of plant-derived biopesticide molecules to control citrus greening disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven A Higgins
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - David O Igwe
- Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Interactions Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Samuel Coradetti
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - John S Ramsey
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Stacy L DeBlasio
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | | | - Robert G Shatters
- U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Fort Pierce, FL 34945
| | - Randall Niedz
- U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Fort Pierce, FL 34945
| | - Laura A Fleites
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Michelle Heck
- Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research Unit, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Ithaca, NY 14853
- Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe Interactions Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
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Thakre N, Carver M, Paredes-Montero JR, Mondal M, Hu J, Saberi E, Ponvert N, Qureshi JA, Brown JK. UV-LASER adjuvant-surfactant-facilitated delivery of mobile dsRNA to tomato plant vasculature and evidence of biological activity by gene knockdown in the potato psyllid. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2141-2153. [PMID: 38146104 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) biopesticides are of interest for the abatement of insect vectors of pathogenic bacteria such as 'Candidatus Liberibacter', which infects both its psyllid and plant hosts. Silencing of genes essential for psyllids, or for Liberibacter, is anticipated to lead to mortality or impeded bacterial multiplication. Foliar delivery is preferred for biopesticide application; however, the cuticle impedes dsRNA penetration into the vasculature. Here, conditions were established for wounding tomato leaves using ultraviolet light amplification by stimulated emissions of radiation (UV-LASER) to promote dsRNA penetration into leaves and vasculature. RESULTS UV-LASER treatment with application of select adjuvants/surfactants resulted in vascular delivery of 100-, 300- and 600-bp dsRNAs that, in general, were correlated with size. The 100-bp dsRNA required no pretreatment, whereas 300- and 600-bp dsRNAs entered the vasculature after UV-LASER treatment only and UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, respectively. Of six adjuvant/surfactants evaluated, plant-derived oil combined with an anionic organosilicon compound performed most optimally. Localization of dsRNAs in the tomato vasculature was documented using fluorometry and fluorescence confocal microscopy. The biological activity of in planta-delivered dsRNA (200-250 bp) was determined by feeding third-instar psyllids on tomato leaves post UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatment, with or without psyllid cdc42- and gelsolin dsRNAs. Gene knockdown was quantified by quantitative, real-time polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) amplification. At 10 days post the ingestion-access period, knockdown of cdc42 and gelsolin expression was 61% and 56%, respectively, indicating that the dsRNAs delivered to the tomato vasculature were mobile and biologically active. CONCLUSION Results indicated that UV-LASER adjuvant/surfactant treatments facilitated the delivery of mobile, biologically active dsRNA molecules to the plant vasculature. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Thakre
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Megan Carver
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jorge R Paredes-Montero
- Biology Department, Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Mosharrof Mondal
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jiahuai Hu
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Esmaeil Saberi
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL, USA
| | - Nathaniel Ponvert
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jawwad A Qureshi
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, IFAS, Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Immokalee, FL, USA
| | - Judith K Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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de Oliveira Dorta S, Attílio LB, Zanardi OZ, Lopes JRS, Machado MA, Freitas-Astúa J. 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). J Biotechnol 2023; 368:60-70. [PMID: 37088156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia de Oliveira Dorta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz/Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), 13.418-900, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira, Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC), 13.490-970, Cordeirópolis, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lísia Borges Attílio
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira, Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC), 13.490-970, Cordeirópolis, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratório de Insetos Vetores de Fitopatógenos, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz/Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), 13.418-900, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Odimar Zanuzo Zanardi
- Departamento de Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão, Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina (IFSC), 89.900-000, São Miguel do Oeste, Santa Catarina, Brasil
| | - João Roberto Spotti Lopes
- Laboratório de Insetos Vetores de Fitopatógenos, Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz/Universidade de São Paulo (ESALQ/USP), 13.418-900, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Antonio Machado
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia, Centro de Citricultura Sylvio Moreira, Instituto Agronômico de Campinas (IAC), 13.490-970, Cordeirópolis, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Freitas-Astúa
- Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura, 44.380-000, Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Brazil; Unidade Laboratorial de Referência em Biologia Molecular Aplicada/Instituto Biológico (ULRBMA/IB), 04.014-900, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Yang C, Ancona V. An Overview of the Mechanisms Against " Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus": Virulence Targets, Citrus Defenses, and Microbiome. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:850588. [PMID: 35391740 PMCID: PMC8982080 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.850588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) or citrus greening, is the most destructive disease for citrus worldwide. It is caused by the psyllid-transmitted, phloem-limited bacteria "Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus" (CLas). To date, there are still no effective practical strategies for curing citrus HLB. Understanding the mechanisms against CLas can contribute to the development of effective approaches for combatting HLB. However, the unculturable nature of CLas has hindered elucidating mechanisms against CLas. In this review, we summarize the main aspects that contribute to the understanding about the mechanisms against CLas, including (1) CLas virulence targets, focusing on inhibition of virulence genes; (2) activation of citrus host defense genes and metabolites of HLB-tolerant citrus triggered by CLas, and by agents; and (3) we also review the role of citrus microbiome in combatting CLas. Finally, we discuss novel strategies to continue studying mechanisms against CLas and the relationship of above aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanyu Yang
- Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences, Citrus Center, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Weslaco, TX, United States
| | - Veronica Ancona
- Department of Agriculture, Agribusiness, and Environmental Sciences, Citrus Center, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Weslaco, TX, United States
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Attah AF, Omobola AI, Moody JO, Sonibare MA, Adebukola OM, Onasanwo SA. Detection of cysteine-rich peptides in Tragia benthamii Baker (Euphorbiaceae) and in vivo antiinflammatory effect in a chick model. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2020-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Tragia benthamii (TBM) commonly called the climbing nettle is a tropical plant claimed to have numerous anti inflammatory effects in sub Saharan African ethnomedicine which lacks scientific evidence. Aqueous extracts of TBM were further prepurified on a RP-C18 parked solid phase system to obtain 20% aqueous fraction. This fraction was enzymatically and chemically analyzed (by MALDI TOF MS and MS/MS) to contain interesting low molecular weight cysteine-rich stable peptides within the range of 2.5–3.2 KDa. The 20% aqueous fraction was further tested in vivo using carrageenan-induced foot edema (acute inflammation) in seven-day old chicks with diclofenac as reference drug. The cytotoxicity of this active fraction was investigated using the brine shrimp lethality assay. The brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay produced LC50 above 1000 μg/mL. Pretreatment with the TBM extract (30–300 mg/kg, i.p) dose dependently (P<0.01) reduced foot edema with maximal inhibition of 0.253 ± 0.180 (84.3%) at 300 mg/kg body weight, which was comparable to that of diclofenac with inhibition (P<0.05) of 0.410 ± 0.271 (74.5%) at 10 mg/kg body weight. The study has therefore shown for the first time, the detection of cysteine-rich biologically active peptides in T. benthamii and the stable peptide extracts from this ethnomedicinal plant, which is not toxic to Artemia salina, exhibits anti inflammatory activity in a chick in vivo model. This may provide scientific evidence for its use in the treatment of inflammation and pain in traditional medicine. Further in-depth vivo and in vitro studies will be required to investigate its anti inflammatory activity including effect on HUVEC-TERT, the possible inhibition of ICAM-1 surface expression and the mechanism of the anti inflammatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred F. Attah
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences , University of Ilorin , Ilorin , Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Abobarin I. Omobola
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Jones O. Moody
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Mubo A. Sonibare
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Olubori M. Adebukola
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
| | - Samuel A. Onasanwo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine , University of Ibadan , Ibadan , Nigeria
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