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Blaustein MP, Hamlyn JM. Sensational site: the sodium pump ouabain-binding site and its ligands. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1120-C1177. [PMID: 38223926 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00273.2023] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Cardiotonic steroids (CTS), used by certain insects, toads, and rats for protection from predators, became, thanks to Withering's trailblazing 1785 monograph, the mainstay of heart failure (HF) therapy. In the 1950s and 1960s, we learned that the CTS receptor was part of the sodium pump (NKA) and that the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger was critical for the acute cardiotonic effect of digoxin- and ouabain-related CTS. This "settled" view was upended by seven revolutionary observations. First, subnanomolar ouabain sometimes stimulates NKA while higher concentrations are invariably inhibitory. Second, endogenous ouabain (EO) was discovered in the human circulation. Third, in the DIG clinical trial, digoxin only marginally improved outcomes in patients with HF. Fourth, cloning of NKA in 1985 revealed multiple NKA α and β subunit isoforms that, in the rodent, differ in their sensitivities to CTS. Fifth, the NKA is a cation pump and a hormone receptor/signal transducer. EO binding to NKA activates, in a ligand- and cell-specific manner, several protein kinase and Ca2+-dependent signaling cascades that have widespread physiological effects and can contribute to hypertension and HF pathogenesis. Sixth, all CTS are not equivalent, e.g., ouabain induces hypertension in rodents while digoxin is antihypertensinogenic ("biased signaling"). Seventh, most common rodent hypertension models require a highly ouabain-sensitive α2 NKA and the elevated blood pressure is alleviated by EO immunoneutralization. These numerous phenomena are enabled by NKA's intricate structure. We have just begun to understand the endocrine role of the endogenous ligands and the broad impact of the ouabain-binding site on physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mordecai P Blaustein
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - John M Hamlyn
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
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2
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Yang L, Borne F, Betz A, Aardema ML, Zhen Y, Peng J, Visconti R, Wu M, Roland BP, Talsma AD, Palladino MJ, Petschenka G, Andolfatto P. Predatory fireflies and their toxic firefly prey have evolved distinct toxin resistance strategies. Curr Biol 2023; 33:5160-5168.e7. [PMID: 37989309 PMCID: PMC10872512 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.10.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Toxic cardiotonic steroids (CTSs) act as a defense mechanism in many firefly species (Lampyridae) by inhibiting a crucial enzyme called Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA). Although most fireflies produce these toxins internally, species of the genus Photuris acquire them from a surprising source: predation on other fireflies. The contrasting physiology of toxin exposure and sequestration between Photuris and other firefly genera suggests that distinct strategies may be required to prevent self-intoxication. Our study demonstrates that both Photuris and their firefly prey have evolved highly resistant NKAs. Using an evolutionary analysis of the specific target of CTS (ATPα) in fireflies and gene editing in Drosophila, we find that the initial steps toward resistance were shared among Photuris and other firefly lineages. However, the Photuris lineage subsequently underwent multiple rounds of gene duplication and neofunctionalization, resulting in the development of ATPα paralogs that are differentially expressed and exhibit increasing resistance to CTS. By contrast, other firefly species have maintained a single copy. Our results implicate gene duplication as a facilitator in the transition of Photuris to its distinct ecological role as a predator of toxic firefly prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Flora Borne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Anja Betz
- Department of Applied Entomology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Matthew L Aardema
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; Department of Biology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA
| | - Ying Zhen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Julie Peng
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Regina Visconti
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Mariana Wu
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Bartholomew P Roland
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Aaron D Talsma
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Michael J Palladino
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Georg Petschenka
- Department of Applied Entomology, University of Hohenheim, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Andolfatto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA.
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3
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Yang L, Borne F, Betz A, Aardema ML, Zhen Y, Peng J, Visconti R, Wu M, Roland BP, Talsma AD, Palladino MJ, Petschenka G, Andolfatto P. Predatory fireflies and their toxic firefly prey have evolved distinct toxin resistance strategies. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.08.531760. [PMID: 36945443 PMCID: PMC10028858 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.08.531760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Toxic cardiotonic steroids (CTS) act as a defense mechanism in many firefly species (Lampyridae) by inhibiting a crucial enzyme called Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA). While most fireflies produce these toxins internally, species of the genus Photuris acquire them from a surprising source: predation on other fireflies. The contrasting physiology of toxin exposure and sequestration between Photuris and other firefly genera suggests that distinct strategies may be required to prevent self-intoxication. Our study demonstrates that both Photuris and their firefly prey have evolved highly-resistant NKAs. Using an evolutionary analysis of the specific target of CTS (ATPα) in fireflies, and gene-editing in Drosophila, we find that the initial steps towards resistance were shared among Photuris and other firefly lineages. However, the Photuris lineage subsequently underwent multiple rounds of gene duplication and neofunctionalization, resulting in the development of ATPα paralogs that are differentially expressed and exhibit increasing resistance to CTS. In contrast, other firefly species have maintained a single copy. Our results implicate gene duplication as a facilitator in the transition of Photuris to its distinct ecological role as predator of toxic firefly prey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
| | - Flora Borne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - Anja Betz
- Department of Applied Entomology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Matthew L Aardema
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, Montclair, USA
| | - Ying Zhen
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Julie Peng
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
| | - Regina Visconti
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
| | - Mariana Wu
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, USA
| | - Bartholomew P Roland
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Aaron D Talsma
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Mike J Palladino
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Georg Petschenka
- Department of Applied Entomology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Andolfatto
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, USA
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4
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Giglio ML, Boland W, Heras H. Egg toxic compounds in the animal kingdom. A comprehensive review. Nat Prod Rep 2022; 39:1938-1969. [PMID: 35916025 DOI: 10.1039/d2np00029f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Covering: 1951 to 2022Packed with nutrients and unable to escape, eggs are the most vulnerable stage of an animal's life cycle. Consequently, many species have evolved chemical defenses and teamed up their eggs with a vast array of toxic molecules for defense against predators, parasites, or pathogens. However, studies on egg toxins are rather scarce and the available information is scattered. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of animal egg toxins and to analyze the trends and patterns with respect to the chemistry and biosynthesis of these toxins. We analyzed their ecology, distribution, sources, occurrence, structure, function, relative toxicity, and mechanistic aspects and include a brief section on the aposematic coloration of toxic eggs. We propose criteria for a multiparametric classification that accounts for the complexity of analyzing the full set of toxins of animal eggs. Around 100 properly identified egg toxins are found in 188 species, distributed in 5 phyla: cnidarians (2) platyhelminths (2), mollusks (9), arthropods (125), and chordates (50). Their scattered pattern among animals suggests that species have evolved this strategy independently on numerous occasions. Alkaloids are the most abundant and widespread, among the 13 types of egg toxins recognized. Egg toxins are derived directly from the environment or are endogenously synthesized, and most of them are transferred by females inside the eggs. Their toxicity ranges from ρmol kg-1 to mmol kg-1, and for some species, experiments support their role in predation deterrence. There is still a huge gap in information to complete the whole picture of this field and the number of toxic eggs seems largely underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías L Giglio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr Rodolfo R. Brenner", INIBIOLP, CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Wilhelm Boland
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | - Horacio Heras
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata "Prof. Dr Rodolfo R. Brenner", INIBIOLP, CONICET CCT La Plata - Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 60 y 120, 1900 La Plata, Argentina. .,Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), La Plata, Argentina
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5
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Oba Y, Schultz DT. Firefly genomes illuminate the evolution of beetle bioluminescent systems. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100879. [PMID: 35091104 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fireflies are one of the best-known bioluminescent organisms, and the reaction mechanism and ecological utility of bioluminescence have been well-studied. Genome assemblies of six species of bioluminescent beetles have recently been published. These studies have focused on the evolution of novelties; luciferase, and the biosynthesis of luciferin and defensive chemicals. For example, clustering of the luciferase gene with acyl-CoA synthetase genes on a chromosome in luminous beetle genomes suggests the involvement of tandem gene duplications and neofunctionalization during the evolution of beetle bioluminescence. Several candidate genes for critical roles in beetle bioluminescence have been identified, but their functional analyses are still ongoing. The establishment of a long-term mass-rearing system and strain will be the key for the post-genome research on bioluminescent beetles. Lastly, the application of contemporary chromosome-scale genome assembly techniques to luminous beetles will help resolve outstanding evolutionary questions, such as how many times bioluminescence evolved in this clade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Oba
- Department of Environmental Biology, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Japan.
| | - Darrin T Schultz
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing, CA 95039, United States
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Llanes LC, Sa NB, Cenci AR, Teixeira KF, de França IV, Meier L, de Oliveira AS. Witches, potions, and metabolites: an overview from a medicinal perspective. RSC Med Chem 2022; 13:405-412. [PMID: 35647543 PMCID: PMC9020611 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00025c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Witches were popularly imagined as older women (above middle age), with large warty noses, whose clothes were shabby and used pointy hats. They are usually associated with a cauldron and...
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Canzian Llanes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Santa Barbara California 93106 USA
| | - Nathalia Biazotto Sa
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Arthur Ribeiro Cenci
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Kerolain Faoro Teixeira
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Igor Vinícius de França
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Lidiane Meier
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
| | - Aldo Sena de Oliveira
- Department of Exact Sciences and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina - Campus of Blumenau Rua João Pessoa, 2750 - Velha Blumenau - SC 89036-256 Brazil
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7
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Berger A, Petschenka G, Degenkolb T, Geisthardt M, Vilcinskas A. Insect Collections as an Untapped Source of Bioactive Compounds-Fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and Cardiotonic Steroids as a Proof of Concept. INSECTS 2021; 12:689. [PMID: 34442254 PMCID: PMC8396437 DOI: 10.3390/insects12080689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural history collections provide an invaluable basis for systematics, ecology, and conservation. Besides being an important source of DNA, museum specimens may also contain a plethora of natural products. Especially, dried insect collections represent a global repository with billions of inventoried vouchers. Due to their vast diversity, insects possess a great variety of defensive compounds, which they either produce autogenously or derive from the environment. Here, we present a case study on fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), which produce bufadienolides as a defense against predators. These toxins belong to the cardiotonic steroids, which are used for the treatment of cardiac diseases and specifically inhibit the animal enzyme Na+/K+-ATPase. Bufadienolides have been reported from only seven out of approximately 2000 described firefly species. Using a non-destructive approach, we screened 72 dry coleopteran specimens for bufadienolides using HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS. We found bufadienolides including five novel compounds in 21 species of the subfamily Lampyrinae. The absence of bufadienolides in the phylogenetically related net-winged beetles (Lycidae) and the lampyrid subfamilies Luciolinae and Lamprohizinae indicates a phylogenetic pattern of bufadienolide synthesis. Our results emphasize the value of natural history collections as an archive of chemical information for ecological and evolutionary basic research and as an untapped source for novel bioactive compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Berger
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.B.); (T.D.)
| | - Georg Petschenka
- Department of Applied Entomology, Institute of Phytomedicine, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Hohenheim, Otto-Sander-Strasse 5, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Thomas Degenkolb
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.B.); (T.D.)
| | | | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26–32, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (A.B.); (T.D.)
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergs-weg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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8
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Mori N, Noge K. Recent advances in chemical ecology: complex interactions mediated by molecules. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2021; 85:33-41. [PMID: 33577654 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chemical ecology is the highly interdisciplinary study of biochemicals that mediate the behavior of organisms and the regulation of physiological changes that alter intraspecific and/or interspecific interactions. Significant advances are often achieved through the collaboration of chemists and biologists working to understand organismal survival strategies with an eye on the development of targeted technologies for controlling agricultural, forestry, medical, and veterinary pests in a sustainable world. We highlight recent advances in chemical ecology from multiple viewpoints and discuss future prospects for applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Mori
- Division of Applied Life Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koji Noge
- Department of Biological Production, Faculty of Bioresource Sciences, Akita Prefectural University, Shimoshinjyo-Nakano, Akita, Japan
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Krivoruchko K, Goldshtein A, Boonman A, Eitan O, Ben-Simon J, Thong VD, Yovel Y. Fireflies produce ultrasonic clicks during flight as a potential aposematic anti-bat signal. iScience 2021; 24:102194. [PMID: 33733061 PMCID: PMC7937554 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fireflies are known for emitting light signals for intraspecific communication. However, in doing so, they reveal themselves to many potential nocturnal predators from a large distance. Therefore, many fireflies evolved unpalatable compounds and probably use their light signals as anti-predator aposematic signals. Fireflies are occasionally attacked by predators despite their warning flashes. Bats are among the most substantial potential firefly predators. Using their echolocation, bats might detect a firefly from a short distance and attack it in between two flashes. We thus aimed to examine whether fireflies use additional measures of warning, specifically focusing on sound signals. We recorded four species from different genera of fireflies in Vietnam and Israel and found that all of them generated ultrasonic clicks centered around bats' hearing range. Clicks were synchronized with the wingbeat and are probably produced by the wings. We hypothesize that ultrasonic clicks can serve as part of a multimodal aposematic display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Krivoruchko
- Department of Neuroscience, Rappaport Research Institute and Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Aya Goldshtein
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Arjan Boonman
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofri Eitan
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jonathan Ben-Simon
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vu Dinh Thong
- Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, VAST, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, VAST, Cầu Giấy, Hà Nội, Vietnam
| | - Yossi Yovel
- School of Zoology, Faculty of Life sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Deyrup ST, Stagnitti NC, Perpetua MJ, Wong-Deyrup SW. Drug Discovery Insights from Medicinal Beetles in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:105-126. [PMID: 33632986 PMCID: PMC7921859 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was the primary source of medical treatment for the people inhabiting East Asia for thousands of years. These ancient practices have incorporated a wide variety of materia medica including plants, animals and minerals. As modern sciences, including natural products chemistry, emerged, there became increasing efforts to explore the chemistry of this materia medica to find molecules responsible for their traditional use. Insects, including beetles have played an important role in TCM. In our survey of texts and review articles on TCM materia medica, we found 48 species of beetles from 34 genera in 14 different families that are used in TCM. This review covers the chemistry known from the beetles used in TCM, or in cases where a species used in these practices has not been chemically studied, we discuss the chemistry of closely related beetles. We also found several documented uses of beetles in Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), and included them where appropriate. There are 129 chemical constituents of beetles discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T Deyrup
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12309, USA
| | - Natalie C Stagnitti
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12309, USA
| | - Mackenzie J Perpetua
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12309, USA
| | - Siu Wah Wong-Deyrup
- The RNA Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
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11
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Huck DT, Klein MS, Meuti ME. Determining the effects of nutrition on the reproductive physiology of male mosquitoes. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 129:104191. [PMID: 33428881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nutrition affects multiple aspects of insect physiology such as body size and fecundity, but we lack a detailed understanding of how nutrition influences the reproductive physiology of male insects such as mosquitoes. Given that female mosquitoes are vectors of many deadly diseases and can quickly proliferate, understanding how male nutrition impacts female fecundity could be of critical importance. To uncover the relationship between nutrition in adult male mosquitoes and its impacts on reproductive physiology, we reared larvae of the Northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens, on a standard lab diet and divided adult males among three different dietary treatments: low (3%), moderate (10%), and high (20%) sucrose. We found that although overall body size did not differ among treatments, one-week-old males raised on the 3% sucrose diet had significantly smaller male accessory glands (MAGs) compared to males that consumed the 10% and the 20% sucrose diets. Diet affected whole-body lipid content but did not affect whole-body protein content. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, we found that diet altered the metabolic composition of the MAGs, including changes in lactic acid, formic acid, and glucose. We also observed changes in protein and lipid abundance and composition in MAGs. Females who mated with males on the 3% diet were found to produce significantly fewer larvae than females who had mated with males on the 10% diet. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the diet of adult male mosquitoes clearly affects male reproductive physiology and female fecundity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek T Huck
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
| | - Matthias S Klein
- Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, 2015 Fyffe Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
| | - Megan E Meuti
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, 2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
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12
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Silveira LFL, Khattar G, Vaz S, Wilson VA, Souto PM, Mermudes JRM, Stanger-Hall KF, Macedo MV, Monteiro RF. Natural history of the fireflies of the Serra dos Órgãos mountain range (Brazil: Rio de Janeiro) – one of the ‘hottest’ firefly spots on Earth, with a key to genera (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). J NAT HIST 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2020.1749323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luiz F L Silveira
- Department of Biology, Cullowhee, NC, USA
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Khattar
- Laboratory of Community and Quantitative Ecology, Biology Department, Concordia University, Loyola Campus, Montreal, Canada
| | - Stephanie Vaz
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Vinicius A. Wilson
- Laboratório de Orthopterologia, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Brazil
| | - Paula M. Souto
- Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia de Biossistemas (DCEB), Instituto Superior de Agronomia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José R. M. Mermudes
- Laboratório de Entomologia, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Margarete V. Macedo
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ricardo F. Monteiro
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Insetos, Departamento de Ecologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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13
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Cardiac glycosides with target at direct and indirect interactions with nuclear receptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 127:110106. [PMID: 32248001 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac glycosides are compounds isolated from plants and animals and have been known since ancient times. These compounds inhibit the activity of the sodium potassium pump in eukaryotic cells. Cardiac glycosides were used as drugs in heart ailments to increase myocardial contraction force and, at the same time, to lower frequency of this contraction. An increasing number of studies have indicated that the biological effects of these compounds are not limited to inhibition of sodium-potassium pump activity. Furthermore, an increasing number of data have shown that they are synthesized in tissues of mammals, where they may act as a new class of steroid hormones or other hormones by mimicry to modulate various signaling pathways and influence whole organisms. Thus, we discuss the interactions of cardiac glycosides with the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors activated by low-weight molecular ligands (including hormones) that regulate many functions of cells and organisms. Cardiac glycosides of endogenous and exogenous origin by interacting with nuclear receptors can affect the processes regulated by these transcription factors, including hormonal management, immune system, body defense, and carcinogenesis. They can also be treated as initial structures for combinatorial chemistry to produce new compounds (including drugs) with the desired properties.
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14
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Yoshida T, Ujiie R, Savitzky AH, Jono T, Inoue T, Yoshinaga N, Aburaya S, Aoki W, Takeuchi H, Ding L, Chen Q, Cao C, Tsai TS, Silva AD, Mahaulpatha D, Nguyen TT, Tang Y, Mori N, Mori A. Dramatic dietary shift maintains sequestered toxins in chemically defended snakes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:5964-5969. [PMID: 32094167 PMCID: PMC7084117 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1919065117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unlike other snakes, most species of Rhabdophis possess glands in their dorsal skin, sometimes limited to the neck, known as nucho-dorsal and nuchal glands, respectively. Those glands contain powerful cardiotonic steroids known as bufadienolides, which can be deployed as a defense against predators. Bufadienolides otherwise occur only in toads (Bufonidae) and some fireflies (Lampyrinae), which are known or believed to synthesize the toxins. The ancestral diet of Rhabdophis consists of anuran amphibians, and we have shown previously that the bufadienolide toxins of frog-eating species are sequestered from toads consumed as prey. However, one derived clade, the Rhabdophis nuchalis Group, has shifted its primary diet from frogs to earthworms. Here we confirm that the worm-eating snakes possess bufadienolides in their nucho-dorsal glands, although the worms themselves lack such toxins. In addition, we show that the bufadienolides of R. nuchalis Group species are obtained primarily from fireflies. Although few snakes feed on insects, we document through feeding experiments, chemosensory preference tests, and gut contents that lampyrine firefly larvae are regularly consumed by these snakes. Furthermore, members of the R. nuchalis Group contain compounds that resemble the distinctive bufadienolides of fireflies, but not those of toads, in stereochemistry, glycosylation, acetylation, and molecular weight. Thus, the evolutionary shift in primary prey among members of the R. nuchalis Group has been accompanied by a dramatic shift in the source of the species' sequestered defensive toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Yoshida
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rinako Ujiie
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Alan H Savitzky
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84322-5305
| | - Teppei Jono
- Laboratory of Ryukyu Island Biogeography, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, 903-0213 Okinawa, Japan
| | - Takato Inoue
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan;
| | - Naoko Yoshinaga
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Aburaya
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Wataru Aoki
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Takeuchi
- Laboratory of Biology, College of Bioresource Science, Nihon University, Fujisawa, 252-0880 Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Li Ding
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Chen
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Chengquan Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Leshan Normal University, Leshan, 614000 Sichuan, China
| | - Tein-Shun Tsai
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Neipu Township, 91201 Pingtung, Taiwan
| | | | - Dharshani Mahaulpatha
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 10250 Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Tao Thien Nguyen
- Department of Nature Conservation, Vietnam National Museum of Nature, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Cau Giay, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Yezhong Tang
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China
| | - Naoki Mori
- Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akira Mori
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Sakyo, 606-8502 Kyoto, Japan
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15
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Cardiac Glycosides in Human Physiology and Disease: Update for Entomologists. INSECTS 2019; 10:insects10040102. [PMID: 30974764 PMCID: PMC6523104 DOI: 10.3390/insects10040102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac glycosides, cardenolides and bufadienolides, are elaborated by several plant or animal species to prevent grazing or predation. Entomologists have characterized several insect species that have evolved the ability to sequester these glycosides in their tissues to reduce their palatability and, thus, reduce predation. Cardiac glycosides are known to interact with the sodium- and potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase, or sodium pump, through a specific receptor-binding site. Over the last couple of decades, and since entomologic studies, it has become clear that mammals synthesize endogenous cardenolides that closely resemble or are identical to compounds of plant origin and those sequestered by insects. The most important of these are ouabain-like compounds. These compounds are essential for the regulation of normal ionic physiology in mammals. Importantly, at physiologic picomolar or nanomolar concentrations, endogenous ouabain, a cardenolide, stimulates the sodium pump, activates second messengers, and may even function as a growth factor. This is in contrast to the pharmacologic or toxic micromolar or milimolar concentrations achieved after consumption of exogenous cardenolides (by consuming medications, plants, or insects), which inhibit the pump and result in either a desired medical outcome, or the toxic consequence of sodium pump inhibition.
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16
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Souto PM, Campello L, Khattar G, Miras Mermudes JR, Monteiro RF, Lima da Silveira LF. How to design a predatory firefly? Lessons from the Photurinae (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). ZOOL ANZ 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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17
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Owens ACS, Lewis SM. The impact of artificial light at night on nocturnal insects: A review and synthesis. Ecol Evol 2018; 8:11337-11358. [PMID: 30519447 PMCID: PMC6262936 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.4557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, advances in lighting technology have precipitated exponential increases in night sky brightness worldwide, raising concerns in the scientific community about the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on crepuscular and nocturnal biodiversity. Long-term records show that insect abundance has declined significantly over this time, with worrying implications for terrestrial ecosystems. The majority of investigations into the vulnerability of nocturnal insects to artificial light have focused on the flight-to-light behavior exhibited by select insect families. However, ALAN can affect insects in other ways as well. This review proposes five categories of ALAN impact on nocturnal insects, highlighting past research and identifying key knowledge gaps. We conclude with a summary of relevant literature on bioluminescent fireflies, which emphasizes the unique vulnerability of terrestrial light-based communication systems to artificial illumination. Comprehensive understanding of the ecological impacts of ALAN on diverse nocturnal insect taxa will enable researchers to seek out methods whereby fireflies, moths, and other essential members of the nocturnal ecosystem can coexist with humans on an increasingly urbanized planet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara M. Lewis
- Department of BiologyTufts UniversityMedfordMassachusetts
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18
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Deyrup ST, Risteen RG, Tonyai KK, Farrar MA, D'Antonio BE, Ahmed ZB, Christofel BT, Howells NR, Smedley SR. Escape into Winter: Does a Phenological Shift byEllychnia corrusca(Winter Firefly) Shield it from a Specialist Predator (Photuris)? Northeast Nat (Steuben) 2017. [DOI: 10.1656/045.024.s717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T. Deyrup
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12211
| | | | | | | | | | - Zenab B. Ahmed
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12211
| | - Brian T. Christofel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12211
| | - Nicole R. Howells
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12211
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19
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20
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Bowers MD. UNPALATABILITY AS A DEFENSE STRATEGY OF WESTERN CHECKERSPOT BUTTERFLIES (
EUPHYDRYAS
SCUDDER, NYMPHALIDAE). Evolution 2017; 35:367-375. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1981.tb04895.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/1980] [Revised: 07/15/1980] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Deane Bowers
- Department of Zoology University of Massachusetts Amherst Massachusetts 01003
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21
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Bowers MD. UNPALATABILITY AS A DEFENSE STRATEGY OF EUPHYDRYAS PHAETON (LEPIDOPTERA: NYMPHALIDAE). Evolution 2017; 34:586-600. [PMID: 28568686 DOI: 10.1111/j.1558-5646.1980.tb04846.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/1979] [Revised: 08/29/1979] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Deane Bowers
- Department of Zoology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003
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22
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Bessho-Uehara M, Oba Y. Identification and characterization of the Luc2-type luciferase in the Japanese firefly, Luciola parvula
, involved in a dim luminescence in immobile stages. LUMINESCENCE 2017; 32:924-931. [DOI: 10.1002/bio.3273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuichi Oba
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences; Nagoya University; Nagoya Japan
- Department of Environmental Biology; Chubu University; Kasugai Japan
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23
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Bufadienolides from amphibians: A promising source of anticancer prototypes for radical innovation, apoptosis triggering and Na +/K +-ATPase inhibition. Toxicon 2017; 127:63-76. [PMID: 28069354 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Amphibians present pharmacologically active aliphatic, aromatic and heterocyclic molecules in their skin as defense against microorganisms, predators and infections, such as steroids, alkaloids, biogenic amines, guanidine derivatives, proteins and peptides. Based on the discovered bioactive potential of bufadienolides, this work reviewed the contribution of amphibians, especially from members of Bufonidae family, as source of new cytotoxic and antitumor molecules, highlighting the mechanisms responsible for such amazing biological potentialities. Bufonidae species produce bufadienolides related to cholesterol through the mevalonate-independent and acidic bile acid pathways as polyhydroxy steroids with 24 carbons. In vitro antitumor studies performed with skin secretions and its isolated components (specially marinobufagin, telocinobufagin, bufalin and cinobufagin) from Rhinella, Bufo and Rhaebo species have shown remarkable biological action on hematological, solid, sensitive and/or resistant human tumor cell lines. Some compounds revealed higher selectivity against neoplastic lines when compared to dividing normal cells and some molecules may biochemically associate with Na+/K+-ATPase and there is structural similarity to the digoxin- and ouabain-Na+/K+-ATPase complexs, implying a similar mechanism of the Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition by cardenolides and bufadienolides. Some bufadienolides also reduce levels of antiapoptotic proteins and DNA synthesis, cause morphological changes (chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, cytoplasm shrinkage, cytoplasmic vacuoles, stickiness reduction and apoptotic bodies), cell cycle arrest in G2/M or S phases, mitochondrial depolarization, PARP [poly (ADPribose) polymerase] and Bid cleavages, cytochrome c release, activation of Bax and caspases (-3, -9, -8 and -10), increased expression of the Fas-Associated protein with Death Domain (FADD), induce topoisomerase II inhibition, DNA fragmentation, cell differentiation, angiogenesis inhibition, multidrug resistance reversion, and also regulate immune responses. Then, bufadienolides isolated from amphibians, some of them at risk of extinction, emerge as a natural class of incredible chemical biodiversity, has moderate selectivity against human tumor cells and weak activity on murine cells, probably due to structural differences between subunits of human and mice Na+/K+-ATPases.
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24
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Al-Wathiqui N, Fallon TR, South A, Weng JK, Lewis SM. Molecular characterization of firefly nuptial gifts: a multi-omics approach sheds light on postcopulatory sexual selection. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38556. [PMID: 28004739 PMCID: PMC5177949 DOI: 10.1038/srep38556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Postcopulatory sexual selection is recognized as a key driver of reproductive trait evolution, including the machinery required to produce endogenous nuptial gifts. Despite the importance of such gifts, the molecular composition of the non-gametic components of male ejaculates and their interactions with female reproductive tracts remain poorly understood. During mating, male Photinus fireflies transfer to females a spermatophore gift manufactured by multiple reproductive glands. Here we combined transcriptomics of both male and female reproductive glands with proteomics and metabolomics to better understand the synthesis, composition and fate of the spermatophore in the common Eastern firefly, Photinus pyralis. Our transcriptome of male glands revealed up-regulation of proteases that may enhance male fertilization success and activate female immune response. Using bottom-up proteomics we identified 208 functionally annotated proteins that males transfer to the female in their spermatophore. Targeted metabolomic analysis also provided the first evidence that Photinus nuptial gifts contain lucibufagin, a firefly defensive toxin. The reproductive tracts of female fireflies showed increased gene expression for several proteases that may be involved in egg production. This study offers new insights into the molecular composition of male spermatophores, and extends our understanding of how nuptial gifts may mediate postcopulatory interactions between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Timothy R Fallon
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Adam South
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Jing-Ke Weng
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Sara M Lewis
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
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25
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Total evidence phylogeny and the evolution of adult bioluminescence in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). Mol Phylogenet Evol 2016; 107:564-575. [PMID: 27998815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2016.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fireflies are some of the most captivating organisms on the planet. They have a rich history as subjects of scientific study, especially in relation to their bioluminescent behavior. Yet, the phylogenetic relationships of fireflies are still poorly understood. Here, we present the first total evidence approach to reconstruct lampyrid phylogeny using both a molecular matrix from six loci and an extensive morphological matrix. Using this phylogeny we test the hypothesis that adult bioluminescence evolved after the origin of the firefly clade. The ancestral state of adult bioluminescence is recovered as non-bioluminescent with one to six gains and five to ten subsequent losses. The monophyly of the family, as well as the subfamilies is also tested. Ototretinae, Cyphonocerinae, Luciolinae (incl. Pristolycus), Amydetinae, "cheguevarinae" sensu Jeng 2008, and Photurinae are highly supported as monophyletic. With the exception of four taxa, Lampyrinae is also recovered as monophyletic with high support. Based on phylogenetic and morphological data Lamprohiza, Phausis, and Lamprigera are transferred to Lampyridae incertae sedis.
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26
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Vongsangnak W, Chumnanpuen P, Sriboonlert A. Transcriptome analysis reveals candidate genes involved in luciferin metabolism in Luciola aquatilis (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). PeerJ 2016; 4:e2534. [PMID: 27761329 PMCID: PMC5068357 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioluminescence, which living organisms such as fireflies emit light, has been studied extensively for over half a century. This intriguing reaction, having its origins in nature where glowing insects can signal things such as attraction or defense, is now widely used in biotechnology with applications of bioluminescence and chemiluminescence. Luciferase, a key enzyme in this reaction, has been well characterized; however, the enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of its substrate, luciferin, remains unsolved at present. To elucidate the luciferin metabolism, we performed a de novo transcriptome analysis using larvae of the firefly species, Luciola aquatilis. Here, a comparative analysis is performed with the model coleopteran insect Tribolium casteneum to elucidate the metabolic pathways in L. aquatilis. Based on a template luciferin biosynthetic pathway, combined with a range of protein and pathway databases, and various prediction tools for functional annotation, the candidate genes, enzymes, and biochemical reactions involved in luciferin metabolism are proposed for L. aquatilis. The candidate gene expression is validated in the adult L. aquatilis using reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). This study provides useful information on the bio-production of luciferin in the firefly and will benefit to future applications of the valuable firefly bioluminescence system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanwipa Vongsangnak
- Department of Zoology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand; Computational Biomodelling Laboratory for Agricultural Science and Technology (CBLAST), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pramote Chumnanpuen
- Department of Zoology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand; Computational Biomodelling Laboratory for Agricultural Science and Technology (CBLAST), Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ajaraporn Sriboonlert
- Department of Genetics, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand; Centre for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
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27
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Vencl FV, Ottens K, Dixon MM, Candler S, Bernal XE, Estrada C, Page RA. Pyrazine emission by a tropical firefly: An example of chemical aposematism? Biotropica 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fredric V. Vencl
- Ecology and Evolution Stony Brook University Stony Brook NY 11794‐5245 U.S.A
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Apartado 0843‐03092 Balboa Ancón Republic of Panamá
| | - Kristina Ottens
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Apartado 0843‐03092 Balboa Ancón Republic of Panamá
| | - Marjorie M. Dixon
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Apartado 0843‐03092 Balboa Ancón Republic of Panamá
| | - Sarah Candler
- Biological Sciences Texas Tech University Lubbock TX 47906 U.S.A
| | - Ximena E. Bernal
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Apartado 0843‐03092 Balboa Ancón Republic of Panamá
- Biological Sciences Purdue University West Lafayette IN 47907 U.S.A
| | - Catalina Estrada
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Apartado 0843‐03092 Balboa Ancón Republic of Panamá
| | - Rachel A. Page
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Apartado 0843‐03092 Balboa Ancón Republic of Panamá
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28
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Moniuszko-Szajwaj B, Pecio Ł, Kowalczyk M, Stochmal A. New Bufadienolides Isolated from the Roots of Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Crassulaceae). Molecules 2016; 21:243. [PMID: 26927036 PMCID: PMC6272856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21030243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An aqueous extract from the roots of Kalanchoe daigremontiana turned out to be a rich source of bufadienolides. The existing literature data relate mainly to the aerial parts of Kalanchoe but there is no information about the metabolic profile of the roots, which are also used in traditional medicine. Our investigation concerning the roots of K. daigremontiana led to the isolation and characterization of eight new bufadienolides, namely 1β,3β,5β,14β,19-pentahydroxybufa-20,22-dienolide (1), 19-(acetyloxy)-1β,3β,5β,14β-tetrahydroxybufa-20,22-dienolide (2), 3β-O-α-l-rhamno-pyranosyl-5β,11α,14β,19-tetrahydroxybufa-20,22-dienolide (3), 19-(acetyloxy)-3β,5β,11α,14β-tetrahydroxybufa-20,22-dienolide (4), 3β,5β,11α,14β,19-pentahydroxy-12-oxo-bufa-20,22-dienolide (5), 19-(acetyloxy)-3β,5β,11α,14β-tetrahydroxy-12-oxo-bufa-20,22-dienolide (6), 19-(acetyloxy)-1β,3β,5β,11α,14β-pentahydroxy-12-oxo-bufa-20,22-dienolide (7) and 1β-(acetyloxy)-3β,5β,11α,14β,19-pentahydroxy-12-oxo-bufa-20,22-dienolide (8), together with seven known compounds: 11α,19-dihydroxytelocinobufagin (9), bersaldegenin-1-acetate (10), daigredorigenin-3-acetate (11), bersaldegenin-1,3,5-orthoacetate (12), bryotoxin B (13), bryophyllin B (14) and bersaldegenin (15). The structures were established applying extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR and MS spectroscopic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Moniuszko-Szajwaj
- Department of Biochemistry and Crop Quality, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation-State Research Institute, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Pecio
- Department of Biochemistry and Crop Quality, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation-State Research Institute, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Kowalczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Crop Quality, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation-State Research Institute, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
| | - Anna Stochmal
- Department of Biochemistry and Crop Quality, Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation-State Research Institute, ul. Czartoryskich 8, 24-100 Puławy, Poland.
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29
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Review of the firefly visual system (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and evolution of the opsin genes underlying color vision. ORG DIVERS EVOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13127-015-0212-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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30
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Carpenter JW. Diagnostic Challenge. J Exot Pet Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1053/j.jepm.2014.06.001] [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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31
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Antipredator activity and endogenous biosynthesis of defensive secretion in larval and pupal Delphastus catalinae (Horn) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). CHEMOECOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s00049-014-0156-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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32
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Zhang L, Wang Y, Song H, Zhou Z, Tang C. Cascade Michael-Intramolecular Transesterification-Elimination Reaction of 3,4-Dihydro-3-nitrochromen-2-ones and β,γ-Unsaturated α-Oxo Esters: An Efficient Access to 2-Pyrone Derivatives. European J Org Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.201301876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Camazine SM, Resch JF, Eisner T, Meinwald J. Mushroom chemical defense : Pungent sesquiterpenoid dialdehyde antifeedant to opossum. J Chem Ecol 2014; 9:1439-47. [PMID: 24408731 DOI: 10.1007/bf00990749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/1982] [Revised: 01/04/1983] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A new bioassay employing a natural fungivore, the opossumDidelphis virginiana, is described. Using this bioasssay, eighteen species of fungi were tested for palatability. Five species of mushrooms, all of which taste pungent to humans, were found to be unpalatable to the opossum. From the least palatable of these,Lentinellus ursinus, the pungent principle was isolated and identified as isovelleral, a previously described fungal metabolite. The compound was shown to be a potent antifeedant to opossums. By means of difference NOE and relaxation time NMR studies, the relative configuration and solution conformation of isovelleral were deduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Camazine
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, USA
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Oba Y, Schultz DT. Eco-evo bioluminescence on land and in the sea. ADVANCES IN BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING/BIOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 144:3-36. [PMID: 25084993 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-43385-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the evolution of bioluminescence organisms that inhabit various environments based on the current understanding of their unique ecologies and biochemistries. As shown here, however, there are still many unanswered questions regarding the functions and mechanisms of bioluminescence, which should be investigated in further studies. To facilitate future research in this field, we introduce our recent attempt, the bioluminescent organism DNA barcode initiative. This genetic reference library will provide resources for other scientists to efficiently identify unstudied bioluminescent organisms, focus their biochemical and genetic research goals, and will generally promote bioluminescence as a field of scientific study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Oba
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan,
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35
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Witz BW, Mushinsky HR. Pygidial secretions ofPasimachus subsulcatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae) deter predation byEumeces inexpectatus (Squamata: Scincidae). J Chem Ecol 2013; 15:1033-44. [PMID: 24271904 DOI: 10.1007/bf01015197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The carabid beetlePasimachus subsulcatus is an abundant ground-dwelling insect in west central Florida that exudes a powerful mucous membrane irritant when disturbed. This secretion can be sprayed over 10 cm from the abdominal tip. The southeastern five-lined skink,Eumeces inexpectatus, is an abundant insectivorous lizard sympatric withPasimachus. We assessed the availability ofPasimachus toEumeces and found it to be within the foraging microenvironment of the lizard. Analysis ofEumeces gut contents and field feeding trials indicate thatPasimachus are not ingested by the lizard, yet arthropods of comparable size and exoskeletal thickness are ingested. The movement response ofEumeces to isolatedPasimachus secretion constituents, conducted in a modified Y-maze laboratory experiment, was used to assess the repellent capabilities of the secretion.Eumeces are consistently repelled byPasimachus secretion constituents, indicating that the beetle is protected chemically from the lizard.
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Affiliation(s)
- B W Witz
- Department of Biology, University of South Florida, 33620, Tampa, Florida
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36
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South A, Lewis SM. Determinants of reproductive success across sequential episodes of sexual selection in a firefly. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:3201-8. [PMID: 22535779 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Because females often mate with multiple males, it is critical to expand our view of sexual selection to encompass pre-, peri- and post-copulatory episodes to understand how selection drives trait evolution. In Photinus fireflies, females preferentially respond to males based on their bioluminescent courtship signals, but previous work has shown that male paternity success is negatively correlated with flash attractiveness. Here, we experimentally manipulated both the attractiveness of the courtship signal visible to female Photinus greeni fireflies before mating and male nuptial gift size to determine how these traits might each influence mate acceptance and paternity share. We also measured pericopulatory behaviours to examine their influence on male reproductive success. Firefly males with larger spermatophores experienced dual benefits in terms of both higher mate acceptance and increased paternity share. We found no effect of courtship signal attractiveness or pericopulatory behaviour on male reproductive success. Taken together with previous results, this suggests a possible trade-off for males between producing an attractive courtship signal and investing in nuptial gifts. By integrating multiple episodes of sexual selection, this study extends our understanding of sexual selection in Photinus fireflies and provides insight into the evolution of male traits in other polyandrous species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A South
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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37
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Heasley B. Chemical synthesis of the cardiotonic steroid glycosides and related natural products. Chemistry 2012; 18:3092-120. [PMID: 22354477 DOI: 10.1002/chem.201103733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The active components from the extracts of Digitalis, cardiotonic steroid glycosides, have been ingested by humans for more than 200 years as a medicinal therapy for heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The positive inotropic activity of the cardiotonic steroids that mediates clinically useful physiological effects in patients has been attributed largely to a high affinity inhibitory interaction with the extracellular surface of the membrane-bound sodium pump (Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase). However, previously unrecognized intracellular signaling pathways continue to be uncovered. This Review examines both partial and de novo synthetic approaches to the medicinally important and structurally captivating cardenolide and bufadienolide steroid families, with an emphasis on the stereocontrolled construction of the pharmacophoric aglycone (genin) framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Heasley
- Scynexis, Inc. P. O. Box 12878, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2878, USA.
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Long SM, Lewis S, Jean-Louis L, Ramos G, Richmond J, Jakob EM. Firefly flashing and jumping spider predation. Anim Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2011.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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39
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Oba Y, Branham MA, Fukatsu T. The Terrestrial Bioluminescent Animals of Japan. Zoolog Sci 2011; 28:771-89. [DOI: 10.2108/zsj.28.771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Gao H, Popescu R, Kopp B, Wang Z. Bufadienolides and their antitumor activity. Nat Prod Rep 2011; 28:953-69. [DOI: 10.1039/c0np00032a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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41
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Touza NA, Pôças ESC, Quintas LEM, Cunha-Filho G, Santos ML, Noël F. Inhibitory effect of combinations of digoxin and endogenous cardiotonic steroids on Na+/K+-ATPase activity in human kidney membrane preparation. Life Sci 2011; 88:39-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2010.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2010] [Revised: 09/22/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 09/30/2022]
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42
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Cunha-Filho GA, Resck IS, Cavalcanti BC, Pessoa CÓ, Moraes MO, Ferreira JR, Rodrigues FA, dos Santos ML. Cytotoxic profile of natural and some modified bufadienolides from toad Rhinella schneideri parotoid gland secretion. Toxicon 2010; 56:339-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2010.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Moosman, PR, Cratsley CK, Lehto SD, Thomas HH. Do courtship flashes of fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) serve as aposematic signals to insectivorous bats? Anim Behav 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2009.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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44
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Tempone AG, Pimenta DC, Lebrun I, Sartorelli P, Taniwaki NN, de Andrade HF, Antoniazzi MM, Jared C. Antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activity of bufadienolides isolated from the toad Rhinella jimi parotoid macrogland secretion. Toxicon 2008; 52:13-21. [PMID: 18588907 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2008.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2008] [Revised: 05/19/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian skin secretions are considered a rich source of biologically active compounds and are known to be rich in peptides, bufadienolides and alkaloids. Bufadienolides are cardioactive steroids from animals and plants that have also been reported to possess antimicrobial activities. Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis are parasitic diseases found in tropical and subtropical regions. The efforts toward the discovery of new treatments for these diseases have been largely neglected, despite the fact that the only available treatments are highly toxic drugs. In this work, we have isolated, through bioguided assays, the major antileishmanial compounds of the toad Rhinella jimi parotoid macrogland secretion. Mass spectrometry and (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopic analyses were able to demonstrate that the active molecules are telocinobufagin and hellebrigenin. Both steroids demonstrated activity against Leishmania (L.) chagasi promastigotes, but only hellebrigenin was active against Trypanosoma cruzi trypomastigotes. These steroids were active against the intracellular amastigotes of Leishmania, with no activation of nitric oxide production by macrophages. Neither cytotoxicity against mouse macrophages nor hemolytic activities were observed. The ultrastructural studies with promastigotes revealed the induction of mitochondrial damage and plasma membrane disturbances by telocinobufagin, resulting in cellular death. This novel biological effect of R. jimi steroids could be used as a template for the design of new therapeutics against Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Gustavo Tempone
- Laboratório de Toxinologia Aplicada, Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Av. Dr. Arnaldo 355, 8 degrees andar CEP 01246-000, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Abstract
Reptiles are increasingly being kept as pets in American households. The basic principles of emergency medicine are the same for all species, but reptilian species present special diagnostic challenges to veterinary clinicians when they become ill. Reptiles in captivity can become accidentally poisoned in a variety of ways. Veterinarians treating small animal emergencies must make an effort to familiarize themselves with the large body of literature and resources that are developing regarding both nontraditional exotic companion species and advances in toxicology.
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Defensive Chemistry of Lycid Beetles and of Mimetic Cerambycid Beetles that Feed on Them. CHEMOECOLOGY 2008; 18:109-119. [PMID: 18698369 DOI: 10.1007/s00049-007-0398-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Beetles of the family Lycidae have long been known to be chemically protected. We present evidence that North American species of the lycid genera Calopteron and Lycus are rejected by thrushes, wolf spiders, and orb-weaving spiders, and that they contain a systemic compound that could account, at least in part, for this unacceptability. This compound, a novel acetylenic acid that we named lycidic acid, proved actively deterrent in feeding tests with wolf spiders and coccinellid beetles.Species of Lycus commonly figure as models of mimetic associations. Among their mimics are species of the cerambycid beetle genus Elytroleptus, remarkable because they prey upon the model lycids. We postulated that by doing so Elytroleptus might incorporate the lycidic acid from their prey for their own defense. However, judging from analytical data, the beetles practice no such sequestration, explaining why they remain relatively palatable (in tests with wolf spiders) even after having fed on lycids. Chemical analyses also showed the lycids to contain pyrazines, such as were already known from other Lycidae, potent odorants that could serve in an aposematic capacity to forestall predatory attacks.
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Lewis SM, Cratsley CK. Flash signal evolution, mate choice, and predation in fireflies. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2008; 53:293-321. [PMID: 17877452 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.53.103106.093346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Many key advances in our understanding of firefly biology and signaling have been made over the past two decades. Here we review this recent research, which includes new phylogenetic results that shed light on the evolution of courtship signal diversity within the family Lampyridae, new insights into firefly flash control, and the discovery of firefly nuptial gifts. We present a comprehensive overview of sexual selection in lampyrids, including evidence from Photinus fireflies that females choose their mates on the basis of male flash signals, and discuss the importance of examining both precopulatory and postcopulatory sexual selection in this group. Finally, we review recent findings on firefly chemical defenses, and discuss their implications for flash signal evolution in response to generalist predators as well as specialist predatory fireflies. This review provides new insight into how firefly flash signals have been shaped by the dual evolutionary processes of sexual selection (mate choice) and natural selection (predation), and proposes several exciting directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara M Lewis
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA 02155, USA.
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48
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Woods WA, Hendrickson H, Mason J, Lewis SM. Energy and predation costs of firefly courtship signals. Am Nat 2007; 170:702-8. [PMID: 17926292 DOI: 10.1086/521964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Animal courtship signals include many highly conspicuous traits and behaviors, and it is generally assumed that such signals must balance the benefits of attracting mates against some fitness costs. However, few studies have assessed the multiple costs potentially incurred by any one courtship signal, so we have limited understanding of the relative importance of different costs. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of signal costs for Photinus fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), using controlled experiments to measure both the energy and predation costs associated with their bioluminescent courtship signals. We measured energy required to generate bioluminescent flashes, using differential open-flow respirometry, and found that flash signaling results in only a nominal increase in energy expenditure above resting levels. These results suggest that the energy required to generate bioluminescent flashes represents a minor component of the total cost of firefly courtship. However, controlled field experiments revealed that visually oriented predators imposed major costs on firefly courtship signals, with higher signaling rates significantly increasing the likelihood of predation. Together with previous results demonstrating that female fireflies prefer more conspicuous courtship signals, these results support the importance of multiple-receiver communication networks in driving signal evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Woods
- Department of Biology, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA.
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49
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Branham MA, Wenzel JW. The origin of photic behavior and the evolution of sexual communication in fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae). Cladistics 2005; 19:1-22. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-0031.2003.tb00404.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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50
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Abstract
The author reflects on his early experiences as a chemist, and on the subsequent shift in emphasis that his research has undergone from mechanistic and synthetic organic chemistry to natural products chemistry. Finally, the extension of the field of natural products chemistry into the emerging discipline of chemical ecology is noted. This essay concludes with a consideration of the importance of including science in the curricula of all college and university students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerrold Meinwald
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Baker Laboratory, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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