1
|
Zhou Z, Mang D, Smagghe G, Liu Y, Mu Y, Yang L, Wang X, Chen X. A Farnesyl Pyrophosphate Synthase Gene Is Expressed in Fat Body Regulates Cantharidin Synthesis in Male Epicauta impressicornis Blister Beetle. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:12935-12945. [PMID: 38822796 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c00116] [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: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Blister beetles of Epicauta impressicornis have attracted attention because they contain a large amount of cantharidin (CTD). To date, however, the synthesis and transfer of CTD in adults of E. impressicornis are largely unknown. Here, we showed that the larvae E. impressicornis are capable of synthesizing CTD and they consume CTD during pupation. Before sexual maturity, both male and female adults synthesized a small amount of CTD, while after sexual maturity, males produced larger amounts of CTD, but females did not. The newly synthesized CTD in males first appeared in the hemolymph and then accumulated in the reproductive system. During the mating, the males transferred CTD to the reproductive system of females. In addition, a farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) gene was identified in male E. impressicornis. RNA-seq analysis, quantitative RT-PCR, and RNA interference analyses were conducted to investigate expression patterns and the functional roles of E. impressicornis FPPS (EiFPPS). Our results indicate that EiFPPS is highly expressed in the fat body of males. Moreover, the knock-down of EiFPPS led to a significant decrease in CTD synthesis. The current study indicates that EiFPPS is expressed in the fat body to regulate CTD synthesis in male E. impressicornis blister beetles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Zhou
- Institute of Entomology and Special Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Insect Resources of Guizhou, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Dingze Mang
- School of Life Sciences/Hebei Basic Science Center for Biotic Interaction, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
- Graduate School of Bio-Application and Systems Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei 2-24-16, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Institute of Entomology and Special Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Insect Resources of Guizhou, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Rare Animal and Economic Insect of the Mountainous Region, Guiyang University, Guiyang, 550005, China
| | - Yinlin Mu
- Institute of Entomology and Special Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Insect Resources of Guizhou, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Institute of Entomology and Special Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Insect Resources of Guizhou, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xuewen Wang
- Health Science Center, University of North Texas, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, United States
| | - Xiangsheng Chen
- Institute of Entomology and Special Key Laboratory for Development and Utilization of Insect Resources of Guizhou, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Oliveira RJ, da Silveira IOMF, das Neves SC, Mitsuyasu B, Martins AC, Berno C, Mohammad J, Raj H, de Araujo FHS, Hortelan CR, Machado L, da Silva Júnior EN, Vilela MLB, Nascimento VA, Beatriz A, da Silva Gomes R. ZIM, a Norbornene Derived from 4-Aminoantipyrine, Induces DNA Damage and Cell Death but in Association Reduces the Effect of Commercial Chemotherapeutics. Chem Res Toxicol 2023; 36:66-82. [PMID: 36548215 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.2c00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cancer incidence is increasing, and the drugs are not very selective. These drugs cause adverse effects, and the cells become resistant. Therefore, new drugs are needed. Here, we evaluated the effects of ZIM, a candidate for chemotherapy, and 4-AA alone and in association with commercial chemotherapeutic agents. Subsequently, the results of ZIM and 4-AA were compared. Male Swiss mice were treated with doses of 12, 24, or 48 mg/kg ZIM or 4-AA alone or in association with cisplatin (6 mg/kg), doxorubicin (16 mg/kg), and cyclophosphamide (100 mg/kg). Biometric parameters, DNA damage (comet and micronuclei), cell death, and splenic phagocytosis were evaluated. DNA docking was also performed to confirm the possible interactions of ZIM and 4-AA with DNA. 4-AA has been shown to have low genotoxic potential, increase the frequency of cell death, and activate phagocytosis. ZIM causes genomic and chromosomal damage in addition to causing cell death and activating phagocytosis. In association with chemotherapeutical agents, both 4-AA and ZIM have a chemopreventive effect and, therefore, reduce the frequency of DNA damage, cell death, and splenic phagocytosis. The association of 4-AA and ZIM with commercial chemotherapeutic agents increased the frequency of lymphocytes compared to chemotherapeutic agents alone. Molecular docking demonstrated that ZIM has more affinity for DNA than 4-AA and its precursors (1 and 2). This was confirmed by the lower interaction energy of the complex (-119.83 kcal/mol). ZIM can break the DNA molecule and, therefore, its chemotherapeutic effect can be related to DNA damage. It is considered that ZIM has chemotherapeutic potential. However, it should not be used in combination with cisplatin, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide as it reduces the effects of these drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Juliano Oliveira
- Stem Cell, Cell Therapy and Toxicological Genetics Research Centre (CeTroGen), Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79080-190, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Midwest Region, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79070-900, Brazil
| | - Ingridhy Ostaciana Maia Freitas da Silveira
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79070-900, Brazil.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota58102, United States
| | - Silvia C das Neves
- Stem Cell, Cell Therapy and Toxicological Genetics Research Centre (CeTroGen), Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79080-190, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Midwest Region, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79070-900, Brazil
| | - Barbara Mitsuyasu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota58102, United States.,Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu, SP18618-689, Brazil
| | - Allana C Martins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota58102, United States
| | - Claudia Berno
- Stem Cell, Cell Therapy and Toxicological Genetics Research Centre (CeTroGen), Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79080-190, Brazil
| | - Jiyan Mohammad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota58102, United States
| | - Halie Raj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota58102, United States
| | - Flavio H S de Araujo
- Stem Cell, Cell Therapy and Toxicological Genetics Research Centre (CeTroGen), Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79080-190, Brazil
| | | | - Luana Machado
- Institute of Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MGCEP 31270-901, Brazil.,Department of Chemistry, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, RJ24020-141, Brazil
| | - Eufrânio N da Silva Júnior
- Institute of Exact Sciences, Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MGCEP 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcelo L B Vilela
- Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79070-900, Brazil
| | - Valter Aragão Nascimento
- Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Midwest Region, Medical School, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79070-900, Brazil
| | - Adilson Beatriz
- Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul79070-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto da Silva Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota58102, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Male Accessory Glands of Blister Beetles and Cantharidin Release: A Comparative Ultrastructural Analysis. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13020132. [PMID: 35206706 PMCID: PMC8875262 DOI: 10.3390/insects13020132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Meloidae, also called blister beetles, are known to actively produce cantharidin, a toxic terpene with a defensive function that is released externally by reflex bleeding, and that is also stored in large quantities in the male accessory glands. These glands are involved in the transfer of terpene from males to females, which receive cantharidin via spermatophores as a nuptial gift to be used for their own protection and that of the eggs. However, it is still debated whether the male accessory glands can actively produce the terpene or if they only mediate its transfer, since neither the cantharidin-producing organ nor the metabolic pathway are known to date. The focus of the work is to analyze comparatively the accessory glands of males in representative Meloidae species to provide morphological evidences that can contribute to this debate. The results highlight the complexity of the accessory gland system, consisting of three different types of glands that are highly variable between species with the exception of one, which remains conserved even in independent phyletic lines. This gland is a good candidate for hypothesizing a direct role in cantharidin production and/or concentration. Abstract Members of the family Meloidae are known to produce cantharidin, a highly toxic monoterpene found in their hemolymph and exuded as droplets capable of deterring many predators. As a nuptial gift, males transfer large amounts of cantharidin to females via a spermatophore, which is formed by specific accessory glands containing high concentrations of this terpene. Using light, electron and ion beam microscopy, the ultrastructural features of the three pairs of male accessory glands as well as the glandular part of the vasa deferentia were comparatively investigated in seven species of blister beetles belonging to five different tribes and two subfamilies. All gland pairs examined share common features such as mesodermal derivation, the presence of muscle sheath, a developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, abundant mitochondria, secretory vesicles, and microvillated apical membranes. Within the same species, glands exhibit distinctive features, suggesting that each pair is responsible for the formation of a specific substance. The vasa deferentia, while showing many similarities within the family, often exhibit features unique to each of the individual species investigated, whereas the accessory glands of the first and second pairs display the highest degree of ultrastructural variability. A comparison across the species shows an interesting constancy limited to ultrastructural features in the third pair of accessory glands. The similarities and differences among the species are discussed in the light of the available literature and in relation to the potential role that blister beetles’ male accessory glands could play in the storage and management of cantharidin.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao M, Wang CY, Sun L, He Z, Yang PL, Liao HJ, Feng Y. Edible Aquatic Insects: Diversities, Nutrition, and Safety. Foods 2021; 10:3033. [PMID: 34945584 PMCID: PMC8700862 DOI: 10.3390/foods10123033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible insects have great potential to be human food; among them, aquatic insects have unique characteristics and deserve special attention. Before consuming these insects, the nutrition and food safety should always be considered. In this review, we summarized the species diversity, nutrition composition, and food safety of edible aquatic insects, and also compared their distinguished characteristics with those of terrestrial insects. Generally, in contrast with the role of plant feeders that most terrestrial edible insect species play, most aquatic edible insects are carnivorous animals. Besides the differences in physiology and metabolism, there are differences in fat, fatty acid, limiting/flavor amino acid, and mineral element contents between terrestrial and aquatic insects. Furthermore, heavy metal, pesticide residue, and uric acid composition, concerning food safety, are also discussed. Combined with the nutritional characteristics of aquatic insects, it is not recommended to eat the wild resources on a large scale. For the aquatic insects with large consumption, it is better to realize the standardized cultivation before they can be safely eaten.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.Z.); (C.-Y.W.); (L.S.); (Z.H.); (P.-L.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Ye Wang
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.Z.); (C.-Y.W.); (L.S.); (Z.H.); (P.-L.Y.)
| | - Long Sun
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.Z.); (C.-Y.W.); (L.S.); (Z.H.); (P.-L.Y.)
| | - Zhao He
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.Z.); (C.-Y.W.); (L.S.); (Z.H.); (P.-L.Y.)
| | - Pan-Li Yang
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.Z.); (C.-Y.W.); (L.S.); (Z.H.); (P.-L.Y.)
| | - Huai-Jian Liao
- Institute of Leisure Agriculture, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210014, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Key Laboratory of Breeding and Utilization of Resource Insects of National Forestry and Grassland Administration, Research Institute of Resource Insects, Chinese Academy of Forestry, Kunming 650224, China; (M.Z.); (C.-Y.W.); (L.S.); (Z.H.); (P.-L.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fratini E, Salvemini M, Lombardo F, Muzzi M, Molfini M, Gisondi S, Roma E, D'Ezio V, Persichini T, Gasperi T, Mariottini P, Di Giulio A, Bologna MA, Cervelli M, Mancini E. Unraveling the role of male reproductive tract and haemolymph in cantharidin-exuding Lydus trimaculatus and Mylabris variabilis (Coleoptera: Meloidae): a comparative transcriptomics approach. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:808. [PMID: 34749651 PMCID: PMC8576976 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meloidae (blister beetles) are known to synthetize cantharidin (CA), a toxic and defensive terpene mainly stored in male accessory glands (MAG) and emitted outward through reflex-bleeding. Recent progresses in understanding CA biosynthesis and production organ(s) in Meloidae have been made, but the way in which self-protection is achieved from the hazardous accumulation and release of CA in blister beetles has been experimentally neglected. To provide hints on this pending question, a comparative de novo assembly transcriptomic approach was performed by targeting two tissues where CA is largely accumulated and regularly circulates in Meloidae: the male reproductive tract (MRT) and the haemolymph. Differential gene expression profiles in these tissues were examined in two blister beetle species, Lydus trimaculatus (Fabricius, 1775) (tribe Lyttini) and Mylabris variabilis (Pallas, 1781) (tribe Mylabrini). Upregulated transcripts were compared between the two species to identify conserved genes possibly involved in CA detoxification and transport. Results Based on our results, we hypothesize that, to avoid auto-intoxication, ABC, MFS or other solute transporters might sequester purported glycosylated CA precursors into MAG, and lipocalins could bind CA and mitigate its reactivity when released into the haemolymph during the autohaemorrhaging response. We also found an over-representation in haemolymph of protein-domains related to coagulation and integument repairing mechanisms that likely reflects the need to limit fluid loss during reflex-bleeding. Conclusions The de novo assembled transcriptomes of L. trimaculatus and M. variabilis here provided represent valuable genetic resources to further explore the mechanisms employed to cope with toxicity of CA in blister beetle tissues. These, if revealed, might help conceiving safe and effective drug-delivery approaches to enhance the use of CA in medicine. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08118-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Molfini
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Gisondi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Natural History Museum of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elia Roma
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tecla Gasperi
- Department of Sciences, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Volatilome and Essential Oil of Ulomoides dermestoides: A Broad-Spectrum Medical Insect. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206311. [PMID: 34684892 PMCID: PMC8537694 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ulomoides dermestoides are used as a broad-spectrum medical insect in the alternative treatment of various diseases. Preliminary volatilome studies carried out to date have shown, as the main components, methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone, 1-tridecene, 1-pentadecene, and limonene. This work focused on the production of metabolites and their metabolic variations in U. dermestoides under stress conditions to provide additional valuable information to help better understand the broad-spectrum medical uses. To this end, VOCs were characterized by HS-SPME with PEG and CAR/PDMS fibers, and the first reported insect essential oils were obtained. In HS-SMPE, we found 17 terpenes, six quinones, five alkenes, and four aromatic compounds; in the essential oils, 53 terpenes, 54 carboxylic acids and derivatives, three alkynes, 12 alkenes (1-Pentadecene, EOT1: 77.6% and EOT2: 57.9%), 28 alkanes, nine alkyl disulfides, three aromatic compounds, 19 alcohols, three quinones, and 12 aldehydes were identified. Between both study approaches, a total of 171 secondary metabolites were identified with no previous report for U. dermestoides. A considerable number of the identified metabolites showed previous studies of the activity of pharmacological interest. Therefore, considering the wide variety of activities reported for these metabolites, this work allows a broader vision of the therapeutic potential of U. dermestoides in traditional medicine.
Collapse
|
7
|
RNAi silencing of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) gene inhibits vitellogenesis in Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2021; 263:111078. [PMID: 34536567 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2021.111078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The sesquiterpenoid methyl farnesoate (MF), a de-epoxide form of insect juvenile hormone III (JH III), plays an essential role in regulating many crucial physiological processes in crustaceans including vitellogenesis and reproduction. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) is an important rate-limiting enzyme in the mevalonate pathway, which is critical for the synthesis of JH III and MF. In the present study, a full-length cDNA encoding HMGR (EsHMGR) in Eriocheir sinensis was isolated and characterised. Sequence analysis of EsHMGR revealed that it belongs to Class I HMGR family proteins with HMG-CoA-binding and NADPH-binding domains, both important for HMGR activity. In addition to its ubiquitous tissue expression, expression of EsHMGR was highly specific to the ovary, the main site of Vg synthesis. During ovarian development, EsHMGR expression in ovary displayed a stage-specific pattern, and was correlated with expression of vitellogenin (EsVg) in hepatopancreas, which suggests that EsHMGR possibly involved in vitellogenesis. To further investigate the functional role of EsHMGR in vitellogenin biosynthesis in E. sinensis, RNA interference-mediated gene silencing was carried out both in vitro and in vivo. Quantitative PCR results showed that injection of EsHMGR double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) led to a significant decrease in EsVg expression levels in ovary and hepatopancreas both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the results suggest that EsHMGR is involved in vitellogenin biosynthesis in female E. sinensis, which may provide a new resource for HMGR enzymes participating in reproduction in crustaceans.
Collapse
|
8
|
Du C, Li W, Fu Z, Yi C, Liu X, Yue B. De novo transcriptome assemblies of Epicauta tibialis provide insights into the sexual dimorphism in the production of cantharidin. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 106:e21784. [PMID: 33719055 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21784] [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: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Blister beetles have medicinal uses for their defensive secretion cantharidin, which has curative effects on many cancers and other diseases. It was demonstrated that sexual dimorphism exists in the production of cantharidin between male and female adults. This study performed a de novo assembly of Epicauta tibialis transcriptomes and analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between male and female adults to help to find genes and pathways associated with cantharidin biosynthesis. A total of 99,295,624 paired reads were generated, and more than 7 Gb transcriptome data for each sample were obtained after trimming. The clean data were used to de novo assemble and then cluster into 27,355 unigenes, with a mean length of 1442 bp and an N50 of 2725 bp. Of these, 14,314 (52.33%) unigenes were annotated by protein databases. Differential expression analysis identified 284 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between male and female adults. Nearly 239 DEGs were up-regulated in male adults than in female adults, while 45 DEGs were down-regulated. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes pathway enrichment manifested that seven up-regulated DEGs in male adults were assigned to the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway, to which 19 unigenes were annotated. The DEGs in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway between male and female adults may be responsible for the sexual dimorphism in cantharidin production. The up-regulated genes assigned to the pathway in male adults may play a significant role in cantharidin biosynthesis, and its biosynthesis process is probably via the mevalonate pathway. The results would be helpful to better understand and reveal the complicated mechanism of the cantharidin biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Du
- Baotou Teachers College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Bautou, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Wujiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
- Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohui Fu
- Baotou Teachers College, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Bautou, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Yi
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Xu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management of Southwest Crops, Institute of Plant Protection, Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Bisong Yue
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment (Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Muzzi M, Di Giulio A, Mancini E, Fratini E, Cervelli M, Gasperi T, Mariottini P, Persichini T, Bologna MA. The male reproductive accessory glands of the blister beetle Meloe proscarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera: Meloidae): Anatomy and ultrastructure of the cantharidin-storing organs. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 59:100980. [PMID: 32829176 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Blister beetles owe their name to their ability to release cantharidin, a blistering terpene, the highest concentration of which is retained in male accessory glands. The anatomy and ultrastructure of the three pairs of male reproductive accessory glands and the glandular region of the two vasa deferentia of Meloe proscarabaeus were investigated using light, electron and ion beam microscopy. All of the mesodermal glands here analysed share a common structural organization with an outer muscular layer and an inner glandular epithelium facing a broad lumen in which the secretory products are released. Developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi systems, abundant mitochondria, numerous secretory vesicles and a microvillated apical membrane are commonly found in the cells of different glandular epithelia, suggesting that all accessory gland pairs as well as the vasa deferentia are involved in an active synthesis. Nevertheless, each pair of glands appears specialized in the production of a specific set of substances, as suggested by the peculiarities in cellular ultrastructure and by the different aspect of the secretions stored in their glandular lumen. The above cited features of male accessory glands of M. proscarabaeus are compared with those of other beetles and some hints on their potential role in producing and/or concentrating cantharidin are provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy; Laboratorio Interdipartimentale di Microscopia Elettronica (LIME), University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy.
| | - Emiliano Mancini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Tecla Gasperi
- Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Naz F, Wu Y, Zhang N, Yang Z, Yu C. Anticancer Attributes of Cantharidin: Involved Molecular Mechanisms and Pathways. Molecules 2020; 25:E3279. [PMID: 32707651 PMCID: PMC7397086 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a preeminent threat to the human race, causing millions of deaths each year on the Earth. Traditionally, natural compounds are deemed promising agents for cancer treatment. Cantharidin (CTD)-a terpenoid isolated from blister beetles-has been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicines for healing various maladies and cancer. CTD has been proven to be protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF-1) inhibitor, which can be potential targets for its anticancer activity. Albeit, it harbors some toxicities, its immense anticancer potential cannot be overlooked, as the cancer-specific delivery of CTD could help to rescue its lethal effects. Furthermore, several derivatives have been designed to weaken its toxicity. In light of extensive research, the antitumor activity of CTD is evident in both in vitro as well as in vivo cancer models. CTD has also proven efficacious in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and it can also target some drug-resistant cancer cells. This mini-review endeavors to interpret and summarize recent information about CTD anticancer potential and underlying molecular mechanisms. The pertinent anticancer strength of CTD could be employed to develop an effective anticarcinogenic drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (F.N.); (Y.W.); (N.Z.)
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; (F.N.); (Y.W.); (N.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guan DL, Hao XQ, Mi D, Peng J, Li Y, Xie JY, Huang H, Xu SQ. Draft Genome of a Blister Beetle Mylabris aulica. Front Genet 2020; 10:1281. [PMID: 32010178 PMCID: PMC6972506 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mylabris aulica is a widely distributed blister beetle of the Meloidae family. It has the ability to synthesize a potent defensive secretion that includes cantharidin, a toxic compound used to treat many major illnesses. However, owing to the lack of genetic studies on cantharidin biosynthesis in M. aulica, the commercial use of this species is less extensive than that of other blister beetle species in China. This study reports a draft assembly and possible genes and pathways related to cantharidin biosynthesis for the M. aulica blister beetle using nanopore sequencing data. The draft genome assembly size was 288.5 Mb with a 467.8 Kb N50, and a repeat content of 50.62%. An integrated gene finding pipeline performed for assembly obtained 16,500 protein coding genes. Benchmarking universal single-copy orthologs assessment showed that this gene set included 94.4% complete Insecta universal single-copy orthologs. Over 99% of these genes were assigned functional annotations in the gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, or Genbank non-redundant databases. Comparative genomic analysis showed that the completeness and continuity of our assembly was better than those of Hycleus cichorii and Hycleus phaleratus blister beetle genomes. The analysis of homologous orthologous genes and inference from evolutionary history imply that the Mylabris and Hycleus genera are genetically close, have a similar genetic background, and have differentiated within one million years. This M. aulica genome assembly provides a valuable resource for future blister beetle studies and will contribute to cantharidin biosynthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Long Guan
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao-Qian Hao
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Da Mi
- NextOmics Biosciences Institute, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiong Peng
- NextOmics Biosciences Institute, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan Li
- NextOmics Biosciences Institute, Wuhan, China
| | - Juan-Ying Xie
- College of Computer Science, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Huateng Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Sheng-Quan Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li YF, Sun H, Xi N, Zhang Y. Effects of Cantharidin and Norcantharidin on Larval Feeding and Adult Oviposition Preferences of the Diamondback Moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 112:1634-1637. [PMID: 30924494 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toz049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), is a destructive insect pest of cruciferous plants that has developed resistance to almost every listed commercial insecticide. Cantharidin as an animal-derived biopesticide is a natural defensive compound produced by Meloidae insects with toxicity to many insects including P. xylostella. Norcantharidin is an important substitute of cantharidin and has similar insecticidal activities to cantharidin. Although the toxicity of cantharidin and norcantharidin to P. xylostella has been reported, little research has focused on the effects of cantharidin or norcantharidin on the behavior of P. xylostella. In this study, we investigated the feeding behavior of third-instar larvae and the oviposition preference of adult P. xylostella in order to explore the effects of different concentrations of cantharidin and norcantharidin. Results show that cantharidin and norcantharidin have antifeedant effect on P. xylostella larvae. The values for AFC50 were 13.0228 and 149.4210 mg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, the oviposition deterrence rate of cantharidin on P. xylostella ranged from 49.37 to 58.24% and that of norcantharidin was from 20.88 to 33.33%. These results suggest cantharidin and norcantharidin may have repellent and antifeedant effect on P. xylostella, which could contribute toward using biopesticides to manage P. xylostella and may provide a new strategy for integrated pest management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Li
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, Entomological Museum, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Sun
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, Entomological Museum, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Xi
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, Entomological Museum, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Rural Technology Development Center Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Rural Technology Development Center Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Shao H, Xi N, Zhang Y. Microemulsion formulation of a new biopesticide to control the diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Sci Rep 2018; 8:10565. [PMID: 30002386 PMCID: PMC6043531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28626-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to develop a microemulsion formulation of norcantharidin for the control of the diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus), a notorious pest of brassica crops worldwide. The oil phase was screened and selected based on norcantharidin solubility while the surfactants were selected on the basis of their efficiency to form microemulsion. Optimized batches were selected using pseudo ternary phase diagrams. The microemulsion system were stabilized using mixtures composed of norcantharidin, surfactants (Tx13 and Tw80), and cosurfactant (ethanol). Its physicochemical characteristics were also demonstrated to have a higher cloud point than 72 °C as well as good thermodynamic and dilution stability. In additon, a subsequent insecticidal bioassay indicated that the acute LC50 for norcantharidin microemulsion to P. xylostella was estimated to be 12.477 mg/L (11.58-13.41, 95% CL). Our results provide an environment-friendly promising alternative to control P. xylostella and possibly contribute to ameliorating any pesticide resistance in P. xylostella.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hainan Shao
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Na Xi
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Yalin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Plant Protection Resources and Pest Management, Ministry of Education, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|