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da Silva Costa JR, do Vale TL, da Silva GF, da Silva NCS, da Silva Lima A, Costa-Junior LM, Luz HR. Encapsulation of carvacrol and thymol with yeast cell wall and its repellent activity against Amblyomma sculptum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Sensu Lato). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2024; 92:555-565. [PMID: 38468022 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00896-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The main way to avoid contact with ticks and consequently tick-borne disease is the use of synthetic repellents. The search of new repellent compounds to increase the possibilities of use in strategies controls are necessary. The present study evaluated the repellent activity of two natural terpenes carvacrol and thymol in each one two different formulation (encapsulated and nonencapsulated with yeast cell wall) against the ticks Amblyomma sculptum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato nymphs. Nymphs of A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l. of a single generation were used. The vertical filter paper repellency assay were performed with different concentration of both terpenes encapsulated and nonencapsulated in yeast cell wall. The repellent concentration 50% (RC50) were calculated to each compound formulation. Both carvacrol and thymol (encapsulated and nonencapsulated), had a repellent activity against A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l nymphs. Amblyomma sculptum was more sensitive to nonencapsulated carvacrol (RC50 values: 0.0032 to 0.0082 mg/cm2 after 1 and 15 min) (P < 0.05), while R. sanguineus s.l. was more sensitive to encapsulated carvacrol (RC50 values: 0.00008 to 0.0035 mg/cm2 after 1 and 15 min) (P < 0.05). Among tick species, R. sanguineus s.l. was more sensitive for most compounds than A. sculptum (P < 0.05). Although with distinct repellent activities, carvacrol and thymol encapsulated can be a promising alternative to synthetic repellents against A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhone Robson da Silva Costa
- Laboratory of Parasite Control, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Tassia Lopes do Vale
- Laboratory of Parasite Control, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Geovane Ferreira da Silva
- Laboratory of Parasite Control, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Naylene Carvalho Sales da Silva
- Laboratory of Parasite Control, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | | | - Lívio Martins Costa-Junior
- Laboratory of Parasite Control, Department of Pathology, Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil
| | - Hermes Ribeiro Luz
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, Federal University of Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
- Post‑Graduation Program in Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Biodiversity and Conservation, Center of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal University of Maranhão - UFMA, São Luís, MA, Brazil.
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Iannucci A, Zhu J, Antonielli L, Ayari A, Nasri-Ammar K, Knoll W, Pelosi P, Dani FR. Chemosensory proteins as putative semiochemical carriers in the desert isopod Hemilepistus reaumurii. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 162:104012. [PMID: 37743031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
The order Isopoda contains both aquatic and terrestrial species, among which Hemilepistus reaumurii, which lives in arid environments and is the most adapted to terrestrial life. Olfaction has been deeply investigated in insects while it has received very limited attention in other arthropods, particularly in terrestrial crustaceans. In insects, soluble proteins belonging to two main families, Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) and Chemosensory Proteins (CSPs), are contained in the olfactory sensillar lymph and are suggested to act as carriers of hydrophobic semiochemicals to or from membrane-bound olfactory receptors. Other protein families, namely Nieman-Pick type 2 (NPC2) and Lipocalins (LCNs) have been also reported as putative odorant carriers in insects and other arthropod clades. In this study, we have sequenced and analysed the transcriptomes of antennae and of the first pair of legs of H. reaumurii focusing on soluble olfactory proteins. Interestingly, we have found 13 genes encoding CSPs, whose sequences differ from those of the other arthropod clades, including non-isopod crustaceans, for the presence of two additional cysteine residues, besides the four conserved ones. Binding assays on two of these proteins showed strong affinities for fatty acids and long-chain unsaturated esters and aldehydes, putative semiochemicals for this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Iannucci
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, 50019, Firenze, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jiao Zhu
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Livio Antonielli
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Anas Ayari
- Université Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Unité de Recherche de Bio-Ecologie et Systématique Evolutive, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Karima Nasri-Ammar
- Université Tunis El Manar, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Unité de Recherche de Bio-Ecologie et Systématique Evolutive, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Health & Bioresources, Bioresources Unit, 3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Francesca Romana Dani
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, 50019, Firenze, Italy; National Biodiversity Future Center, 90133, Palermo, Italy.
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Wu Y, Li Y, Chu W, Niu T, Feng X, Ma R, Liu H. Expression and functional characterization of odorant-binding protein 2 in the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri. INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 30:1493-1506. [PMID: 36458978 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction plays a crucial role for arthropods in foraging, mating, and oviposition. The odorant-binding protein (OBP) gene is considered one of the most important olfactory genes. However, little is known about its functions in predatory mites. Here, we used Neoseiulus barkeri, an important commercialized natural pest control, to explore the chemosensory characteristics of OBP. In this study, N. barkeri was attracted by methyl salicylate (MeSA) and showed higher crawling speeds under MeSA treatment. Then, we identified and cloned an OBP gene named Nbarobp2 and analyzed its expression profiles in the predatory mite. Nbarobp2 was 663 bp, was highly expressed in larval and nymphal stages, and was significantly upregulated in N. barkeri under MeSA treatment. Nbarobp2 encoded 202 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 23 kDa (after removing the signal peptide). Sequence comparisons revealed that the OBPs in Arachnida shared 6 conserved cysteine sites, but were distinguishable from the OBPs of Insecta on the phylogenetic tree. RNA interference, Western blotting, and binding affinity assays further proved that Nbarobp2 was involved in volatile perception in predatory mites. This study shed light on the functional characteristics of OBPs in predatory mites, providing a new insight for better biological control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixia Wu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yaying Li
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Wenqiang Chu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Tiandi Niu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiaotian Feng
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Rongjiang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China
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Liang D, Chen H, An L, Li Y, Zhao P, Upadhyay A, Hansson BS, Zhao J, Han Q. Molecular identification and functional analysis of Niemann-Pick type C2 proteins,carriers for semiochemicals and other hydrophobic compounds in the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:105451. [PMID: 37247999 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens with tremendous impact on human and animal health. Studies of semiochemical interactions and mechanisms underlying chemoreception can provide important tools in tick management. Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) proteins have been proposed as one type of chemoreceptor in arthropods. Here, we cloned two NPC2 genes in the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus linnaei, the tropical lineage previously named R. sanguineus sensu lato and characterized them functionally. R.linNPC2a and R.linNPC2b genes were found to be expressed at each developmental stage with the highest level in adult males. By using quantitative real-time PCR we revealed expression in multiple tissues, including midgut, ovary, salivary glands and legs. Ligand binding analysis revealed that R.linNPC2b bound a wide spectrum of compounds, with β-ionone, α-amylcinnamaldehyde, 2-nitrophenol and benzaldehyde displaying the strongest binding affinity (Ki < 10 μM), whereas R.linNPC2a showed a more narrow ligand binding range, with intermediate binding affinity to α-amylcinnamaldehyde and 2-nitrophenol (Ki < 20 μM). Molecular docking indicated that the amino acid residue Phe89, Leu77 and Val131 of R.linNPC2a and Phe70, Leu132 and Phe73 of R.linNPC2b could bind multiple ligands. These residues might thus play a key role in the identification of the volatiles. Our results contribute to the understanding of olfactory mechanisms of R. linnaei and can offer new pathways towards new management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejuan Liang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Huaqing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Liping An
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Yao Li
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Peizhen Zhao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Archana Upadhyay
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
| | - Bill S Hansson
- Department of Evolutionary Neuroethology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
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5
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Temeyer KB, Schlechte KG, Gross AD, Lohmeyer KH. Identification, Baculoviral Expression, and Biochemical Characterization of a Novel Cholinesterase of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097681. [PMID: 37175388 PMCID: PMC10178864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A cDNA encoding a novel cholinesterase (ChE, EC 3.1.1.8) from the larvae of Amblyomma americanum (Linnaeus) was identified, sequenced, and expressed in Sf21 insect cell culture using the baculoviral expression vector pBlueBac4.5/V5-His. The open reading frame (1746 nucleotides) of the cDNA encoded 581 amino acids beginning with the initiation codon. Identical cDNA sequences were amplified from the total RNA of adult tick synganglion and salivary gland, strongly suggesting expression in both tick synganglion and saliva. The recombinant enzyme (rAaChE1) was highly sensitive to eserine and BW284c51, relatively insensitive to tetraisopropyl pyrophosphoramide (iso-OMPA) and ethopropazine, and hydrolyzed butyrylthiocholine (BuTCh) 5.7 times as fast as acetylthiocholine (ATCh) at 120 µM, with calculated KM values for acetylthiocholine (ATCh) and butyrylthiocholine of 6.39 µM and 14.18 µM, respectively. The recombinant enzyme was highly sensitive to inhibition by malaoxon, paraoxon, and coroxon in either substrate. Western blots using polyclonal rabbit antibody produced by immunization with a peptide specific for rAaChE1 exhibited reactivity in salivary and synganglial extract blots, indicating the presence of AaChE1 antigenic protein. Total cholinesterase activities of synganglial or salivary gland extracts from adult ticks exhibited biochemical properties very different from the expressed rAaACh1 enzyme, evidencing the substantial presence of additional cholinesterase activities in tick synganglion and saliva. The biological function of AaChE1 remains to be elucidated, but its presence in tick saliva is suggestive of functions in hydrolysis of cholinergic substrates present in the large blood mean and potential involvement in the modulation of host immune responses to tick feeding and introduced pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin B Temeyer
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Arthropod Genomics Center, USDA-ARS, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
| | - Kristie G Schlechte
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Arthropod Genomics Center, USDA-ARS, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
| | - Aaron D Gross
- Molecular Physiology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Entomology (MC 0390), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Latham Hall (Rm 307), 220 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Kimberly H Lohmeyer
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Arthropod Genomics Center, USDA-ARS, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
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Gebremedhin MB, Xu Z, Kuang C, Shumuye NA, Cao J, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Zhou J. Current Knowledge on Chemosensory-Related Candidate Molecules Potentially Involved in Tick Olfaction via Haller's Organ. INSECTS 2023; 14:294. [PMID: 36975979 PMCID: PMC10053194 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites and vectors of many animal and human pathogens. Chemosensation plays a significant role in tick communication with their environment, including seeking out blood meal hosts. Studies on the structure and function of Haller's organ and its components have improved our understanding regarding tick olfaction and its chemical ecology. Compared with the knowledge on insect olfaction, less is known about the molecular basis of olfaction in ticks. This review focused on the chemosensory-related candidate molecules likely involved in tick olfaction. Members of the ionotropic receptor family and a new class of odorant-binding proteins are now known to be involved in tick olfaction, which appear to differ from that of insects. These candidate molecules are more closely related to those of mites and spiders than to other arthropods. The amino acid sequences of candidate niemann-pick type C2 and microplusin-like proteins in ticks exhibit features indicating their potential role as binding proteins. In the future, more comprehensive pertinent research considering the existing shortcomings will be required to fully understand the molecular basis of tick olfactory chemoreception. This information may contribute to the development of new molecular-based control mechanisms to reduce tick populations and related disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mebrahtu Berhe Gebremedhin
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhengmao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ceyan Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Nigus Abebe Shumuye
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, National Animal Echinococcosis Para-Reference Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730046, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
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7
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Zhou H, Yan H, Wang E, Zhang B, Xu X. Expression and functional analysis of Niemann-Pick C2 gene in Phytoseiulus persimilis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2023; 89:201-213. [PMID: 36920643 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00781-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As a new protein class of semiochemical binding and transporting, Niemann-Pick proteins type C2 (NPC2) in arthropods have received more attentions in recent decade. However, the gene function has not been studied in phytoseiid mites with biocontrol potential. In the current study, we cloned a NPC2 gene PpNPC2a from the transcriptome of Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot. By encoding 181 amino acids with a conserved ML domain, PpNPC2a was found a homolog of NPC2-1 in Galendromus occidentalis Nesbitt. We then measured the spatio-temporal expression of PpNPC2a in P. persimilis, and found the highest expression in female adults compared to other stages. Due to the tiny body size of predatory mites, we only examined tissue expressions in two sections: the anterior part (gnathosoma and the first pair of legs) and the posterior part (idiosoma without the first pair of legs). Higher transcription of PpNPC2a was found in the posterior part. To investigate the potential function of PpNPC2a in P. persimilis, we interfered gene expression in female adults by feeding dsRNA, which resulted in a decrease of relative expression by 59.1 and 78.2% after 24 and 72 h, respectively. Compared with the control, dsNPC2a-treated P. persimilis were insensitive to the scent of leaves or plants infested by spider mites, suggesting a role of PpNPC2a in response to plant volatiles. However, the dsNPC2a-interfered mites could still respond to four representative compounds of herbivore-induced plant volatiles, including 4,8,12-trimethyl-1,3,7,11-tridecatetraene (TMTT), methyl salicylate (MeSA), β-caryophyllene and linalool. In short, our results indicated PpNPC2a may be involved in the chemosensory process of P. persimilis in response to whole-plant volatiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Zhou
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Endong Wang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemies Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 100193, Beijing, China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemies Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 100193, Beijing, China.
| | - Xuenong Xu
- Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 100193, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of Natural Enemies Insects, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 100193, Beijing, China.
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A Deeper Insight into the Tick Salivary Protein Families under the Light of Alphafold2 and Dali: Introducing the TickSialoFam 2.0 Database. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415613. [PMID: 36555254 PMCID: PMC9779611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hard ticks feed for several days or weeks on their hosts and their saliva contains thousands of polypeptides belonging to dozens of families, as identified by salivary transcriptomes. Comparison of the coding sequences to protein databases helps to identify putative secreted proteins and their potential functions, directing and focusing future studies, usually done with recombinant proteins that are tested in different bioassays. However, many families of putative secreted peptides have a unique character, not providing significant matches to known sequences. The availability of the Alphafold2 program, which provides in silico predictions of the 3D polypeptide structure, coupled with the Dali program which uses the atomic coordinates of a structural model to search the Protein Data Bank (PDB) allows another layer of investigation to annotate and ascribe a functional role to proteins having so far being characterized as "unique". In this study, we analyzed the classification of tick salivary proteins under the light of the Alphafold2/Dali programs, detecting novel protein families and gaining new insights relating the structure and function of tick salivary proteins.
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Mani K, Nganso BT, Rodin P, Otmy A, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Effects of Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) gene transcripts silencing on behavior of Varroa destructor and molecular changes in the putative olfactory gene networks. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 148:103817. [PMID: 35926690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To understand the role of two Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) transcripts, Vd40090 (NP1) and Vd74517 (NP5), in the chemosensing pathway of Varroa destructor, we evaluated the impact of NP5 silencing on mites behavior and compared the effect of silencing of either transcripts on the interaction between chemosensory transcripts. In contrast to silencing NP1, which reduced feeding and reproduction by the mite (Nganso et al., 2021), silencing of NP5 reduced significantly the host reaching ability, but it did not affect the feeding on nurse bee. However, silencing of either transcript changed dramatically the co-expression patterns among the putative chemosensory genes, binding proteins and receptors. The results suggest the role of gustatory receptors in the detection of long-range chemical cues in the chemosensory cascade of the Varroa mite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Mani
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Beatrice T Nganso
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Penina Rodin
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Assaf Otmy
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Department of Entomology, Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
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10
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Cui Y, Wang J, Liu Q, Li D, Zhang W, Liu X, Wang J, Song X, Yao F, Wu H, Zhao N. Identification and expression of potential olfactory-related genes related to Niemann-Pick C2 protein and ionotropic receptors in Haemaphysalis longicornis. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2022; 87:337-350. [PMID: 35971047 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-022-00729-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the main pathway for tick host localization and perception of mating information may be chemosensory. However, chemical communication in ticks is poorly understood, especially in those other than the Ixodes ticks. Niemann-Pick C2 (NPC2) protein and ionotropic receptors (IRs) are considered to be closely related to the perception of infochemicals in arthropods. Through bioinformatic analysis, eight NPC2 and four IR candidate genes were identified through screening and identification of the transcriptome sequencing database of Haemaphysalis longicornis. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that H. longicornis possesses similar homology to the genus Ixodes. A comparison of the expression of NPC2 and IR in tick forelegs (first pair of legs), hind legs (fourth pair of legs), and capitula using RT-PCR revealed that, barring HlonNPC2-8, 11 candidate genes were highly expressed in the foreleg and capitulum, which are the main sensory organs of ticks. They were also expressed in the hind legs, except for six genes that were not expressed in the males. RT-qPCR analysis showed upregulation and higher relative expression of HlonNPC2-1, HlonNPC2-3, HlonNPC2-6, and HlonNPC2-8 when stimulated by ammonium hydroxide, whereas the others were downregulated and demonstrated lower relative expression. These results further support the putative role of NPC2s as a new odorant carrier in ticks and present 12 promising candidate genes for understanding tick olfactory communication, enriching the data on these genes, especially outside the genus Ixodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Jungang Wang
- College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Qiyong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| | - Ning Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector Surveillance and Management, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
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11
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Shah JS, Buckmeier BG, Griffith W, Olafson PU, Perez de Leon AA, Renthal R. Odorant-binding protein from the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) has a high-histidine N-terminal extension that binds transition metals. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 141:103707. [PMID: 34979251 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2021.103707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The role of odorant- and pheromone-binding proteins (OBPs) in olfactory function is not fully understood. We found an OBP sequence from the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, ScalOBP60, that has a 25 amino acid N-terminal extension with a high content of histidine and acidic amino acids, suggesting a possible metal binding activity. A search of public databases revealed a large number of other fly OBPs with histidine-rich N-terminal extensions, as well as beetle, wasp and ant OBPs with histidine-rich C-terminal extensions. We recombinantly expressed ScalOBP60, as well as a truncated sequence which lacks the histidine-rich N-terminal region, tScalOBP60. Using fluorescence quenching and electrospray quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-QTOF), we detected two different types of metal-binding sites. Divalent copper, nickel and zinc bind to the N-terminal histidine-rich region, and divalent copper binds to an internal sequence position. Comparison of the ESI-QTOF spectra of ScalOBP60 and tScalOBP60 showed that the histidine-rich sequence is structurally disordered, but it becomes more ordered in the presence of divalent metal. When copper is bound to the internal site, binding of a hydrophobic ligand to ScalOBP60 is inhibited. The internal and N-terminal metal sites interact allosterically, possibly through a conformational equilibrium, suggesting a mechanism for metal regulation of ligand binding to ScalOBP60. Based on our studies of ScalOBP60, we propose several possible olfactory and non-olfactory functions for this OBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaee Shailesh Shah
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | | | - Wendell Griffith
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Pia Untalan Olafson
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Lab, Kerrville, TX, 78028, USA
| | | | - Robert Renthal
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
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12
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Pelosi P, Knoll W. Odorant-binding proteins of mammals. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:20-44. [PMID: 34480392 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) of vertebrates belong to the lipocalin superfamily and perform a dual function: solubilizing and ferrying volatile pheromones to the olfactory receptors, and complexing the same molecules in specialized glands and assisting their release into the environment. Within vertebrates, to date they have been reported only in mammals, apart from two studies on amphibians. Based on the small number of OBPs expressed in each species, on their sites of production outside the olfactory area and their presence in biological fluids known to be pheromone carriers, such as urine, saliva and sexual secretions, we conclude that OBPs of mammals are specifically dedicated to pheromonal communication. This assumption is further supported by the observation that some OBPs present in biological secretions are endowed with their own pheromonal activity, adding renewed interest to these proteins. Another novel piece of evidence is the recent discovery that glycosylation and phosphorylation can modulate the binding activity of these proteins, improving their affinity to pheromones and narrowing their specificity. A comparison with insects and other arthropods shows a completely different scenario. While mammalian OBPs are specifically tuned to pheromones, those of insects, which are completely different in sequence and structure, include carriers for general odorants in addition to those dedicated to pheromones. Additionally, whereas mammals adopted a single family of carrier proteins for chemical communication, insects and other arthropods are endowed with several families of semiochemical-binding proteins. Here, we review the literature on the structural and functional properties of vertebrate OBPs, summarize the most interesting new findings and suggest possible exciting future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pelosi
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße 24, Tulln, 3430, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße 24, Tulln, 3430, Austria
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13
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Nganso BT, Mani K, Eliash N, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Towards disrupting Varroa -honey bee chemosensing: A focus on a Niemann-Pick type C2 transcript. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 30:519-531. [PMID: 34216416 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We focused our study on the 12 recently identified putative odorant carrier proteins in the ectoparasitic mite, Varroa destructor. Here we show, via an exclusion of the chemosensory appendages (forelegs and gnathosoma) that transcripts of five of the 12 genes were significantly lower, suggesting that they are likely involved in carrying host volatiles. Specifically, three transcripts were found to be foreleg-specific while the other two transcripts were expressed in both the forelegs and gnathosoma. We focused on one of the highly expressed and foreleg-specific transcript Vd40090, which encodes a Niemann-Pick disease protein type C2 (NPC2) protein. Effects of dsRNA-mediated silencing of Vd40090 were first measured by quantifying the transcript levels of genes that encode other putative odorant carrier proteins as well as reproduction related proteins. In addition, the impact of silencing on mites behaviour and survival was tested. Silencing of Vd40090 effectively disrupted Varroa host selection, acceptance and feeding and significantly impaired the expression of genes that regulate its reproduction in brood cells, resulting in reduced reproduction and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- B T Nganso
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - K Mani
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - N Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - A Rafaeli
- Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Centre, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - V Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, the Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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14
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Zhu J, Renzone G, Arena S, Dani FR, Paulsen H, Knoll W, Cambillau C, Scaloni A, Pelosi P. The Odorant-Binding Proteins of the Spider Mite Tetranychus urticae. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136828. [PMID: 34202019 PMCID: PMC8269058 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spider mites are one of the major agricultural pests, feeding on a large variety of plants. As a contribution to understanding chemical communication in these arthropods, we have characterized a recently discovered class of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) in Tetranychus urticae. As in other species of Chelicerata, the four OBPs of T. urticae contain six conserved cysteines paired in a pattern (C1-C6, C2-C3, C4-C5) differing from that of insect counterparts (C1-C3, C2-C5, C4-C6). Proteomic analysis uncovered a second family of OBPs, including twelve members that are likely to be unique to T. urticae. A three-dimensional model of TurtOBP1, built on the recent X-ray structure of Varroa destructor OBP1, shows protein folding different from that of insect OBPs, although with some common features. Ligand-binding experiments indicated some affinity to coniferyl aldehyde, but specific ligands may still need to be found among very large molecules, as suggested by the size of the binding pocket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhu
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (J.Z.); (W.K.)
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Giovanni Renzone
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (G.R.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Simona Arena
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (G.R.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesca Romana Dani
- Department of Biology, University of Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
| | - Harald Paulsen
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (J.Z.); (W.K.)
- Department of Physics and Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Medicine/Dental Medicine, Danube Private University, 3500 Krems, Austria
| | - Christian Cambillau
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (UMR 7257), CNRS and Aix-Marseille Université, CDEX 09, 13288 Marseille, France;
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics & Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147 Napoli, Italy; (G.R.); (S.A.); (A.S.)
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria; (J.Z.); (W.K.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Amigues B, Zhu J, Gaubert A, Arena S, Renzone G, Leone P, Fischer IM, Paulsen H, Knoll W, Scaloni A, Roussel A, Cambillau C, Pelosi P. A new non-classical fold of varroa odorant-binding proteins reveals a wide open internal cavity. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13172. [PMID: 34162975 PMCID: PMC8222343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92604-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), as they occur in insects, form a distinct class of proteins that apparently has no closely related representatives in other animals. However, ticks, mites, spiders and millipedes contain genes encoding proteins with sequence similarity to insect OBPs. In this work, we have explored the structure and function of such non-insect OBPs in the mite Varroa destructor, a major pest of honey bee. Varroa OBPs present six cysteines paired into three disulphide bridges, but with positions in the sequence and connections different from those of their insect counterparts. VdesOBP1 structure was determined in two closely related crystal forms and appears to be a monomer. Its structure assembles five α-helices linked by three disulphide bridges, one of them exhibiting a different connection as compared to their insect counterparts. Comparison with classical OBPs reveals that the second of the six α-helices is lacking in VdesOBP1. Ligand-binding experiments revealed molecules able to bind only specific OBPs with a moderate affinity, suggesting that either optimal ligands have still to be identified, or post-translational modifications present in the native proteins may be essential for modulating binding activity, or else these OBPs might represent a failed attempt in evolution and are not used by the mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Amigues
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Jiao Zhu
- Biosensor Technologies, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anais Gaubert
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Simona Arena
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Renzone
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147, Naples, Italy
| | - Philippe Leone
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Isabella Maria Fischer
- Biosensor Technologies, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
| | - Harald Paulsen
- Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Biosensor Technologies, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria
- Department of Physics and Chemistry of Materials, Faculty of Medicine/Dental Medicine, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria
| | - Andrea Scaloni
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory, ISPAAM, National Research Council, 80147, Naples, Italy
| | - Alain Roussel
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France
| | - Christian Cambillau
- Architecture et Fonction des Macromolécules Biologiques (AFMB, UMR 6098), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), Campus de Luminy, Case 932, 13288, Marseille Cedex 09, France.
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Biosensor Technologies, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Konrad-Lorenz Straße, 24, 3430, Tulln, Austria.
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16
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Zhu J, Iannucci A, Dani FR, Knoll W, Pelosi P. Lipocalins in Arthropod Chemical Communication. Genome Biol Evol 2021; 13:6261314. [PMID: 33930146 PMCID: PMC8214410 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evab091] [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] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipocalins represent one of the most successful superfamilies of proteins. Most of them are extracellular carriers for hydrophobic ligands across aqueous media, but other functions have been reported. They are present in most living organisms including bacteria. In animals they have been identified in mammals, molluscs, and arthropods; sequences have also been reported for plants. A subgroup of lipocalins, referred to as odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), mediate chemical communication in mammals by ferrying specific pheromones to the vomeronasal organ. So far, these proteins have not been reported as carriers of semiochemicals in other living organisms; instead chemical communication in arthropods is mediated by other protein families structurally unrelated to lipocalins. A search in the databases has revealed extensive duplication and differentiation of lipocalin genes in some species of insects, crustaceans, and chelicerates. Their large numbers, ranging from a handful to few dozens in the same species, their wide divergence, both within and between species, and their expression in chemosensory organs suggest that such expansion may have occurred under environmental pressure, thus supporting the hypothesis that lipocalins may be involved in chemical communication in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhu
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Tulln, Austria.,Faculty of Biology, Institute of Molecular Physiology, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alessio Iannucci
- Departement of Biology, University of Firenze, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | | | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Tulln, Austria
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Tulln, Austria
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Comparative morphological and transcriptomic analyses reveal chemosensory genes in the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17923. [PMID: 33087814 PMCID: PMC7578799 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74998-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Detection of chemical cues via chemosensory receptor proteins are essential for most animals, and underlies critical behaviors, including location and discrimination of food resources, identification of sexual partners and avoidance of predators. The current knowledge of how chemical cues are detected is based primarily on data acquired from studies on insects, while our understanding of the molecular basis for chemoreception in acari, mites in particular, remains limited. The poultry red mite (PRM), Dermanyssus gallinae, is one of the most important blood-feeding ectoparasites of poultry. PRM are active at night which suck the birds' blood during periods of darkness and hide themselves in all kinds of gaps and cracks during the daytime. The diversity in habitat usage, as well as the demonstrated host finding and avoidance behaviors suggest that PRM relies on their sense of smell to orchestrate complex behavioral decisions. Comparative transcriptome analyses revealed the presence of candidate variant ionotropic receptors, odorant binding proteins, niemann-pick proteins type C2 and sensory neuron membrane proteins. Some of these proteins were highly and differentially expressed in the forelegs of PRM. Rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptors were also identified, while insect-specific odorant receptors and odorant co-receptors were not detected. Furthermore, using scanning electron microscopy, the tarsomeres of all leg pairs were shown to be equipped with sensilla chaetica with or without tip pores, while wall-pored olfactory sensilla chaetica were restricted to the distal-most tarsomeres of the forelegs. This study is the first to describe the presence of chemosensory genes in any Dermanyssidae family. Our findings make a significant step forward in understanding the chemosensory abilities of D. gallinae.
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Shah JS, Renthal R. Antennal Proteome of the Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): Caste Differences in Olfactory Receptors and Chemosensory Support Proteins. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2020; 20:5937575. [PMID: 33098433 PMCID: PMC7585320 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieaa118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the expression pattern of odorant and pheromone transporters, receptors, and deactivation enzymes in the antennae of ants carrying out different tasks. In order to begin filling in this information gap, we compared the proteomes of the antennae of workers and males of the red fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Male ants do not perform any colony work, and their only activity is to leave the nest on a mating flight. Previous studies showed that male ants express fewer types of odorant receptors than workers. Thus, we expected to find large differences between male and worker antennae for expression of receptors, transporters, and deactivators of signaling chemicals. We found that the abundance of receptors was consistent with the expected caste-specific signaling complexity, but the numbers of different antenna-specific transporters and deactivating enzymes in males and workers were similar. It is possible that some of these proteins have antenna-specific functions that are unrelated to chemosensory reception. Alternatively, the similar complexity could be a vestige of ant progenitors that had more behaviorally active males. As the reduced behavior of male ants evolved, the selection process may have favored a complex repertoire of transporters and deactivating enzymes alongside a limited repertoire of odorant receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaee Shailesh Shah
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Robert Renthal
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
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Nganso BT, Mani K, Altman Y, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. How Crucial is the Functional Pit Organ for the Varroa Mite? INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11060395. [PMID: 32604887 PMCID: PMC7349574 DOI: 10.3390/insects11060395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Olfaction as well as gustation, are essential for animal survival, allowing behavioral modulation according to environmental input. We focused our study on an obligate ecto-parasitic mite of honey bees, the Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman (Parasitiformes, Mesostigmata, Varroidae). By mechanically blocking the main olfactory organ on Varroa forelegs by varnishing with nail polish, we were able to show that other sensory organs cannot significantly compensate chemosensory abilities required for mite’s host selection, identification as well as reproduction. In fact, we found that mites with blocked forelegs had a significantly lower ability to reach a host bee than those with varnished idiosoma and unvarnished control. Furthermore, fewer foreleg blocked mites were feeding on the nurse bees and their reproduction in the brood cells was significantly impaired. The inhibition of reproduction was also reflected in altered expression levels of vitellogenin and vitellogenin receptor genes in foreleg-blocked mites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice T. Nganso
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Kannan Mani
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Yam Altman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
- Mina and Aberhard Gudman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, P.O.B 15159, Rishon leZion 7505101, Israel; (B.T.N.); (K.M.); (Y.A.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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20
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Expanded complement of Niemann-Pick type C2-like protein genes in Clonorchis sinensis suggests functions beyond sterol binding and transport. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:38. [PMID: 31973758 PMCID: PMC6979364 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3910-0] [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: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The parasitic flatworm Clonorchis sinensis inhabits the biliary tree of humans and other piscivorous mammals. This parasite can survive and thrive in the bile duct, despite exposure to bile constituents and host immune attack. Although the precise biological mechanisms underlying this adaptation are unknown, previous work indicated that Niemann-pick type C2 (NPC2)-like sterol-binding proteins might be integral in the host-parasite interplay. Expansions of this family in some invertebrates, such as arthropods, have shown functional diversification, including novel forms of chemoreception. Thus, here we curated the NPC2-like protein gene complement in C. sinensis, and predicted their conserved and/or divergent functional roles. Methods We used an established comparative genomic-bioinformatic approach to curate NPC2-like proteins encoded in published genomes of Korean and Chinese isolates of C. sinensis. Protein sequence and structural homology, presence of conserved domains and phylogeny were used to group and functionally classify NPC2-like proteins. Furthermore, transcription levels of NPC2-like protein-encoding genes were explored in different developmental stages and tissues. Results Totals of 35 and 32 C. sinensis NPC2-like proteins were predicted to be encoded in the genomes of the Korean and Chinese isolates, respectively. Overall, these proteins had low sequence homology and high variability of sequence alignment coverage when compared with curated NPC2s. Most C. sinensis proteins were predicted to retain a conserved ML domain and a conserved fold conformation, with a large cavity within the protein. Only one protein sequence retained the conserved amino acid residues required in bovine NPC2 to bind cholesterol. Non-canonical C. sinensis NPC2-like protein-coding domains clustered into four distinct phylogenetic groups with members of a group frequently encoded on the same genome scaffolds. Interestingly, NPC2-like protein-encoding genes were predicted to be variably transcribed in different developmental stages and adult tissues, with most being transcribed in the metacercarial stage. Conclusions The results of the present investigation confirms an expansion of NPC2-like proteins in C. sinensis, suggesting a diverse array of functions beyond sterol binding and transport. Functional explorations of this protein family should elucidate the mechanisms enabling the establishment and survival of C. sinensis and related flukes in the biliary systems of mammalian hosts.![]()
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Faraone N, MacPherson S, Hillier NK. Behavioral responses of Ixodes scapularis tick to natural products: development of novel repellents. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2019; 79:195-207. [PMID: 31564009 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-019-00421-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The spread of blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and growing threat of Lyme disease transmission has increased demand for effective, safe and environmentally friendly repellent products. Plant-derived essential oils are natural products that exhibit insecticidal and repellant activities and represent a promising alternative to synthetic repellants. However, mechanisms by which ticks detect odor stimuli and how such stimuli may function as repellents are not well understood. We examined the repellent activity of selected essential oil components towards I. scapularis in short- and long-term dose-response trials. To determine the specific olfactory organs involved in detection of chemical stimuli, we tested tick behavioral response in repellency bioassays after removing appendages that house chemosensory sensilla (e.g., foretarsi or pedipalps). New prototype formulae were tested in longevity trials repelling up to 95% of tested ticks after 1 h post-application. This study provides new insight regarding tick olfaction and behavior, and innovative methods for selecting appropriate chemicals for development of novel plant-based repellent products for protection from ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - N Kirk Hillier
- Biology Department, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, Canada
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22
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Eliash N, Thangarajan S, Goldenberg I, Sela N, Kupervaser M, Barlev J, Altman Y, Knyazer A, Kamer Y, Zaidman I, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Varroa chemosensory proteins: some are conserved across Arthropoda but others are arachnid specific. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 28:321-341. [PMID: 30444567 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The tight synchronization between the life cycle of the obligatory parasitic mite Varroa destructor (Varroa) and its host, the honeybee, is mediated by honeybee chemical stimuli. These stimuli are mainly perceived by a pit organ located on the distal part of the mite's foreleg. In the present study, we searched for Varroa chemosensory molecular components by comparing transcriptomic and proteomic profiles between forelegs from different physiological stages, and rear legs. In general, a comparative transcriptomic analysis showed a clear separation of the expression profiles between the rear legs and the three groups of forelegs (phoretic, reproductive and tray-collected mites). Most of the differentially expressed transcripts and proteins in the mite's foreleg were previously uncharacterized. Using a conserved domain approach, we identified 45 transcripts with known chemosensory domains belonging to seven chemosensory protein families, of which 14 were significantly upregulated in the mite's forelegs when compared to rear legs. These are soluble and membrane bound proteins, including the somewhat ignored receptors of degenerin/epithelial Na+ channels and transient receptor potentials. Phylogenetic clustering and expression profiles of the putative chemosensory proteins suggest their role in chemosensation and shed light on the evolution of these proteins in Chelicerata.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
- Institute of Agroecology and Plant Health, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - S Thangarajan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - I Goldenberg
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - N Sela
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - M Kupervaser
- The De Botton Protein Profiling institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - J Barlev
- The De Botton Protein Profiling institute of the Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Y Altman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - A Knyazer
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Y Kamer
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - I Zaidman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - A Rafaeli
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - V Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
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Xiu C, Xiao Y, Zhang S, Bao H, Liu Z, Zhang Y. Niemann-Pick proteins type C2 are identified as olfactory related genes of Pardosa pseudoannulata by transcriptome and expression profile analysis. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2019; 29:320-329. [PMID: 30669056 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In arthropods, the large majority of studies on olfaction have been mainly focused on insects, whereas little on Arachnida, even though olfaction is very important in arachnid behavior. Pardosa pseudoannulata is one of the most common wandering spiders in rice fields, as the important natural enemy against a range of pests. However, little is known about the potential chemosensory proteins involved in olfactory behavior of these spiders. Niemann-Pick proteins type C2 (NPC2) as a new class of binding and transport proteins for semiochemicals in arthropods especially ticks and mites has received more attention in recent years. In this study, six NPC2s namely PpseNPC1-6 were newly identified in the appendages of P. pseudoannulata based on transcriptome data. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that all of P. pseudoannulata NPC2s were clustered together forming one clade with high posterior probability values. In addition, the sequences shared the same subclade with the NPC2 sequences of ticks and scorpion. The motif-patterns indicated that PpseNPC2-5 had the common pattern with the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae and the ant Trachymyrmex cornetzi. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) measurements were conducted to evaluate the expression profile of these genes in various tissues of P. pseudoannulata. It was found that most NPC2s (PpseNPC2-1, PpseNPC2-2, PpseNPC2-5 and PpseNPC2-6) were highly expressed in adult pedipalps and chelicerae. Owing to the functional olfactory organs in Chelicerata of pedipalps, our results supported a putative role of NPC2s as new odorant carriers in P. pseudoannulata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunli Xiu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang 1, Nanjing 210095, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yong Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang 1, Nanjing 210095, China; State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Song Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang 1, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Haibo Bao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang 1, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zewen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests (Ministry of Education), College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Weigang 1, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
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Molecular evidence for the inhibition of cytochrome p450s and cholinesterases in ticks by the repellent DEET. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:515-522. [PMID: 30612950 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
For more than 50 years DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide) has been considered the gold standard of repellents. It is applied to the skin or clothing to deter mosquitoes and other blood-sucking invertebrate pests from approaching and/or settling, and ultimately it provides temporary protection from bites. Despite rampant global use, surprisingly little is understood about DEET's mode of action and the molecular targets of the active ingredient. Furthermore, the theories into its mechanism for repellency are largely based off fruit fly and mosquito research. Since ticks possess a unique sensory structure, the Haller's organ, the specific genes and pathways associated with DEET avoidance may differ from insects. In these studies, we collected American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) from four natural populations within Manitoba, Canada. We first carried out behavior assays, which showed DEET effectively repelled the ticks. RNA sequencing revealed that DEET caused a rapid and substantial reduction in the abundance of transcripts encoding cytochrome P450 and acetylcholinesterase genes, which gradually recovered over the 24 h time course. Finally, enzymatic kinetics provided functional support for DEET's role as an effective inhibitor of P450 s. While many facets of its mode of action remain to be worked out, our study provides valuable insights into the molecular underpinnings of DEET's repellence in ticks.
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25
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Renthal R, Lohmeyer K, Borges LMF, Pérez de León AA. Surface lipidome of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, provides leads on semiochemicals and lipid metabolism. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:138-145. [PMID: 30290999 PMCID: PMC6240376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Lipids extracted from the surface of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, were analyzed by high resolution mass spectrometry. Prior to lipid extraction, the adult ticks were either unfed or fed on cattle, and the fed ticks were in groups either containing males and females together, or containing only males or females. Cholesteryl esters were found on the surfaces of fed females, and they may provide a more complete description of the composition of the mounting sex pheromone. Dihydrocholesteryl esters were detected on the surfaces of unfed males and females, suggesting a possible role in survival during host-seeking. Dehydrodeoxyecdysone, found on fed females, could be a component of the genital sex pheromone. The most abundant polar surface lipids detected were acylglycerides. High levels of sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids on males fed separately might be derived, in part, from sperm development. A high level of a 20:4 fatty acid, presumably arachidonic acid, was found on the surface of fed females, indicating that it may be a component of the genital sex pheromone. A high level of docosenamide was found on the surface of fed females. Wax esters were found on the surfaces of fed ticks but not on unfed ticks. These esters could be involved in elasticity of the cuticle of engorged females or in wax coating of eggs. N-acylethanolamines were found on the surfaces of male and female ticks fed together, and on male ticks fed separately, but were absent or at low levels on females fed separately and on unfed ticks. This pattern suggests a possible role as a metabolic coordination primer pheromone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Renthal
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78249 USA; Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229 USA.
| | - Kim Lohmeyer
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, 78029 USA
| | - Lígia M F Borges
- Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Adalberto A Pérez de León
- USDA-ARS Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, 78029 USA
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26
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Vizueta J, Rozas J, Sánchez-Gracia A. Comparative Genomics Reveals Thousands of Novel Chemosensory Genes and Massive Changes in Chemoreceptor Repertories across Chelicerates. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1221-1236. [PMID: 29788250 PMCID: PMC5952958 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoreception is a widespread biological function that is essential for the survival, reproduction, and social communication of animals. Though the molecular mechanisms underlying chemoreception are relatively well known in insects, they are poorly studied in the other major arthropod lineages. Current availability of a number of chelicerate genomes constitutes a great opportunity to better characterize gene families involved in this important function in a lineage that emerged and colonized land independently of insects. At the same time, that offers new opportunities and challenges for the study of this interesting animal branch in many translational research areas. Here, we have performed a comprehensive comparative genomics study that explicitly considers the high fragmentation of available draft genomes and that for the first time included complete genome data that cover most of the chelicerate diversity. Our exhaustive searches exposed thousands of previously uncharacterized chemosensory sequences, most of them encoding members of the gustatory and ionotropic receptor families. The phylogenetic and gene turnover analyses of these sequences indicated that the whole-genome duplication events proposed for this subphylum would not explain the differences in the number of chemoreceptors observed across species. A constant and prolonged gene birth and death process, altered by episodic bursts of gene duplication yielding lineage-specific expansions, has contributed significantly to the extant chemosensory diversity in this group of animals. This study also provides valuable insights into the origin and functional diversification of other relevant chemosensory gene families different from receptors, such as odorant-binding proteins and other related molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Vizueta
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Rozas
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alejandro Sánchez-Gracia
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística and Institut de Recerca de la Biodiversitat (IRBio), Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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27
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Pelosi P, Zhu J, Knoll W. Odorant-Binding Proteins as Sensing Elements for Odour Monitoring. SENSORS 2018; 18:s18103248. [PMID: 30262737 PMCID: PMC6210013 DOI: 10.3390/s18103248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Odour perception has been the object of fast growing research interest in the last three decades. Parallel to the study of the corresponding biological systems, attempts are being made to model the olfactory system with electronic devices. Such projects range from the fabrication of individual sensors, tuned to specific chemicals of interest, to the design of multipurpose smell detectors using arrays of sensors assembled in a sort of artificial nose. Recently, proteins have attracted increasing interest as sensing elements. In particular, soluble olfaction proteins, including odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) of vertebrates and insects, chemosensory proteins (CSPs) and Niemann-Pick type C2 (NPC2) proteins possess interesting characteristics for their use in sensing devices for odours. In fact, thanks to their compact structure, their soluble nature and small size, they are extremely stable to high temperature, refractory to proteolysis and resistant to organic solvents. Moreover, thanks to the availability of many structures solved both as apo-proteins and in complexes with some ligands, it is feasible to design mutants by replacing residues in the binding sites with the aim of synthesising proteins with better selectivity and improved physical properties, as demonstrated in a number of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pelosi
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenzstraße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Jiao Zhu
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenzstraße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
| | - Wolfgang Knoll
- Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Biosensor Technologies, Konrad-Lorenzstraße, 24, 3430 Tulln, Austria.
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28
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Robertson HM, Baits RL, Walden KK, Wada‐Katsumata A, Schal C. Enormous expansion of the chemosensory gene repertoire in the omnivorous German cockroach Blattella germanica. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART B, MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2018; 330:265-278. [PMID: 29566459 PMCID: PMC6175461 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The acquisition of genome sequences from a wide range of insects and other arthropods has revealed a broad positive correlation between the complexity of their chemical ecology and the size of their chemosensory gene repertoire. The German cockroach Blattella germanica is an extreme omnivore and has the largest chemosensory gene repertoire known for an arthropod, exceeding even the highly polyphagous spider mite Tetranychus urticae. While the Odorant Receptor family is not particularly large, with 123 genes potentially encoding 134 receptors (105 intact), the Gustatory Receptor family is greatly expanded to 431 genes potentially encoding 545 receptors (483 intact), the largest known for insects and second only to the spider mite. The Ionotropic Receptor family of olfactory and gustatory receptors is vastly expanded to at least 897 genes (604 intact), the largest size known in arthropods, far surpassing the 150 known from the dampwood termite Zootermopsis nevadensis. Commensurately, the Odorant Binding Protein family is expanded to the largest known for insects at 109 genes (all intact). Comparison with the far more specialized, but phylogenetically related termite, within the Dictyoptera, reveals considerable gene losses from the termite, and massive species-specific gene expansions in the cockroach. The cockroach has lost function of 11%-41% of these three chemoreceptor gene families to pseudogenization, and most of these are young events, implying rapid turnover of genes along with these major expansions, presumably in response to changes in its chemical ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh M. Robertson
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Rachel L. Baits
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Kimberly K.O. Walden
- Department of EntomologyUniversity of Illinois at Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Ayako Wada‐Katsumata
- Department of Entomology and Plant PathologyNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Coby Schal
- Department of Entomology and Plant PathologyNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
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A foreleg transcriptome for Ixodes scapularis ticks: Candidates for chemoreceptors and binding proteins that might be expressed in the sensory Haller's organ. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1317-1327. [PMID: 29886186 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the molecular basis for the olfactory capabilities of the sensory Haller's organ on the forelegs of ticks. We first expanded the known repertoire of Ionotropic Receptors (IRs), a variant lineage of the ionotropic glutamate receptors, encoded by the black-legged Ixodes scapularis genome from 15 to 125. We then undertook a transcriptome study of fore- and hind-legs of this tick in an effort to identify candidate chemoreceptors differentially expressed in forelegs as likely to be involved in Haller's organ functions. We primarily identified members of the IR family, specifically Ir25a and Ir93a, as highly and differentially expressed in forelegs. Several other IRs, as well as a few members of the gustatory receptor family, were expressed at low levels in forelegs and might contribute to the sensory function of Haller's organ. In addition, we identified eight small families of secreted proteins, with sets of conserved cysteines, which might function as binding proteins. The genes encoding these Microplusin-Like proteins and two previously described Odorant Binding Protein-Like proteins share a common exon-intron structure, suggesting that they all evolved from a common ancestor and represent an independent origin of binding proteins with potential roles comparable to the ChemoSensory Proteins and Odorant Binding Proteins of insects. We also found two Niemann-Pick Type C2 proteins with foreleg-biased expression, however we were unable to detect foreleg-biased expression of a G-Protein-Coupled pathway previously proposed to mediate olfaction in the tick Haller's organ.
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Proteomic analysis of chemosensory organs in the honey bee parasite Varroa destructor: A comprehensive examination of the potential carriers for semiochemicals. J Proteomics 2018; 181:131-141. [PMID: 29653265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We have performed a proteomic analysis on chemosensory organs of Varroa destructor, the honey bee mite, in order to identify putative soluble carriers for pheromones and other olfactory cues emitted by the host. In particular, we have analysed forelegs, mouthparts (palps, chelicera and hypostome) and the second pair of legs (as control tissue) in reproductive and phoretic stages of the Varroa life cycle. We identified 958 Varroa proteins, most of them common to the different organs and stages. Sequence analysis shows that four proteins can be assigned to the odorant-binding protein (OBP)-like class, which bear some similarity to insect OBPs, but so far have only been reported in some Chelicerata. In addition, we have detected the presence of two proteins belonging to the Niemann-Pick family, type C2 (NPC2), which have also been suggested as semiochemical carriers. Biological significance: The mite Varroa destructor is the major parasite of the honey bee and is responsible for great economical losses. The biochemical tools used by Varroa to detect semiochemicals produced by the host are still largely unknown. This work contributes to understand the molecular basis of olfaction in Varroa and, more generally, how detection of semiochemicals has evolved in terrestrial non-hexapod Arthropoda. Moreover, the identification of molecular carriers involved in olfaction can contribute to the development of control strategies for this important parasite.
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31
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Zhu J, Guo M, Ban L, Song LM, Liu Y, Pelosi P, Wang G. Niemann-Pick C2 Proteins: A New Function for an Old Family. Front Physiol 2018; 9:52. [PMID: 29472868 PMCID: PMC5810286 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Niemann-Pick proteins type C2 (NPC2) are carriers of cholesterol in vertebrates, with a single member in each species. The high sequence conservation between mammals and across vertebrates is related to their common function. In contrast, NPC2 proteins in arthropods have undergone extensive duplication and differentiation, probably under environmental pressure, and are likely to have different functions. Recent studies have suggested that in arthropods these proteins might act as carriers for semiochemicals and other hydrophobic compounds. In this study we focused on the function of a specific NPC2 gene in the moth Helicoverpa armigera (HarmNPC2-1). This protein binds several flavonoids with micromolar dissociation constants. The best ligand was gossypol, present in cotton, one of the main host plants for H. armigera. Western blot revealed the presence of HarmNPC2-1 in different parts of the body, including the antennae, proboscis, and abdomen. In the antennae, in situ hybridization experiments produced strong staining in auxiliary cells at the base of sensilla trichodea, basiconica, coeloconica, and chaetica. Immunocytochemistry confirmed the expression of the protein in sensilla chaetica. Our results support a role of semiochemical carriers for NPC2 proteins in insects and indicate such proteins as new targets for insecticide-free pest population control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengbuo Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Ban
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Mei Song
- Department of Grassland Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Paolo Pelosi
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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32
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Eliash N, Singh NK, Thangarajan S, Sela N, Leshkowitz D, Kamer Y, Zaidman I, Rafaeli A, Soroker V. Chemosensing of honeybee parasite, Varroa destructor: Transcriptomic analysis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13091. [PMID: 29026097 PMCID: PMC5638865 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemosensing is a primary sense in nature, however little is known about its mechanism in Chelicerata. As a model organism we used the mite Varroa destructor, a key parasite of honeybees. Here we describe a transcriptomic analysis of two physiological stages for the Varroa foreleg, the site of primary olfactory organ. The transcriptomic analysis revealed transcripts of chemosensory related genes belonging to several groups. These include Niemann-Pick disease protein, type C2 (NPC2), gustatory receptors (GRs), ionotropic receptors (IRs), sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) and odorant binding proteins (OBP). However, no insect odorant receptors (ORs) and odorant co-receptors (ORcos) were found. In addition, we identified a homolog of the most ancient IR co-receptor, IR25a, in Varroa as well as in other members of Acari. High expression of this transcript in the mite’s forelegs, while not detectable in the other pairs of legs, suggests a function for this IR25a-like in Varroa chemosensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurit Eliash
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel.,Institute of Agroecology and Plant Health, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nitin K Singh
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Starlin Thangarajan
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Noa Sela
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Dena Leshkowitz
- Department of Biological Services, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yosi Kamer
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ilia Zaidman
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ada Rafaeli
- Department of Food Quality and Safety, Institute of Postharvest and Food Sciences, Agricultural Research Organization, Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Victoria Soroker
- Institute of Plant Protection, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Rishon LeZion, Israel.
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Tick Haller's Organ, a New Paradigm for Arthropod Olfaction: How Ticks Differ from Insects. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18071563. [PMID: 28718821 PMCID: PMC5536051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18071563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are the vector of many human and animal diseases; and host detection is critical to this process. Ticks have a unique sensory structure located exclusively on the 1st pairs of legs; the fore-tarsal Haller’s organ, not found in any other animals, presumed to function like the insect antennae in chemosensation but morphologically very different. The mechanism of tick chemoreception is unknown. Utilizing next-generation sequencing and comparative transcriptomics between the 1st and 4th legs (the latter without the Haller’s organ), we characterized 1st leg specific and putative Haller’s organ specific transcripts from adult American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis. The analysis suggested that the Haller’s organ is involved in olfaction, not gustation. No known odorant binding proteins like those found in insects, chemosensory lipocalins or typical insect olfactory mechanisms were identified; with the transcriptomic data only supporting a possible olfactory G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signal cascade unique to the Haller’s organ. Each component of the olfactory GPCR signal cascade was identified and characterized. The expression of GPCR, Gαo and β-arrestin transcripts identified exclusively in the 1st leg transcriptome, and putatively Haller’s organ specific, were examined in unfed and blood-fed adult female and male D. variabilis. Blood feeding to repletion in adult females down-regulated the expression of all three chemosensory transcripts in females but not in males; consistent with differences in post-feeding tick behavior between sexes and an expected reduced chemosensory function in females as they leave the host. Data are presented for the first time of the potential hormonal regulation of tick chemosensation; behavioral assays confirmed the role of the Haller’s organ in N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) repellency but showed no role for the Haller’s organ in host attachment. Further research is needed to understand the potential role of the GPCR cascade in olfaction.
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Song LM, Jiang X, Wang XM, Li JD, Zhu F, Tu XB, Zhang ZH, Ban LP. Male tarsi specific odorant-binding proteins in the diving beetle Cybister japonicus sharp. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31848. [PMID: 27545810 PMCID: PMC4992826 DOI: 10.1038/srep31848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) play critical roles in chemical communication of insects, as they recognize and transport environmental chemical signals to receptors. The diving beetle Cybister japonicus Sharp shows a remarkable sexual dimorphism. The foreleg tarsi of males are equipped with large suction cups, believed to help holding the female during underwater courtship and mating. Here, we identified two OBPs highly and specifically expressed in male tarsi, suggesting important functions of these structures in chemical communication. The first protein, CjapOBP1, exhibits the 6 conserved cysteines motif of classic OBPs, while the second, CjapOBP2, contains only four cysteines and can be assigned to the sub-class of C-minus OBPs. Both proteins were expressed in a bacterial system and the purified recombinant proteins were used to for antibodies preparation. Western Blot analysis showed that CjapOBP1 is predominantly expressed in male tarsi and could be also detected in antennae and palpi of both sexes, while CjapOBP2, besides male tarsi, is also present in testis. Ligand-binding experiments showed a good binding affinity between CjapOBP1, CjapOBP2 and citral and coniferyl aldehyde, respectively. These results support a possible function of these two OBPs in the male foreleg tarsi of diving beetles in chemical communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Mei Song
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xiang Jiang
- HuangPu Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau, Guangdong, 510730, China
| | - Xue-Min Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 10 0193, China
| | - Jin-Dong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- Department of Entomology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Xiong-Bing Tu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ze-Hua Zhang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Li-Ping Ban
- College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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