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Qi J, Dai G, Xing H, Fu Z, Ke S, Shi L. Reeler Domain-Containing Proteins Involved in the Antibacterial Immunity of Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Mar Drugs 2025; 23:215. [PMID: 40422805 DOI: 10.3390/md23050215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2025] [Revised: 05/07/2025] [Accepted: 05/12/2025] [Indexed: 05/28/2025] Open
Abstract
Like other invertebrates, Litopenaeus vannamei lacks adaptive immunity and relies mainly on innate immunity for defense against foreign pathogens. In this study, three distinct Reeler domain-containing molecules were discovered in L. vannamei, designated as LvReeler1, LvReeler2, and LvReeler3. Analysis of tissue-specific expression patterns indicated that LvReeler1 showed predominant expression in the stomach, whereas LvReeler2 and LvReeler3 demonstrated peak transcriptional activity within gill tissues. The expression of these molecules was induced by Vibrio parahaemolyticus. In vivo interference with LvReelers expressions via dsRNA significantly increased the mortality rate of L. vannamei, while also leading to a marked increase in the bacterial load of V. parahaemolyticus in the gills. Additionally, recombinant proteins of LvReeler1 (rLvReeler1), LvReeler2 (rLvReeler2), and LvReeler3 (rLvReeler3) were successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that rLvReelers inhibited the growth of V. parahaemolyticus, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Vibrio harveyi, with rLvReeler3 exhibiting the strongest inhibitory activity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations revealed that rLvReeler3 caused bacterial aggregates to disintegrate after binding to V. parahaemolyticus and V. alginolyticus. In conclusion, LvReelers play an active role in the antimicrobial immune response of L. vannamei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Qi
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Guoqing Dai
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Huiling Xing
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Zhibin Fu
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Sheng Ke
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Lili Shi
- College of Fisheries, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen 518114, China
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Kodama Y, Ozoe A, Hashimoto M, Ishikawa T, Takahashi Y, Kitamoto S. Identification of mosquito olfactory receptors capable of detecting nitro compounds. INSECT SCIENCE 2025. [PMID: 40197710 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.70041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2025] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 04/10/2025]
Abstract
Insects possess an advanced olfactory system capable of detecting a wide range of odors through seven-transmembrane olfactory receptors (ORs). These ORs form heteromeric complexes with olfactory receptor co-receptor, Orco, and upon binding to specific ligands, they trigger the intracellular influx of ions such as sodium and calcium. Identifying ORs that respond to chemical molecules released from explosives holds significant importance for the development of biosensors for security and humanitarian purposes. In this study, screening of 196 mosquito ORs in HEK293FT cells for intracellular calcium flux on nitro compound administrations identified ORs as sensors for 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 2-nitroaniline, 2,3-dinitrotoluene, 2,6-dinitrotoluene, and 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene. The different odor response profiles exhibited by naturally occurring polymorphisms or indels in the single OR gene that we had cloned were also explored. Sequence comparisons on these natural genetic variations and heterologous expression of each variant resulted in the identification of the amino acid positions involved critically in the gain and loss of odor sensitivity. Furthermore, we found that various combinations of the identified positions and different amino acid residues artificially evolve the OR with a higher sensitivity to nitro compounds. Our findings pave the way for the development of high-performance explosive detection biosensors, significantly contributing to technological advancements in landmine clearance and other areas. Additionally, our established screening system suggests the potential for identifying insect ORs that could serve as elements for various biosensors beyond explosive detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Kodama
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Konohana-Ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsufumi Ozoe
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Konohana-Ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michiru Hashimoto
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Konohana-Ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tokiro Ishikawa
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Konohana-Ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Takahashi
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Konohana-Ku, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sachiko Kitamoto
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Konohana-Ku, Osaka, Japan
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Usmani S, Gebhardt ME, Simubali L, Saili K, Hamwata W, Chilusu H, Muleba M, McMeniman CJ, Martin AC, Moss WJ, Norris DE, Ali RLMN. Phylogenetic taxonomy of the Zambian Anopheles coustani group using a mitogenomics approach. RESEARCH SQUARE 2025:rs.3.rs-5976492. [PMID: 40297676 PMCID: PMC12036473 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5976492/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2025]
Abstract
Background Mosquito species belonging to the Anopheles coustani group have been implicated in driving residual malaria transmission in sub-Saharan Africa and are regarded as an established primary vector in Madagascar. The morphological identification of mosquitoes in this group is challenging due to cryptic features and their molecular confirmation is difficult due to a paucity of reference sequence data representing all members of the group. Conventional molecular barcoding with the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region targets is limited in their discrimination and conclusive identification of members of species complexes. In contrast, complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have demonstrated much improved power over barcodes to be useful in rectifying taxonomic discrepancies in Culicidae. Methods We utilized a genome skimming approach via shallow shotgun sequencing on individual mosquito specimens to generate sequence reads for mitogenome assembly. Bayesian inferred phylogenies and molecular dating estimations were perfomed on the concatenated protein coding genes using the Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis by Sampling Trees 2 (BEAST 2) platform. Divergence estimates were calibrated on published calucations for Anopheles-Aedes. Results This study generated 17 new complete mitogenomes which were comprable to reference An. coustani mitogenomes in the GenBank repository by having 13 protein coding, 22 transfer RNA and 2 ribosomal RNA genes, with an average length of 15,400 bp and AT content of 78.3%. Bayesian inference using the concatenated protein coding genes from the generated and publicly available mitogenomes yielded six clades: one for each of the four taxa targeted in this study, the GenBank references, and a currently unknown species. Divergence times estimated that the An. coustani group separated from the An. gambiae complex approximately 110 million years ago (MYA), and members within the complex diverged at times points ranging from~34 MYA to as recent as ~7 MYA. Conclusions These findings demonstrate the value of mitochondrial genomes in differentiating cryptic taxa and help to confirm morphological identities of An. coustani s.s., An. paludis, An. zeimanni and An. tenebrosus. Divergence estimates with the An. coustani group are similar to those for well-studied anopheline vector groups. These analyses also highlight the likely prescence of other cryptic An. coustani group members circulating in Zambia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha Usmani
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Mary E Gebhardt
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Conor J McMeniman
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Anne C Martin
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - William J Moss
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Douglas E Norris
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Reneé L M N Ali
- The W. Harry Feinstone Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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Pita S, Rico-Porras JM, Lorite P, Mora P. Genome assemblies and other genomic tools for understanding insect adaptation. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2025; 68:101334. [PMID: 39842546 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2025.101334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2024] [Revised: 11/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2025] [Indexed: 01/24/2025]
Abstract
Insects, the most diverse group of animals, exhibit remarkable adaptability, playing both crucial and problematic roles in ecosystems. Recent advancements in genomic technologies, such as high-throughput sequencing, have provided unprecedented insights into the genetic foundations of insect adaptation. This review explores key methodologies, including de novo and reference-guided genome assemblies, and highlights cutting-edge technologies like second- and third-generation sequencing and hybrid techniques. The article delves into the genetic mechanisms underlying insect adaptations, focusing on structural variants. Case studies, such as the Anopheles gambiae genome assembly and the genomic research on Drosophila melanogaster, demonstrate the practical applications of these technologies in understanding pesticide resistance, climate adaptation, and other evolutionary traits. This review underscores the transformative role of genomic tools in insect research, with significant implications for pest management, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Pita
- Evolutionary Genetic Section, Faculty of Science, University of the Republic, Iguá 4225, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - José M Rico-Porras
- Department of Experimental Biology, Genetics Area, University of Jaén, Paraje las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Pedro Lorite
- Department of Experimental Biology, Genetics Area, University of Jaén, Paraje las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Pablo Mora
- Department of Experimental Biology, Genetics Area, University of Jaén, Paraje las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain; Department of General and Applied Biology, Institute of Biosciences/IB, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Rio Claro, São Paulo 13506-900, Brazil.
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Ma Y, Qin LY, Ding X, Wu AP. Diversity, Complexity, and Challenges of Viral Infectious Disease Data in the Big Data Era: A Comprehensive Review. CHINESE MEDICAL SCIENCES JOURNAL = CHUNG-KUO I HSUEH K'O HSUEH TSA CHIH 2025; 40:29-44. [PMID: 40165755 DOI: 10.24920/004461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2025]
Abstract
Viral infectious diseases, characterized by their intricate nature and wide-ranging diversity, pose substantial challenges in the domain of data management. The vast volume of data generated by these diseases, spanning from the molecular mechanisms within cells to large-scale epidemiological patterns, has surpassed the capabilities of traditional analytical methods. In the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, there is an urgent necessity for the optimization of these analytical methods to more effectively handle and utilize the information. Despite the rapid accumulation of data associated with viral infections, the lack of a comprehensive framework for integrating, selecting, and analyzing these datasets has left numerous researchers uncertain about which data to select, how to access it, and how to utilize it most effectively in their research.This review endeavors to fill these gaps by exploring the multifaceted nature of viral infectious diseases and summarizing relevant data across multiple levels, from the molecular details of pathogens to broad epidemiological trends. The scope extends from the micro-scale to the macro-scale, encompassing pathogens, hosts, and vectors. In addition to data summarization, this review thoroughly investigates various dataset sources. It also traces the historical evolution of data collection in the field of viral infectious diseases, highlighting the progress achieved over time. Simultaneously, it evaluates the current limitations that impede data utilization.Furthermore, we propose strategies to surmount these challenges, focusing on the development and application of advanced computational techniques, AI-driven models, and enhanced data integration practices. By providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing knowledge, this review is designed to guide future research and contribute to more informed approaches in the surveillance, prevention, and control of viral infectious diseases, particularly within the context of the expanding big-data landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 107302, China
| | - Lu-Yao Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 107302, China
| | - Xiao Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 107302, China.
| | - Ai-Ping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Peking Union Medical College), Ministry of Education, Beijing 107302, China.
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Dennis TP, Sulieman JE, Abdin M, Ashine T, Asmamaw Y, Eyasu A, Simma EA, Zemene E, Negash N, Kochora A, Assefa M, Elzack HS, Dagne A, Lukas B, Bulto MG, Enayati A, Nikpoor F, Al-Nazawi AM, Al-Zahrani MH, Khaireh BA, Kayed S, Abdi AIA, Allan R, Ashraf F, Pignatelli P, Morris M, Nagi SC, Lucas ER, Hernandez-Koutoucheva A, Doumbe-Belisse P, Epstein A, Brown R, Wilson AL, Reynolds AM, Sherrard-Smith E, Yewhalaw D, Gadisa E, Malik E, Kafy HT, Donnelly MJ, Weetman D. The origin, invasion history and resistance architecture of Anopheles stephensi in Africa. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.03.24.644828. [PMID: 40196515 PMCID: PMC11974716 DOI: 10.1101/2025.03.24.644828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2025]
Abstract
The invasion of Africa by the Asian urban malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, endangers 126 million people across a rapidly urbanising continent where malaria is primarily a rural disease. Control of An. stephensi requires greater understanding of its origin, invasion dynamics, and mechanisms of widespread resistance to vector control insecticides. We present a genomic surveillance study of 551 An. stephensi sampled across the invasive and native ranges in Africa and Asia. Our findings support a hypothesis that an initial invasion from Asia to Djibouti seeded separate incursions to Sudan, Ethiopia, and Yemen before spreading inland, aided by favourable temperature, vegetation cover, and human transit conditions. Insecticide resistance in invasive An. stephensi is conferred by detoxification genes introduced from Asia. These findings, and a companion genomic data catalogue, will form the foundation of an evidence base for surveillance and management strategies for An. stephensi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan P.W. Dennis
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Jihad Eltaher Sulieman
- National Malaria Research & Training Centre; Sennar, Sudan
- Preventive Reference Laboratory, Health Protection and Communicable Diseases Control Dept., Ministry of Public Health;Doha, Qatar
| | - Mujahid Abdin
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Khartoum; Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Temesgen Ashine
- Department of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Arba Minch University; Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Malaria and NTD Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yehenew Asmamaw
- Malaria and NTD Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Eyasu
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University; Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Eba A. Simma
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Jimma University; Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Endalew Zemene
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University; Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Nigatu Negash
- Malaria and NTD Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Abena Kochora
- Malaria and NTD Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Muluken Assefa
- Malaria and NTD Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Hamza Sami Elzack
- Integrated Vector Management Department, Federal Ministry of Health; Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Alemayehu Dagne
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University; Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Biniam Lukas
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University; Jimma, Ethiopia
| | | | - Ahmadali Enayati
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences; Sari, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Nikpoor
- Malaria Control Department, Ministry of Health; Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashwaq M. Al-Nazawi
- Department of Public Health, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Jazan University; Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Laboratory Department, Jazan University Hospital; Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H. Al-Zahrani
- General Directorate of Vector-borne & Zoonotic Diseases, Ministry of Health; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bouh Abdi Khaireh
- Association Mutualis; Djibouti City, Djibouti
- Global Fund Program Management Unit, OGPP, Ministry of Health; Djibouti, Djibouti
| | - Samatar Kayed
- National Malaria Control Program; Djibouti City, Djibouti
| | - Abdoul-Ilah Ahmed Abdi
- Health Council of the Presidency of the Republic of Djibouti; Djibouti City, Djibouti
- Armed Forces of Djibouti Health Service; Djibouti City, Djibouti
| | | | - Faisal Ashraf
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Patricia Pignatelli
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Marion Morris
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Sanjay C. Nagi
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Eric R. Lucas
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Anastasia Hernandez-Koutoucheva
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
- Genomic Surveillance Unit, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute; Hinxton, UK
| | | | - Adrienne Epstein
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Rebecca Brown
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Anne L. Wilson
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Alison M. Reynolds
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Ellie Sherrard-Smith
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Jimma University; Jimma, Ethiopia
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Health, Jimma University; Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Endalamaw Gadisa
- Malaria and NTD Research Division, Armauer Hansen Research Institute; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Elfatih Malik
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Khartoum; Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Hmooda Toto Kafy
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Khartoum; Khartoum, Sudan
- Global Fund Program Management Unit, RSSH and Malaria Grant, Federal Ministry of Health; Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Martin J. Donnelly
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
| | - David Weetman
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool, UK
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Zhou X, An Z, Lei H, Liao H, Guo X. Role of the human cytochrome b561 family in iron metabolism and tumors (Review). Oncol Lett 2025; 29:111. [PMID: 39802312 PMCID: PMC11718626 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
The human cytochrome b561 (hCytb561) family consists of electron transfer transmembrane proteins characterized by six conserved α-helical transmembrane domains and two β-type heme cofactors. These proteins contribute to the regulation of iron metabolism and numerous different physiological and pathological processes by recycling ascorbic acid and maintaining iron reductase activity. Key members of this family include cytochrome b561 (CYB561), duodenal CYB561 (Dcytb), lysosomal CYB561 (LCytb), stromal cell-derived receptor 2 (SDR2) and 101F6, which are widely expressed in human tissues and participate in the pathogenesis of several diseases and tumors. They are associated with the promotion or inhibition of tumor growth and progression in various malignancies and are potential therapeutic targets for malignant tumors. The present review summarizes the existing literature regarding the structure of the Cytb561 family, the basic functional characteristics of hCytb561 family members, and the roles of the CYB561, Dcytb, LCytb, SDR2 and 101F6 in various diseases and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Zhou
- Pathology Department, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, Qinghai 810001, P.R. China
| | - Zheng An
- Pathology Department, Qinghai Women and Children's Hospital, Xining, Qinghai 810007, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lei
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810001, P.R. China
| | - Hongyuan Liao
- Graduate School, Qinghai University, Xining, Qinghai 810001, P.R. China
| | - Xinjian Guo
- Pathology Department, Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, Qinghai 810001, P.R. China
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Onda DA, Zhu Y, Yuan X, Loh K. Central and Peripheral Roles of Salt-inducible Kinases in Metabolic Regulation. Endocrinology 2025; 166:bqaf024. [PMID: 39919030 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaf024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2025] [Revised: 01/30/2025] [Accepted: 02/04/2025] [Indexed: 02/09/2025]
Abstract
Salt-inducible kinases (SIKs), a member of the serine/threonine protein kinase family, have recently garnered considerable research interest as one of the emerging key regulators of metabolism. The 3 SIK isoforms-SIK1, SIK2, and SIK3-exhibit diverse roles both in central and peripheral physiological processes. While early studies focused on their role in inflammation, spurring the development of SIK inhibitors for chronic inflammatory diseases currently in clinical trials, emerging evidence highlights their broader functions in metabolism. In this review, we will summarize the current state of research on the central roles of SIKs in the brain, particularly in regulating energy balance and glucose homeostasis, alongside their peripheral functions in critical metabolic tissues such as the liver, adipose tissue, and pancreas. By integrating insights into their central and peripheral roles, this review underscores the importance of SIKs in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and highlights their therapeutic potential as novel targets for metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danise-Ann Onda
- Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Yifei Zhu
- Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - XiaoZhuo Yuan
- Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Kim Loh
- Diabetes and Metabolic Disease, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Francis S, Irvine W, Mackenzie-Impoinvil L, Vizcaino L, Poupardin R, Lenhart A, Paine MJI, Delgoda R. Evaluating the potential of Kalanchoe pinnata, Piper amalago amalago, and other botanicals as economical insecticidal synergists against Anopheles gambiae. Malar J 2025; 24:25. [PMID: 39844288 PMCID: PMC11756067 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-025-05254-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2025] [Indexed: 01/24/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synergists reduce insecticide metabolism in mosquitoes by competing with insecticides for the active sites of metabolic enzymes, such as cytochrome P450s (CYPs). This increases the availability of the insecticide at its specific target site. The combination of both insecticides and synergists increases the toxicity of the mixture. Given the demonstrated resistance to the classical insecticides in numerous Anopheles spp., the use of synergists is becoming increasingly pertinent. Tropical plants synthesize diverse phytochemicals, presenting a repository of potential synergists. METHODS Extracts prepared from medicinal plants found in Jamaica were screened against recombinant Anopheles gambiae CYP6M2 and CYP6P3, and Anopheles funestus CYP6P9a, CYPs associated with anopheline resistance to pyrethroids and several other insecticide classes. The toxicity of these extracts alone or as synergists, was evaluated using bottle bioassays with the insecticide permethrin. RNA sequencing and in silico modelling were used to determine the mode of action of the extracts. RESULTS Aqueous extracts of Piper amalago var. amalago inhibited CYP6P9a, CYP6M2, and CYP6P3 with IC50s of 2.61 ± 0.17, 4.3 ± 0.42, and 5.84 ± 0.42 μg/ml, respectively, while extracts of Kalanchoe pinnata, inhibited CYP6M2 with an IC50 of 3.52 ± 0.68 μg/ml. Ethanol extracts of P. amalago var. amalago and K. pinnata displayed dose-dependent insecticidal activity against An. gambiae, with LD50s of 368.42 and 282.37 ng/mosquito, respectively. Additionally, An. gambiae pretreated with K. pinnata (dose: 1.43 μg/mosquito) demonstrated increased susceptibility (83.19 ± 6.14%) to permethrin in a bottle bioassay at 30 min compared to the permethrin only treatment (0% mortality). RNA sequencing demonstrated gene modulation for CYP genes in anopheline mosquitoes exposed to 715 ng of ethanolic plant extract at 24 h. In silico modelling showed good binding affinity between CYPs and the plants' secondary metabolites. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that extracts from P. amalago var. amalago and K. pinnata, with inhibitory properties, IC50 < 6.95 μg/ml, against recombinant anopheline CYPs may be developed as natural synergists against anopheline mosquitoes. Novel synergists can help to overcome metabolic resistance to insecticides, which is increasingly reported in malaria vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Francis
- Caribbean Centre for Research in Biosciences, Natural Products Institute, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.
- The Mosquito Control Research Unit, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica.
| | - William Irvine
- Caribbean Centre for Research in Biosciences, Natural Products Institute, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
| | - Lucy Mackenzie-Impoinvil
- Entomology Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Lucrecia Vizcaino
- Entomology Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Rodolphe Poupardin
- Cell Therapy Institute, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Audrey Lenhart
- Entomology Branch, Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Mark J I Paine
- Vector Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rupika Delgoda
- Caribbean Centre for Research in Biosciences, Natural Products Institute, University of the West Indies, Kingston, Jamaica
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10
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Zhu X, Zhang L, Jiang L, Chen H, Tang Y, Yang X, Bao P, Liao C, Li J, Vavricka CJ, Ren D, Chen Z, Guo Y, Han Q. The Aedes aegypti mosquito evolves two types of prophenoloxidases with diversified functions. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2025; 122:e2413131122. [PMID: 39808654 PMCID: PMC11761970 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2413131122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 12/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Insect phenoloxidase, presented as an inactive precursor prophenoloxidase (PPO) in hemolymph, catalyzes melanin formation, which is involved in wound healing, pathogen killing, reversible oxygen collection during insect respiration, and cuticle and eggshell formation. Mosquitoes possess 9 to 16 PPO members across different genera, a number that is more than that found in other dipteran insects. However, the reasons for the redundancy of these PPOs and whether they have distinct biochemical properties and physiological functions remain unclear. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that Aedes aegypti PPO6 (Aea-PPO6) is an ortholog to PPOs in other insect species, classified as the classical insect type, while other Aea-PPOs are unique to Diptera, herein referred to as the dipteran type here. We characterized two Aea-PPO members, Aea-PPO6, the classical insect type, and Aea-PPO10, a dipteran type, which exhibit distinct substrate specificities. By resolving Aea-PPO6's crystal structure and creating a chimera protein (Aea-PPO6-cm) with Motif 1 (217GDGPDSVVR225) from Aea-PPO10, we identified the motif that determines PPO substrate specificity. In vivo, loss of Aea-PPO6 led to larval lethality, while Aea-PPO10 was involved in development, pigmentation, and immunity. Our results enhance the understanding of the functional diversification of mosquito PPOs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Zhu
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
- Hainan International One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
- Hainan International One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
| | - Linlong Jiang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
- Hainan International One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
| | - Huaqing Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
- Hainan Vocational University of Science and Technology, Haikou, Hainan571126, China
| | - Yu Tang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
| | | | | | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
- Hainan International One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
| | - Jianyong Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA24061
| | - Christopher J. Vavricka
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo184-8588, Japan
| | | | - Zhaohui Chen
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
- Hainan International One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
| | - Yingying Guo
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
- Hainan International One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life and Health Sciences, Hainan Province Key Laboratory of One Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of One Health, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
- Hainan International One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan570228, China
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11
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Tolosana I, Willis K, Gribble M, Phillimore L, Burt A, Nolan T, Crisanti A, Bernardini F. A Y chromosome-linked genome editor for efficient population suppression in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. Nat Commun 2025; 16:206. [PMID: 39747012 PMCID: PMC11696527 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-55391-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 12/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/04/2025] Open
Abstract
Genetic control - the deliberate introduction of genetic traits to control a pest or vector population - offers a powerful tool to augment conventional mosquito control tools that have been successful in reducing malaria burden but that are compromised by a range of operational challenges. Self-sustaining genetic control strategies have shown great potential in laboratory settings, but hesitancy due to their invasive and persistent nature may delay their implementation. Here, instead, we describe a self-limiting strategy, designed to have geographically and temporally restricted effect, based on a Y chromosome-linked genome editor (YLE). The YLE comprises a CRISPR-Cas9 construct that is always inherited by males yet generates an autosomal dominant mutation that is transmitted to over 90% of the offspring and results in female-specific sterility. To our knowledge, our system represents a pioneering approach in the engineering of the Y chromosome to generate a genetic control strain for mosquitoes. Mathematical modelling shows that this YLE technology is up to seven times more efficient for population suppression than optimal versions of other self-limiting strategies, such as the widely used Sterile Insect Technique or the Release of Insects carrying a Dominant Lethal gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Tolosana
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Katie Willis
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Gribble
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lee Phillimore
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Austin Burt
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tony Nolan
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Andrea Crisanti
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
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12
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Naidoo K, Oliver SV. Gene drives: an alternative approach to malaria control? Gene Ther 2025; 32:25-37. [PMID: 39039203 PMCID: PMC11785527 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-024-00468-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Genetic modification for the control of mosquitoes is frequently touted as a solution for a variety of vector-borne diseases. There has been some success using non-insecticidal methods like sterile or incompatible insect techniques to control arbovirus diseases. However, control by genetic modifications to reduce mosquito populations or create mosquitoes that are refractory to infection with pathogens are less developed. The advent of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene drives may advance this mechanism of control. In this review, use and progress of gene drives for vector control, particularly for malaria, is discussed. A brief history of population suppression and replacement gene drives in mosquitoes, rapid advancement of the field over the last decade and how genetic modification fits into the current scope of vector control are described. Mechanisms of alternative vector control by genetic modification to modulate mosquitoes' immune responses and anti-parasite effector molecules as part of a combinational strategy to combat malaria are considered. Finally, the limitations and ethics of using gene drives for mosquito control are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kubendran Naidoo
- SAMRC/Wits Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute (IDORI), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Shüné V Oliver
- Wits Research Institute for Malaria, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Health Laboratory Service, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Centre for Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
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13
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Rhodes VL, Waterhouse RM, Michel K. The molecular toll pathway repertoire in anopheline mosquitoes. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2025; 162:105287. [PMID: 39522894 PMCID: PMC11717629 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2024] [Revised: 11/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Innate immunity in mosquitoes has received much attention due to its potential impact on vector competence for vector-borne disease pathogens, including malaria parasites. The nuclear factor (NF)-κB-dependent Toll pathway is a major regulator of innate immunity in insects. In mosquitoes, this pathway controls transcription of the majority of the known canonical humoral immune effectors, mediates anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral immune responses, and contributes to malaria parasite killing. However, besides initial gene annotation of putative Toll pathway members and genetic analysis of the contribution of few key components to immunity, the molecular make-up and function of the Toll pathway in mosquitoes is largely unexplored. To facilitate functional analyses of the Toll pathway in mosquitoes, we report here manually annotated and refined gene models of Toll-like receptors and all putative components of the intracellular signal transduction cascade across 19 anopheline genomes, and in two culicine genomes. In addition, based on phylogenetic analyses, we identified differing levels of evolutionary constraint across the intracellular Toll pathway members, and identified a recent radiation of TOLL1/5 within the Anopheles gambiae complex. Together, this study provides insight into the evolution of TLRs and the putative members of the intracellular signal transduction cascade within the genus Anopheles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L Rhodes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA; Biology Department, Missouri Southern University, Joplin, MO 64801, USA
| | | | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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14
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Sharakhov IV, Sharakhova MV. Chromosomal inversions and their impact on insect evolution. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 66:101280. [PMID: 39374869 PMCID: PMC11611660 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
Insects can adapt quickly and effectively to rapid environmental change and maintain long-term adaptations, but the genetic mechanisms underlying this response are not fully understood. In this review, we summarize studies on the potential impact of chromosomal inversion polymorphisms on insect evolution at different spatial and temporal scales, ranging from long-term evolutionary stability to rapid emergence in response to emerging biotic and abiotic factors. The study of inversions has recently been advanced by comparative, population, and 3D genomics methods. The impact of inversions on insect genome evolution can be profound, including increased gene order rearrangements on sex chromosomes, accumulation of transposable elements, and facilitation of genome divergence. Understanding these processes provides critical insights into the evolutionary mechanisms shaping insect diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor V Sharakhov
- Department of Entomology and Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; The Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; The Center for Mathematics of Biosystems, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia.
| | - Maria V Sharakhova
- Department of Entomology and Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; The Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; Laboratory of Cell Differentiation Mechanisms, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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15
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Kirangwa J, Laetsch DR, King E, Stevens L, Blaxter M, Holovachov O, Schiffer P. Evolutionary plasticity in nematode Hox gene complements and genomic loci arrangement. Sci Rep 2024; 14:29513. [PMID: 39604390 PMCID: PMC11603191 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-79962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hox genes are central to metazoan body plan formation, patterning and evolution, playing a critical role in cell fate decisions early in embryonic development in invertebrates and vertebrates. While the archetypical Hox gene cluster consists of members of nine ortholog groups (HOX1-HOX9), arrayed in close linkage in the order in which they have their anterior-posterior patterning effects, nematode Hox gene sets do not fit this model. The Caenorhabditis elegans Hox gene set is not clustered and contains only six Hox genes from four of the ancestral groups. The pattern observed in C. elegans is not typical of the phylum, and variation in orthologue set presence and absence and in genomic organisation has been reported. Recent advances in genome sequencing have resulted in the availability of many novel genome assemblies in Nematoda, especially from taxonomic groups that had not been analysed previously. Here, we explored Hox gene complements in high-quality genomes of 80 species from all major clades of Nematoda to understand the evolution of this key set of body pattern genes and especially to probe the origins of the "dispersed" cluster observed in C. elegans. We also included the recently available high-quality genomes of some Nematomorpha as an outgroup. We find that nematodes can have Hox genes from up to six orthology groups. While nematode Hox "clusters" are often interrupted by unrelated genes we identify species in which the cluster is intact and not dispersed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kirangwa
- Institut für Zoologie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher str. 47b, 50674, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Dominik R Laetsch
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Erna King
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Tree of Life, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Lewis Stevens
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Tree of Life, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Mark Blaxter
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Tree of Life, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Oleksandr Holovachov
- Department of Zoology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, 104 05, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Philipp Schiffer
- Institut für Zoologie, Universität zu Köln, Zülpicher str. 47b, 50674, Cologne, Germany.
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16
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Campos M, Rašić G, Viegas J, Cornel AJ, Pinto J, Lanzaro GC. Patterns of Gene Flow in Anopheles coluzzii Populations From Two African Oceanic Islands. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e70044. [PMID: 39600347 PMCID: PMC11589655 DOI: 10.1111/eva.70044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The malaria vector Anopheles coluzzii is widespread across West Africa and is the sole vector species on the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe. Our interest in the population genetics of this species on these islands is part of an assessment of their suitability for a field trial involving the release of genetically engineered A. coluzzii. The engineered construct includes two genes that encode anti-Plasmodium peptides, along with a Cas9-based gene drive. We investigated gene flow among A. coluzzii subpopulations on each island to estimate dispersal rates between sites. Sampling covered the known range of A. coluzzii on both islands. Spatial autocorrelation suggests 7 km to be the likely extent of dispersal of this species, whereas estimates based on a convolutional neural network were roughly 3 km. This difference highlights the complexity of dispersal dynamics and the value of using multiple approaches. Our analysis also revealed weak heterogeneity among populations within each island but did identify areas weakly resistant or permissive of gene flow. Overall, A. coluzzii on each of the two islands exist as single Mendelian populations. We expect that a gene construct that includes a low-threshold gene drive and has minimal fitness impact should, once introduced, spread relatively unimpeded across each island.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Campos
- Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and ImmunologyUniversity of California—DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gordana Rašić
- Mosquito Genomics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteHerstonQueenslandAustralia
| | - João Viegas
- Centro Nacional de Endemias, Ministério da Saúde, Trabalho e Assuntos SociaisSão ToméSao Tome and Principe
| | - Anthony J. Cornel
- Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and ImmunologyUniversity of California—DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Mosquito Control Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology and NematologyUniversity of CaliforniaParlierCaliforniaUSA
| | - João Pinto
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina TropicalUniversidade Nova de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Gregory C. Lanzaro
- Vector Genetics Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and ImmunologyUniversity of California—DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
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17
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Congrains C, Sim SB, Paulo DF, Corpuz RL, Kauwe AN, Simmonds TJ, Simpson SA, Scheffler BE, Geib SM. Chromosome-scale genome of the polyphagous pest Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) provides insights on sex chromosome evolution in Anastrepha. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2024; 14:jkae239. [PMID: 39365162 PMCID: PMC11631503 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkae239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/02/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
The Mexican fruit fly, Anastrepha ludens, is a polyphagous true fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) considered one of the most serious insect pests in Central and North America to various economically relevant fruits. Despite its agricultural relevance, a high-quality genome assembly has not been reported. Here, we described the generation of a chromosome-level genome for the A. ludens using a combination of PacBio high fidelity long-reads and chromatin conformation capture sequencing data. The final assembly consisted of 140 scaffolds (821 Mb, N50 = 131 Mb), containing 99.27% complete conserved orthologs (BUSCO) for Diptera. We identified the sex chromosomes using three strategies: 1) visual inspection of Hi-C contact map and coverage analysis using the HiFi reads, 2) synteny with Drosophila melanogaster, and 3) the difference in the average read depth of autosomal versus sex chromosomal scaffolds. The X chromosome was found in one major scaffold (100 Mb) and eight smaller contigs (1.8 Mb), and the Y chromosome was recovered in one large scaffold (6.1 Mb) and 35 smaller contigs (4.3 Mb). Sex chromosomes and autosomes showed considerable differences of transposable elements and gene content. Moreover, evolutionary rates of orthologs of A. ludens and Anastrepha obliqua revealed a faster evolution of X-linked, compared to autosome-linked, genes, consistent with the faster-X effect, leading us to new insights on the evolution of sex chromosomes in this diverse group of flies. This genome assembly provides a valuable resource for future evolutionary, genetic, and genomic translational research supporting the management of this important agricultural pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Congrains
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
- Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Services, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Sheina B Sim
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Daniel F Paulo
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
- Department of Plant and Environmental Protection Services, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
| | - Renee L Corpuz
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Angela N Kauwe
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Tyler J Simmonds
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Sheron A Simpson
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Genomics and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA
| | - Brian E Scheffler
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Genomics and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA
| | - Scott M Geib
- U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center, Tropical Pest Genetics and Molecular Biology Research Unit, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
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18
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Rhodes VL, Waterhouse RM, Michel K. The Molecular Toll Pathway Repertoire in Anopheline Mosquitoes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.12.612760. [PMID: 39345384 PMCID: PMC11429875 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.12.612760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Innate immunity in mosquitoes has received much attention due to its potential impact on vector competence for vector-borne disease pathogens, including malaria parasites. The nuclear factor (NF)-κB-dependent Toll pathway is a major regulator of innate immunity in insects. In mosquitoes, this pathway controls transcription of the majority of the known canonical humoral immune effectors, mediates anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral immune responses, and contributes to malaria parasite killing. However, besides initial gene annotation of putative Toll pathway members and genetic analysis of the contribution of few key components to immunity, the molecular make-up and function of the Toll pathway in mosquitoes is largely unexplored. To facilitate functional analyses of the Toll pathway in mosquitoes, we report here manually annotated and refined gene models of Toll-like receptors and all putative components of the intracellular signal transduction cascade across 19 anopheline genomes, and in two culicine genomes. In addition, based on phylogenetic analyses, we identified differing levels of evolutionary constraint across the intracellular Toll pathway members, and identified a recent radiation of TOLL1/5 within the An. gambiae complex. Together, this study provides insight into the evolution of TLRs and the putative members of the intracellular signal transduction cascade within the genus Anopheles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L. Rhodes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
- Biology Department, Missouri Southern University, Joplin, MO 64801, USA
| | | | - Kristin Michel
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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19
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Dyer NA, Lucas ER, Nagi SC, McDermott DP, Brenas JH, Miles A, Clarkson CS, Mawejje HD, Wilding CS, Halfon MS, Asma H, Heinz E, Donnelly MJ. Mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in Anopheles gambiae revealed by allele-specific expression. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20241142. [PMID: 39288798 PMCID: PMC11407855 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2024.1142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Malaria control relies on insecticides targeting the mosquito vector, but this is increasingly compromised by insecticide resistance, which can be achieved by elevated expression of detoxifying enzymes that metabolize the insecticide. In diploid organisms, gene expression is regulated both in cis, by regulatory sequences on the same chromosome, and by trans acting factors, affecting both alleles equally. Differing levels of transcription can be caused by mutations in cis-regulatory modules (CRM), but few of these have been identified in mosquitoes. We crossed bendiocarb-resistant and susceptible Anopheles gambiae strains to identify cis-regulated genes that might be responsible for the resistant phenotype using RNAseq, and CRM sequences controlling gene expression in insecticide resistance relevant tissues were predicted using machine learning. We found 115 genes showing allele-specific expression (ASE) in hybrids of insecticide susceptible and resistant strains, suggesting cis-regulation is an important mechanism of gene expression regulation in A. gambiae. The genes showing ASE included a higher proportion of Anopheles-specific genes on average younger than genes with balanced allelic expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi A. Dyer
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, LiverpoolL3 5QA, UK
| | - Eric R. Lucas
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, LiverpoolL3 5QA, UK
| | - Sanjay C. Nagi
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, LiverpoolL3 5QA, UK
| | - Daniel P. McDermott
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, LiverpoolL3 5QA, UK
| | - Jon H. Brenas
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, UK
| | - Alistair Miles
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, UK
| | - Chris S. Clarkson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, CambridgeCB10 1SA, UK
| | - Henry D. Mawejje
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC), Plot 2C Nakasero Hill Road, PO Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Craig S. Wilding
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, LiverpoolL3 3AF, UK
| | - Marc S. Halfon
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo-State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY14203, USA
| | - Hasiba Asma
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo-State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY14203, USA
| | - Eva Heinz
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, LiverpoolL3 5QA, UK
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, GlasgowG4 0RE, UK
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, LiverpoolL3 5QA, UK
| | - Martin J. Donnelly
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, LiverpoolL3 5QA, UK
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20
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Rose NH, Shepard JJ, Ayala D. Establishing Colonies from Field-Collected Mosquitoes: Special Accommodations for Wild Strains. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2024; 2024:pdb.top107654. [PMID: 37208146 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A researcher may have many reasons for wanting to establish new laboratory colonies from field-collected mosquitoes. In particular, the ability to study the diversity found within and among natural populations in a controlled laboratory environment opens up a wide range of possibilities for understanding how and why burdens of vector-borne disease vary over space and time. However, field-collected mosquitoes are often more difficult to work with than established laboratory strains, and considerable logistical challenges are involved in safely transporting field-collected mosquitoes into the laboratory. Here, we provide advice for researchers working with Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae, and Culex pipiens, as well as notes on other closely related species. We provide guidance on each stage of the life cycle and highlight the life stages for which it is easiest to initiate new laboratory colonies for each species. In accompanying protocols, we provide methods detailing Ae. aegypti egg collection and hatching as well as how to transport larvae and pupae from the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah H Rose
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - John J Shepard
- Department of Entomology and Center for Vector Biology and Zoonotic Diseases, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Diego Ayala
- MIVEGEC, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier BP 64501, 34394, France
- Medical Entomology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Madagascar, Antananarivo BP1274, 101, Madagascar
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21
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Nanakorn Z, Kawai T, Tassanakajon A. Cytokine-like-Vago-mediated antiviral response in Penaeus monodon via IKK-NF-κB signaling pathway. iScience 2024; 27:110161. [PMID: 38974974 PMCID: PMC11226982 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN) system is the primary mechanism of innate antiviral defense in immune response. To date, limited studies of IFN system were conducted in crustaceans. Previous report in Penaeus monodon demonstrated the interconnection of cytokine-like molecule Vago and inhibitor of kappa B kinase-nuclear factor κB (IKK-NF-κB) cascade against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). This study further identified five different PmVago isoforms. Upon immune stimulation, PmVagos expressed against shrimp pathogens. PmVago1, PmVago4, and PmVago5 highly responded to WSSV, whereas, PmVago1 and PmVago4 RNAi exhibited a rapid mortality with elevated WSSV replication. Suppression of PmVago1 and PmVago4 negatively affected proPO system, genes in signal transduction, and AMPs. WSSV infection additionally induced PmVaog4 granule accumulation and cellular translocation to the area of cell membrane. More importantly, PmVago1 and PmVago4 promoters were stimulated by PmIKK overexpression; meanwhile, they further activated Dorsal and Relish promoter activities. These results suggested the possible roles of the cytokine-like PmVago via IKK-NF-κB cascade against WSSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zittipong Nanakorn
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Taro Kawai
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunobiology, Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan
| | - Anchalee Tassanakajon
- Center of Excellence for Molecular Biology and Genomics of Shrimp, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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22
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Foster LJ, Tsvetkov N, McAfee A. Mechanisms of Pathogen and Pesticide Resistance in Honey Bees. Physiology (Bethesda) 2024; 39:0. [PMID: 38411571 PMCID: PMC11368521 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00033.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bees are the most important insect pollinators of the crops humans grow, and Apis mellifera, the Western honey bee, is the most commonly managed species for this purpose. In addition to providing agricultural services, the complex biology of honey bees has been the subject of scientific study since the 18th century, and the intricate behaviors of honey bees and ants, fellow hymenopterans, inspired much sociobiological inquest. Unfortunately, honey bees are constantly exposed to parasites, pathogens, and xenobiotics, all of which pose threats to their health. Despite our curiosity about and dependence on honey bees, defining the molecular mechanisms underlying their interactions with biotic and abiotic stressors has been challenging. The very aspects of their physiology and behavior that make them so important to agriculture also make them challenging to study, relative to canonical model organisms. However, because we rely on A. mellifera so much for pollination, we must continue our efforts to understand what ails them. Here, we review major advancements in our knowledge of honey bee physiology, focusing on immunity and detoxification, and highlight some challenges that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J Foster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Michael Smith LaboratoriesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nadejda Tsvetkov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Michael Smith LaboratoriesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alison McAfee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Michael Smith LaboratoriesUniversity of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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23
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Xie M, Yao Y, Feng Y, Xie L, Mao C, He J, Li X, Ni Q. Chromosome-Level Genome Assembly of Apoderus dimidiatus Voss (Coleoptera: Attelabidae): Insights into Evolution and Behavior. INSECTS 2024; 15:431. [PMID: 38921146 PMCID: PMC11204265 DOI: 10.3390/insects15060431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Attelabidae insects have attracted much attention due to their unique leaf rolling behavior before oviposition. However, the lack of genomic data makes it difficult to understand the molecular mechanism behind their behavior and their evolutionary relationship with other species. To address this gap, we utilized Illumina and Nanopore sequencing platforms along with Hi-C technology to establish a highly accurate whole genome of A. dimidiatus at the chromosome level. The resulting genome size was determined to be 619.26 Mb, with a contig N50 of 50.89 Mb and GC content of 33.89%. Moreover, a total of 12,572 genes were identified, with 82.59% being functionally annotated, and 64.78% designated as repeat sequences. Our subsequent phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that Attelabidae's divergence from Curculionidae occurred approximately 161.52 million years ago. Furthermore, the genome of A. dimidiatus contained 334 expanded gene families and 1718 contracted gene families. In addition, using Phylogenetic Analysis by Maximum Likelihood (PAML), we identified 106 rapidly evolved genes exhibiting significant signals and 540 positively selected genes. Our research endeavors to serve as an invaluable genomic data resource for the study of Attelabidae, offering fresh perspectives for the exploration of its leaf rolling behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xie
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China; (M.X.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yuhao Yao
- College of Life Science, Sichuan Agricultural University, Ya’an 625014, China; (M.X.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yuling Feng
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.F.); (L.X.)
| | - Lei Xie
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.F.); (L.X.)
| | - Chuyang Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Kunming 650223, China; (C.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Jinwu He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Kunming 650223, China; (C.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Xueyan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Kunming 650223, China; (C.M.); (J.H.)
| | - Qingyong Ni
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-Omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Y.F.); (L.X.)
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24
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Daron J, Bouafou L, Tennessen JA, Rahola N, Makanga B, Akone-Ella O, Ngangue MF, Longo Pendy NM, Paupy C, Neafsey DE, Fontaine MC, Ayala D. Genomic Signatures of Microgeographic Adaptation in Anopheles coluzzii Along an Anthropogenic Gradient in Gabon. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.16.594472. [PMID: 38798379 PMCID: PMC11118577 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.16.594472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Species distributed across heterogeneous environments often evolve locally adapted populations, but understanding how these persist in the presence of homogenizing gene flow remains puzzling. In Gabon, Anopheles coluzzii, a major African malaria mosquito is found along an ecological gradient, including a sylvatic population, away of any human presence. This study identifies into the genomic signatures of local adaptation in populations from distinct environments including the urban area of Libreville, and two proximate sites 10km apart in the La Lopé National Park (LLP), a village and its sylvatic neighborhood. Whole genome re-sequencing of 96 mosquitoes unveiled ∼ 5.7millions high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms. Coalescent-based demographic analyses suggest an ∼ 8,000-year-old divergence between Libreville and La Lopé populations, followed by a secondary contact ( ∼ 4,000 ybp) resulting in asymmetric effective gene flow. The urban population displayed reduced effective size, evidence of inbreeding, and strong selection pressures for adaptation to urban settings, as suggested by the hard selective sweeps associated with genes involved in detoxification and insecticide resistance. In contrast, the two geographically proximate LLP populations showed larger effective sizes, and distinctive genomic differences in selective signals, notably soft-selective sweeps on the standing genetic variation. Although neutral loci and chromosomal inversions failed to discriminate between LLP populations, our findings support that microgeographic adaptation can swiftly emerge through selection on standing genetic variation despite high gene flow. This study contributes to the growing understanding of evolution of populations in heterogeneous environments amid ongoing gene flow and how major malaria mosquitoes adapt to human. Significance Anopheles coluzzii , a major African malaria vector, thrives from humid rainforests to dry savannahs and coastal areas. This ecological success is linked to its close association with domestic settings, with human playing significant roles in driving the recent urban evolution of this mosquito. Our research explores the assumption that these mosquitoes are strictly dependent on human habitats, by conducting whole-genome sequencing on An. coluzzii specimens from urban, rural, and sylvatic sites in Gabon. We found that urban mosquitoes show de novo genetic signatures of human-driven vector control, while rural and sylvatic mosquitoes exhibit distinctive genetic evidence of local adaptations derived from standing genetic variation. Understanding adaptation mechanisms of this mosquito is therefore crucial to predict evolution of vector control strategies.
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Dennis TPW, Essandoh J, Mable BK, Viana MS, Yawson AE, Weetman D. Signatures of adaptation at key insecticide resistance loci in Anopheles gambiae in Southern Ghana revealed by reduced-coverage WGS. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8650. [PMID: 38622230 PMCID: PMC11018624 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58906-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Resistance to insecticides and adaptation to a diverse range of environments present challenges to Anopheles gambiae s.l. mosquito control efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. Whole-genome-sequencing is often employed for identifying the genomic basis underlying adaptation in Anopheles, but remains expensive for large-scale surveys. Reduced coverage whole-genome-sequencing can identify regions of the genome involved in adaptation at a lower cost, but is currently untested in Anopheles mosquitoes. Here, we use reduced coverage WGS to investigate population genetic structure and identify signatures of local adaptation in Anopheles mosquitoes across southern Ghana. In contrast to previous analyses, we find no structuring by ecoregion, with Anopheles coluzzii and Anopheles gambiae populations largely displaying the hallmarks of large, unstructured populations. However, we find signatures of selection at insecticide resistance loci that appear ubiquitous across ecoregions in An. coluzzii, and strongest in forest ecoregions in An. gambiae. Our study highlights resistance candidate genes in this region, and validates reduced coverage WGS, potentially to very low coverage levels, for population genomics and exploratory surveys for adaptation in Anopheles taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan P W Dennis
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - John Essandoh
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Conservation Biology and Entomology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Barbara K Mable
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mafalda S Viana
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alexander E Yawson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - David Weetman
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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26
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Habtewold T, Wagah M, Tambwe MM, Moore S, Windbichler N, Christophides G, Johnson H, Heaton H, Collins J, Krasheninnikova K, Pelan SE, Pointon DLB, Sims Y, Torrance JW, Tracey A, Uliano Da Silva M, Wood JMD, von Wyschetzki K, Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective, McCarthy SA, Neafsey DE, Makunin A, Lawniczak MK, Lawniczak M. A chromosomal reference genome sequence for the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, Giles, 1902, Ifakara strain. Wellcome Open Res 2024; 8:74. [PMID: 37424773 PMCID: PMC10326452 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.18854.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a genome assembly from an individual female Anopheles gambiae (the malaria mosquito; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Culicidae), Ifakara strain. The genome sequence is 264 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into three chromosomal pseudomolecules with the X sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibebu Habtewold
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Martin Wagah
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | - Mgeni Mohamed Tambwe
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Ifakara Health institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | - Sarah Moore
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Ifakara Health institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Vector Biology Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Harriet Johnson
- Scientific Operations, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ying Sims
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | | | - Alan Tracey
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
| | | | | | | | - Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Vector Control Product Testing Unit, Ifakara Health institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Vector Biology Unit, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
- Scientific Operations, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- CSSE, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Daniel E. Neafsey
- Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex Makunin
- Tree of Life, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
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27
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Ratcliffe NA, Mello CB, Castro HC, Dyson P, Figueiredo M. Immune Reactions of Vector Insects to Parasites and Pathogens. Microorganisms 2024; 12:568. [PMID: 38543619 PMCID: PMC10974449 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12030568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 11/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This overview initially describes insect immune reactions and then brings together present knowledge of the interactions of vector insects with their invading parasites and pathogens. It is a way of introducing this Special Issue with subsequent papers presenting the latest details of these interactions in each particular group of vectors. Hopefully, this paper will fill a void in the literature since brief descriptions of vector immunity have now been brought together in one publication and could form a starting point for those interested and new to this important area. Descriptions are given on the immune reactions of mosquitoes, blackflies, sandflies, tsetse flies, lice, fleas and triatomine bugs. Cellular and humoral defences are described separately but emphasis is made on the co-operation of these processes in the completed immune response. The paper also emphasises the need for great care in extracting haemocytes for subsequent study as appreciation of their fragile nature is often overlooked with the non-sterile media, smearing techniques and excessive centrifugation sometimes used. The potential vital role of eicosanoids in the instigation of many of the immune reactions described is also discussed. Finally, the priming of the immune system, mainly in mosquitoes, is considered and one possible mechanism is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Arthur Ratcliffe
- Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA28PP, UK
- Biology Institute, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24210-130, RJ, Brazil; (C.B.M.); (H.C.C.)
| | - Cicero Brasileiro Mello
- Biology Institute, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24210-130, RJ, Brazil; (C.B.M.); (H.C.C.)
| | - Helena Carla Castro
- Biology Institute, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói 24210-130, RJ, Brazil; (C.B.M.); (H.C.C.)
| | - Paul Dyson
- Institute of Life Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA28PP, UK; (P.D.); (M.F.)
| | - Marcela Figueiredo
- Institute of Life Science, Medical School, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA28PP, UK; (P.D.); (M.F.)
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28
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Ryazansky SS, Chen C, Potters M, Naumenko AN, Lukyanchikova V, Masri RA, Brusentsov II, Karagodin DA, Yurchenko AA, Dos Anjos VL, Haba Y, Rose NH, Hoffman J, Guo R, Menna T, Kelley M, Ferrill E, Schultz KE, Qi Y, Sharma A, Deschamps S, Llaca V, Mao C, Murphy TD, Baricheva EM, Emrich S, Fritz ML, Benoit JB, Sharakhov IV, McBride CS, Tu Z, Sharakhova MV. The chromosome-scale genome assembly for the West Nile vector Culex quinquefasciatus uncovers patterns of genome evolution in mosquitoes. BMC Biol 2024; 22:16. [PMID: 38273363 PMCID: PMC10809549 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01825-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding genome organization and evolution is important for species involved in transmission of human diseases, such as mosquitoes. Anophelinae and Culicinae subfamilies of mosquitoes show striking differences in genome sizes, sex chromosome arrangements, behavior, and ability to transmit pathogens. However, the genomic basis of these differences is not fully understood. METHODS In this study, we used a combination of advanced genome technologies such as Oxford Nanopore Technology sequencing, Hi-C scaffolding, Bionano, and cytogenetic mapping to develop an improved chromosome-scale genome assembly for the West Nile vector Culex quinquefasciatus. RESULTS We then used this assembly to annotate odorant receptors, odorant binding proteins, and transposable elements. A genomic region containing male-specific sequences on chromosome 1 and a polymorphic inversion on chromosome 3 were identified in the Cx. quinquefasciatus genome. In addition, the genome of Cx. quinquefasciatus was compared with the genomes of other mosquitoes such as malaria vectors An. coluzzi and An. albimanus, and the vector of arboviruses Ae. aegypti. Our work confirms significant expansion of the two chemosensory gene families in Cx. quinquefasciatus, as well as a significant increase and relocation of the transposable elements in both Cx. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti relative to the Anophelines. Phylogenetic analysis clarifies the divergence time between the mosquito species. Our study provides new insights into chromosomal evolution in mosquitoes and finds that the X chromosome of Anophelinae and the sex-determining chromosome 1 of Culicinae have a significantly higher rate of evolution than autosomes. CONCLUSION The improved Cx. quinquefasciatus genome assembly uncovered new details of mosquito genome evolution and has the potential to speed up the development of novel vector control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei S Ryazansky
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics of Cell, NRC "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
| | - Chujia Chen
- Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology Program, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Mark Potters
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Anastasia N Naumenko
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Varvara Lukyanchikova
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Group of Genomic Mechanisms of Development, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Laboratory of Structural and Functional Genomics, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Reem A Masri
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Ilya I Brusentsov
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation Mechanisms, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitriy A Karagodin
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation Mechanisms, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Andrey A Yurchenko
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Vitor L Dos Anjos
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Yuki Haba
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Noah H Rose
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jinna Hoffman
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Theresa Menna
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Melissa Kelley
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Emily Ferrill
- County of San Diego Vector Control Program, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Karen E Schultz
- Mosquito and Vector Management District of Santa Barbara County, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Yumin Qi
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Atashi Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | | | | | - Chunhong Mao
- Biocomplexity Institute & Initiative University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Terence D Murphy
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20894, USA
| | - Elina M Baricheva
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation Mechanisms, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Scott Emrich
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Megan L Fritz
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Igor V Sharakhov
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Tomsk State University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Carolyn S McBride
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Zhijian Tu
- Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology Program, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, USA
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Maria V Sharakhova
- Department of Entomology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
- Laboratory of Cell Differentiation Mechanisms, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia.
- Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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29
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Brait N, Hackl T, Morel C, Exbrayat A, Gutierrez S, Lequime S. A tale of caution: How endogenous viral elements affect virus discovery in transcriptomic data. Virus Evol 2023; 10:vead088. [PMID: 38516656 PMCID: PMC10956553 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Large-scale metagenomic and -transcriptomic studies have revolutionized our understanding of viral diversity and abundance. In contrast, endogenous viral elements (EVEs), remnants of viral sequences integrated into host genomes, have received limited attention in the context of virus discovery, especially in RNA-Seq data. EVEs resemble their original viruses, a challenge that makes distinguishing between active infections and integrated remnants difficult, affecting virus classification and biases downstream analyses. Here, we systematically assess the effects of EVEs on a prototypical virus discovery pipeline, evaluate their impact on data integrity and classification accuracy, and provide some recommendations for better practices. We examined EVEs and exogenous viral sequences linked to Orthomyxoviridae, a diverse family of negative-sense segmented RNA viruses, in 13 genomic and 538 transcriptomic datasets of Culicinae mosquitoes. Our analysis revealed a substantial number of viral sequences in transcriptomic datasets. However, a significant portion appeared not to be exogenous viruses but transcripts derived from EVEs. Distinguishing between transcribed EVEs and exogenous virus sequences was especially difficult in samples with low viral abundance. For example, three transcribed EVEs showed full-length segments, devoid of frameshift and nonsense mutations, exhibiting sufficient mean read depths that qualify them as exogenous virus hits. Mapping reads on a host genome containing EVEs before assembly somewhat alleviated the EVE burden, but it led to a drastic reduction of viral hits and reduced quality of assemblies, especially in regions of the viral genome relatively similar to EVEs. Our study highlights that our knowledge of the genetic diversity of viruses can be altered by the underestimated presence of EVEs in transcriptomic datasets, leading to false positives and altered or missing sequence information. Thus, recognizing and addressing the influence of EVEs in virus discovery pipelines will be key in enhancing our ability to capture the full spectrum of viral diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Brait
- Cluster of Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
| | | | - Côme Morel
- ASTRE research unit, Cirad, INRAe, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier 34398, France
| | - Antoni Exbrayat
- ASTRE research unit, Cirad, INRAe, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier 34398, France
| | - Serafin Gutierrez
- ASTRE research unit, Cirad, INRAe, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier 34398, France
| | - Sebastian Lequime
- Cluster of Microbial Ecology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9747 AG, The Netherlands
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Lewis J, Gallichotte EN, Randall J, Glass A, Foy BD, Ebel GD, Kading RC. Intrinsic factors driving mosquito vector competence and viral evolution: a review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1330600. [PMID: 38188633 PMCID: PMC10771300 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1330600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of numerous viruses of global health significance. The term "vector competence" describes the intrinsic ability of an arthropod vector to transmit an infectious agent. Prior to transmission, the mosquito itself presents a complex and hostile environment through which a virus must transit to ensure propagation and transmission to the next host. Viruses imbibed in an infectious blood meal must pass in and out of the mosquito midgut, traffic through the body cavity or hemocoel, invade the salivary glands, and be expelled with the saliva when the vector takes a subsequent blood meal. Viruses encounter physical, cellular, microbial, and immunological barriers, which are influenced by the genetic background of the mosquito vector as well as environmental conditions. Collectively, these factors place significant selective pressure on the virus that impact its evolution and transmission. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of the field in understanding the mosquito-specific factors that underpin vector competence and how each of these mechanisms may influence virus evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Lewis
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Emily N. Gallichotte
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jenna Randall
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Arielle Glass
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Brian D. Foy
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Gregory D. Ebel
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Rebekah C. Kading
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Dyer NA, Lucas ER, Nagi SC, McDermott DP, Brenas JH, Miles A, Clarkson CS, Mawejje HD, Wilding CS, Halfon MS, Asma H, Heinz E, Donnelly MJ. Mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in Anopheles gambiae revealed by allele specific expression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568226. [PMID: 38045426 PMCID: PMC10690255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Malaria control relies on insecticides targeting the mosquito vector, but this is increasingly compromised by insecticide resistance, which can be achieved by elevated expression of detoxifying enzymes that metabolize the insecticide. In diploid organisms, gene expression is regulated both in cis, by regulatory sequences on the same chromosome, and by trans acting factors, affecting both alleles equally. Differing levels of transcription can be caused by mutations in cis-regulatory modules (CRM), but few of these have been identified in mosquitoes. We crossed bendiocarb resistant and susceptible Anopheles gambiae strains to identify cis-regulated genes that might be responsible for the resistant phenotype using RNAseq, and cis-regulatory module sequences controlling gene expression in insecticide resistance relevant tissues were predicted using machine learning. We found 115 genes showing allele specific expression in hybrids of insecticide susceptible and resistant strains, suggesting cis regulation is an important mechanism of gene expression regulation in Anopheles gambiae. The genes showing allele specific expression included a higher proportion of Anopheles specific genes on average younger than genes those with balanced allelic expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi A Dyer
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Eric R Lucas
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Sanjay C Nagi
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Daniel P McDermott
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Jon H Brenas
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Alistair Miles
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Chris S Clarkson
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Henry D Mawejje
- Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC), Plot 2C Nakasero Hill Road, P.O.Box 7475, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Craig S Wilding
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Marc S Halfon
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo-State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Hasiba Asma
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo-State University of New York, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14203, USA
| | - Eva Heinz
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
| | - Martin J Donnelly
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
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Cheatle Jarvela AM, Wexler JR. Advances in genome sequencing reveal changes in gene content that contribute to arthropod macroevolution. Dev Genes Evol 2023; 233:59-76. [PMID: 37982820 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-023-00712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Current sequencing technology allows for the relatively affordable generation of highly contiguous genomes. Technological advances have made it possible for researchers to investigate the consequences of diverse sorts of genomic variants, such as gene gain and loss. With the extraordinary number of high-quality genomes now available, we take stock of how these genomic variants impact phenotypic evolution. We take care to point out that the identification of genomic variants of interest is only the first step in understanding their impact. Painstaking lab or fieldwork is still required to establish causal relationships between genomic variants and phenotypic evolution. We focus mostly on arthropod research, as this phylum has an impressive degree of phenotypic diversity and is also the subject of much evolutionary genetics research. This article is intended to both highlight recent advances in the field and also to be a primer for learning about evolutionary genetics and genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys M Cheatle Jarvela
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA.
| | - Judith R Wexler
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Hernandez-Caballero I, Hellgren O, Garcia-Longoria Batanete L. Genomic advances in the study of the mosquito vector during avian malaria infection. Parasitology 2023; 150:1330-1339. [PMID: 37614176 PMCID: PMC10941221 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182023000756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Invertebrate host–parasite associations are one of the keystones in order to understand vector-borne diseases. The study of these specific interactions provides information not only about how the vector is affected by the parasite at the gene-expression level, but might also reveal mosquito strategies for blocking the transmission of the parasites. A very well-known vector for human malaria is Anopheles gambiae. This mosquito species has been the main focus for genomics studies determining essential key genes and pathways over the course of a malaria infection. However, to-date there is an important knowledge gap concerning other non-mammophilic mosquito species, for example some species from the Culex genera which may transmit avian malaria but also zoonotic pathogens such as West Nile virus. From an evolutionary perspective, these 2 mosquito genera diverged 170 million years ago, hence allowing studies in both species determining evolutionary conserved genes essential during malaria infections, which in turn might help to find key genes for blocking malaria cycle inside the mosquito. Here, we extensively review the current knowledge on key genes and pathways expressed in Anopheles over the course of malaria infections and highlight the importance of conducting genomic investigations for detecting pathways in Culex mosquitoes linked to infection of avian malaria. By pooling this information, we underline the need to increase genomic studies in mosquito–parasite associations, such as the one in Culex–Plasmodium, that can provide a better understanding of the infection dynamics in wildlife and reduce the negative impact on ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Hernandez-Caballero
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, E-06071 Badajoz, Spain
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Sölvegatan 37, SE-22362, Sweden
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Pescod P, Bevivino G, Anthousi A, Shelton R, Shepherd J, Lombardo F, Nolan T. Measuring the Impact of Genetic Heterogeneity and Chromosomal Inversions on the Efficacy of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Drives in Different Strains of Anopheles gambiae. CRISPR J 2023; 6:419-429. [PMID: 37702604 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae is becoming increasingly resistant to insecticides, spurring the development of genetic control strategies. CRISPR-Cas9 gene drives can modify a population by creating double-stranded breaks at highly specific targets, triggering copying of the gene drive into the cut site ("homing"), ensuring its inheritance. The DNA repair mechanism responsible requires homology between the donor and recipient chromosomes, presenting challenges for the invasion of laboratory-developed gene drives into wild populations of target species An. gambiae species complex, which show high levels of genome variation. Two gene drives (vas2-5958 and zpg-7280) were introduced into three An. gambiae strains collected across Africa with 5.3-6.6% variation around the target sites, and the effect of this variation on homing was measured. Gene drive homing across different karyotypes of the 2La chromosomal inversion was also assessed. No decrease in gene drive homing was seen despite target site heterology, demonstrating the applicability of gene drives to wild populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy Pescod
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Giulia Bevivino
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "la Sapienza," Rome, Italy; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Amalia Anthousi
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Biology, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece; and Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Insects and Vector Borne Diseases, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ruth Shelton
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Josephine Shepherd
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Division of Parasitology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "la Sapienza," Rome, Italy; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Tony Nolan
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, United Kingdom; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
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Paris V, Hardy C, Hoffmann AA, Ross PA. How often are male mosquitoes attracted to humans? ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230921. [PMID: 37885984 PMCID: PMC10598425 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Many mosquito species live close to humans where females feed on human blood. While male mosquitoes do not feed on blood, it has long been recognized that males of some species can be attracted to human hosts. To investigate the frequency of male mosquito attraction to humans, we conducted a literature review and human-baited field trials, as well as laboratory experiments involving males and females of three common Aedes species. Our literature review indicated that male attraction to humans is limited to a small number of species, including Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. In our human-baited field collections, only 4 out of 13 species captured included males. In laboratory experiments, we found that male Ae. notoscriptus and Ae. vigilax showed no attraction to humans, while male Ae. aegypti exhibited persistent attraction for up to 30 min. Both male and female Ae. aegypti displayed similar preferences for different human subjects, suggesting that male Ae. aegypti respond to similar cues as females. Additionally, we found that mosquito repellents applied to human skin effectively repelled male mosquitoes. These findings shed light on mosquito behaviour and have implications for mosquito control programmes, particularly those involving the release or monitoring of the male mosquito population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Paris
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Christopher Hardy
- CSIRO Environment, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia
| | - Ary A. Hoffmann
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark
| | - Perran A. Ross
- School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Aalborg 9220, Denmark
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Ma X, Fan X, Youssaou KC, Zhang J, Wang X, Zheng G, Tian S, Gao Y. Clinical and Biological Characteristics of Severe Malaria in Children under 5 Years Old in Benin. THE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DES MALADIES INFECTIEUSES ET DE LA MICROBIOLOGIE MEDICALE 2023; 2023:5516408. [PMID: 37771844 PMCID: PMC10533293 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5516408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Background Malaria is a global public health concern, mainly occurring in sub-Saharan Africa. Children infected with malaria are more likely to develop severe disease, which can be fatal. During COVID-19 in 2020, diagnosing and treating malaria became difficult. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and laboratory indicators of children with severe malaria in Benin to provide important information for designing effective prevention and treatment strategies to manage pediatric cases. Methods Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with severe malaria admitted to two hospitals in Benin (Central Hospital of Lokossa and Regional Hospital of Natitingou, located ∼650 kilometers apart) were collected from January to December 2020. Patients were grouped according to age (group A: 4-12 months old, group B: 13-36 months old, and group C: 37-60 months old), and clinical and laboratory indicators were compared. The incidences of severe pediatric malaria in both hospitals in 2020 were calculated. Inclusion, exclusion, and blood transfusion criteria were identified. Results We analyzed 236 pediatric cases. The main clinical symptoms among all patients were severe anemia, vomiting, prostration, poor appetite, dysphoria, and dyspnea. Over 50% of patients in group A experienced vomiting and severe anemia. Most patients in group B had severe anemia and prostration. Delirium affected significantly more patients in group C than in groups A and B. In group C, the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05), and the leukocyte count was significantly lower (p < 0.01) than in groups A and B. Parasitemia was significantly higher in group C than in group A (p < 0.01). Twelve deaths occurred. Conclusions Severe pediatric malaria is seasonal in Benin. The situation in children under 5 years old is poor. The main problems are severe disease conditions and high fatality rates. Effective approaches such as prevention and early and appropriate treatment are necessary to reduce the malaria burden in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Kora Chabi Youssaou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Zone of Natitingou (Women's and Children's Hospital), Natitingou, Atacora Province, Benin
| | - Junfei Zhang
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xingyi Wang
- Department of Emergency, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Guoqiang Zheng
- General Practice, People's Hospital of Ningxia, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shuping Tian
- Department of Pediatric, General Hospital, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yujing Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Pereira J, Santos-Araujo S, Bomfim L, Gondim KC, Majerowicz D, Pane A, Ramos I. Gene identification and RNAi-silencing of p62/SQSTM1 in the vector Rhodnius prolixus reveals a high degree of sequence conservation but no apparent deficiency-related phenotypes in vitellogenic females. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287488. [PMID: 37486954 PMCID: PMC10365311 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) are important cellular mechanisms that coordinate protein degradation essential for proteostasis. P62/SQSTM1 is a receptor cargo protein able to deliver ubiquitinated targets to the proteasome proteolytic complex and/or to the autophagosome. In the insect vector of Chagas disease, Rhodnius prolixus, previous works have shown that the knockdown of different autophagy-related genes (ATGs) and ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes resulted in abnormal oogenesis phenotypes and embryo lethality. Here, we investigate the role of the autophagy/UPS adaptor protein p62 during the oogenesis and reproduction of this vector. We found that R. prolixus presents one isoform of p62 encoded by a non-annotated gene. The predicted protein presents the domain architecture anticipated for p62: PB1 (N-term), ZZ-finger, and UBA (C-term) domains, and phylogenetic analysis showed that this pattern is highly conserved within insects. Using parental RNAi, we found that although p62 is expressed in the ovary, midgut, and fat body of adult females, systemic silencing of this gene did not result in any apparent phenotypes under in-house conditions. The insects' overall levels of blood meal digestion, lifespan, yolk protein production, oviposition, and embryo viability were not altered when compared to controls. Because it is known that autophagy and UPS can undergo compensatory mechanisms, we asked whether the silencing of p62 was triggering adaptative changes in the expression of genes of the autophagy, UPS, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) and found that only ATG1 was slightly up regulated in the ovaries of silenced females. In addition, experiments to further investigate the role of p62 in insects previously silenced for the E1-conjugating enzyme (a condition known to trigger the upregulation of p62), also did not result in any apparent phenotypes in vitellogenic females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Pereira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Samara Santos-Araujo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Larissa Bomfim
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Katia Calp Gondim
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - David Majerowicz
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Attilio Pane
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ramos
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Prado Sepulveda CC, Alencar RM, Santana RA, Belém de Souza I, D'Elia GMA, Godoy RSM, Duarte AP, Lopes SCP, de Lacerda MVG, Monteiro WM, Nacif-Pimenta R, Secundino NFC, Koerich LB, Pimenta PFP. Evolution and assembly of Anopheles aquasalis's immune genes: primary malaria vector of coastal Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands. Open Biol 2023; 13:230061. [PMID: 37433331 PMCID: PMC10335856 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Anophelines are vectors of malaria, the deadliest disease worldwide transmitted by mosquitoes. The availability of genomic data from various Anopheles species allowed evolutionary comparisons of the immune response genes in search of alternative vector control of the malarial parasites. Now, with the Anopheles aquasalis genome, it was possible to obtain more information about the evolution of the immune response genes. Anopheles aquasalis has 278 immune genes in 24 families or groups. Comparatively, the American anophelines possess fewer genes than Anopheles gambiae s. s., the most dangerous African vector. The most remarkable differences were found in the pathogen recognition and modulation families like FREPs, CLIP and C-type lectins. Even so, genes related to the modulation of the expression of effectors in response to pathogens and gene families that control the production of reactive oxygen species were more conserved. Overall, the results show a variable pattern of evolution in the immune response genes in the anopheline species. Environmental factors, such as exposure to different pathogens and differences in the microbiota composition, could shape the expression of this group of genes. The results presented here will contribute to a better knowledge of the Neotropical vector and open opportunities for malaria control in the endemic-affected areas of the New World.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Camilo Prado Sepulveda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Maciel Alencar
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rosa Amélia Santana
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Igor Belém de Souza
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Gigliola Mayra Ayres D'Elia
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Raquel Soares Maia Godoy
- Instituto de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ – Belo Horizonte. Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Duarte
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Stefanie Costa Pinto Lopes
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Marcus Vinicius Guimarães de Lacerda
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Wuelton Marcelo Monteiro
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
| | - Rafael Nacif-Pimenta
- Departament of Epidemiology of Microbial Disease, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nágila Francinete Costa Secundino
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ – Belo Horizonte. Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Barbosa Koerich
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Paulo Filemon Paolucci Pimenta
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Dr. Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Heitor Vieira Dourado, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, FIOCRUZ – Belo Horizonte. Minas Gerais, Brazil
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39
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Brown JJ, Pascual M, Wimberly MC, Johnson LR, Murdock CC. Humidity - The overlooked variable in the thermal biology of mosquito-borne disease. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:1029-1049. [PMID: 37349261 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases cause significant financial and human loss, with billions of dollars spent on control. Arthropod vectors experience a complex suite of environmental factors that affect fitness, population growth and species interactions across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Temperature and water availability are two of the most important abiotic variables influencing their distributions and abundances. While extensive research on temperature exists, the influence of humidity on vector and pathogen parameters affecting disease dynamics are less understood. Humidity is often underemphasized, and when considered, is often treated as independent of temperature even though desiccation likely contributes to declines in trait performance at warmer temperatures. This Perspectives explores how humidity shapes the thermal performance of mosquito-borne pathogen transmission. We summarize what is known about its effects and propose a conceptual model for how temperature and humidity interact to shape the range of temperatures across which mosquitoes persist and achieve high transmission potential. We discuss how failing to account for these interactions hinders efforts to forecast transmission dynamics and respond to epidemics of mosquito-borne infections. We outline future research areas that will ground the effects of humidity on the thermal biology of pathogen transmission in a theoretical and empirical framework to improve spatial and temporal prediction of vector-borne pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel J Brown
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Mercedes Pascual
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael C Wimberly
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Leah R Johnson
- Department of Statistics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
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40
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Izquierdo L. The glycobiology of plasmodium falciparum: New approaches and recent advances. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 66:108178. [PMID: 37216996 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Like any other microorganism, pathogenic protozoan parasites rely heavily on glycoconjugates and glycan binding proteins to protect themselves from the environment and to interact with their diverse hosts. A thorough comprehension of how glycobiology contributes to the survival and virulence of these organisms may reveal unknown aspects of their biology and may open much needed avenues for the design of new strategies against them. In the case of Plasmodium falciparum, which causes the vast majority of malaria cases and deaths, the restricted variety and the simplicity of its glycans seemed to confer limited significance to the role played by glycoconjugates in the parasite. Nonetheless, the last 10 to 15 years of research are revealing a clearer and more defined picture. Thus, the use of new experimental techniques and the results obtained provide new avenues for understanding the biology of the parasite, as well as opportunities for the development of much required new tools against malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Izquierdo
- ISGlobal, Hospital Clínic - Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain.
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41
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Almeida-Oliveira F, Santos-Araujo S, Carvalho-Kelly LF, Macedo-Silva A, Meyer-Fernandes JR, Gondim KC, Majerowicz D. ATP synthase affects lipid metabolism in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus beyond its role in energy metabolism. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023:103956. [PMID: 37196906 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
ATP synthase plays an essential role in mitochondrial metabolism, being responsible for the production of ATP in oxidative phosphorylation. However, recent results have shown that it may also be present in the cell membrane, involved in lipophorin binding to its receptors. Here, we used a functional genetics approach to investigate the roles of ATP synthase in lipid metabolism in the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus. The genome of R. prolixus encodes five nucleotide-binding domain genes of the ATP synthase alpha and beta family, including the alpha and beta subunits of ATP synthase (RpATPSynA and RpATPSynB), and the catalytic and non-catalytic subunits of the vacuolar ATPase (RpVha68 and RpVha55). These genes were expressed in all analyzed organs, being their expression highest in the ovaries, fat body and flight muscle. Feeding did not regulate the expression of ATP synthases in the posterior midgut or fat body. Furthermore, ATP synthase is present in the fat body's mitochondrial and membrane fractions. RpATPSynB knockdown by RNAi impaired ovarian development and reduced egg-laying by approximately 85%. Furthermore, the lack of RpATPSynB increased the amount of triacylglycerol in the fat body due to increased de novo fatty acid synthesis and reduced transfer of lipids to lipophorin. RpATPSynA knockdown had similar effects, with altered ovarian development, reduced oviposition, and triacylglycerol accumulation in the fat body. However, ATP synthases knockdown had only a slight effect on the amount of ATP in the fat body. These results support the hypothesis that ATP synthase has a direct role in lipid metabolism and lipophorin physiology, which are not directly due to changes in energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samara Santos-Araujo
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Alessa Macedo-Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Katia C Gondim
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Brazil
| | - David Majerowicz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Brazil; Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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42
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Achuthkumar A, Uchamballi S, Arvind K, Vasu DA, Varghese S, Ravindran R, Grace T. Transcriptome Profiling of Rhipicephalus annulatus Reveals Differential Gene Expression of Metabolic Detoxifying Enzymes in Response to Acaricide Treatment. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051369. [PMID: 37239047 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051369] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are hematophagous ectoparasites of economic consequence by virtue of being carriers of infectious diseases that affect livestock and other sectors of the agricultural industry. A widely prevalent tick species, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus, has been recognized as a prime vector of tick-borne diseases in South Indian regions. Over time, the use of chemical acaricides for tick control has promoted the evolution of resistance to these widely used compounds through metabolic detoxification. Identifying the genes related to this detoxification is extremely important, as it could help detect valid insecticide targets and develop novel strategies for effective insect control. We performed an RNA-sequencing analysis of acaricide-treated and untreated R. (B.) annulatus and mapped the detoxification genes expressed due to acaricide exposure. Our results provided high-quality RNA-sequenced data of untreated and amitraz-treated R. (B.) annulatus, and then the data were assembled into contigs and clustered into 50,591 and 71,711 uni-gene sequences, respectively. The expression levels of the detoxification genes across different developmental stages of R. (B.) annulatu identified 16,635 transcripts as upregulated and 15,539 transcripts as downregulated. The annotations of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed the significant expression of 70 detoxification genes in response to the amitraz treatment. The qRT-PCR revealed significant differences in the gene expression levels across different life stages of R. (B.) annulatus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amritha Achuthkumar
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod 671320, Kerala, India
| | - Shamjana Uchamballi
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod 671320, Kerala, India
| | - Kumar Arvind
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod 671320, Kerala, India
| | - Deepa Azhchath Vasu
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod 671320, Kerala, India
| | - Sincy Varghese
- Department of Biochemistry, Pazhassiraja College, Pulpally 673579, Kerala, India
| | - Reghu Ravindran
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookode 673576, Kerala, India
| | - Tony Grace
- Department of Genomic Science, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Kasaragod 671320, Kerala, India
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43
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Li X, Guan Z, Wang F, Wang Y, Asare E, Shi S, Lin Z, Ji T, Gao B, Song C. Evolution of piggyBac Transposons in Apoidea. INSECTS 2023; 14:402. [PMID: 37103217 PMCID: PMC10140906 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the presence of piggyBac (PB) transposons in 44 bee genomes from the Apoidea order, which is a superfamily within the Hymenoptera, which includes a large number of bee species crucial for pollination. We annotated the PB transposons in these 44 bee genomes and examined their evolution profiles, including structural characteristics, distribution, diversity, activity, and abundance. The mined PB transposons were divided into three clades, with uneven distribution in each genus of PB transposons in Apoidea. The complete PB transposons we discovered are around 2.23-3.52 kb in length and encode transposases of approximately 580 aa, with terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) of about 14 bp and 4 bp (TTAA) target-site duplications. Long TIRs (200 bp, 201 bp, and 493 bp) were also detected in some species of bees. The DDD domains of the three transposon types were more conserved, while the other protein domains were less conserved. Generally, most PB transposons showed low abundance in the genomes of Apoidea. Divergent evolution dynamics of PB were observed in the genomes of Apoidea. PB transposons in some identified species were relatively young, whiles others were older and with some either active or inactive. In addition, multiple invasions of PB were also detected in some genomes of Apoidea. Our findings highlight the contribution of PB transposons to genomic variation in these species and suggest their potential as candidates for future gene transfer tools.
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44
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Blair CD. A Brief History of the Discovery of RNA-Mediated Antiviral Immune Defenses in Vector Mosquitos. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2023; 87:e0019121. [PMID: 36511720 PMCID: PMC10029339 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00191-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) persist in a natural cycle that includes infections of humans or other vertebrates and transmission between vertebrates by infected arthropods, most commonly mosquitos. Arboviruses can cause serious, sometimes fatal diseases in humans and other vertebrates but cause little pathology in their mosquito vectors. Knowledge of the interactions between mosquito vectors and the arboviruses that they transmit is an important facet of developing schemes to control transmission. Mosquito innate immune responses to virus infection modulate virus replication in the vector, and understanding the components and mechanisms of the immune response could lead to improved methods for interrupting the transmission cycle. The most important aspect of mosquito antiviral defense is the exogenous small interfering RNA (exo-siRNA) pathway, one arm of the RNA interference (RNAi) silencing response. Our research as well as that of many other groups over the past 25 years to define this pathway are reviewed here. A more recently recognized but less well-understood RNA-mediated mosquito defense against arbovirus infections, the PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway, is also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol D Blair
- Center for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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45
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Holmes CJ, Brown ES, Sharma D, Warden M, Pathak A, Payton B, Nguyen Q, Spangler A, Sivakumar J, Hendershot JM, Benoit JB. Dehydration Alters Transcript Levels in the Mosquito Midgut, Likely Facilitating Rapid Rehydration following a Bloodmeal. INSECTS 2023; 14:274. [PMID: 36975959 PMCID: PMC10056721 DOI: 10.3390/insects14030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito midgut is an important site for bloodmeal regulation while also acting as a primary site for pathogen exposure within the mosquito. Recent studies show that exposure to dehydrating conditions alters mosquito bloodfeeding behaviors as well as post-feeding regulation, likely altering how pathogens interact with the mosquito. Unfortunately, few studies have explored the underlying dynamics between dehydration and bloodmeal utilization, and the overall impact on disease transmission dynamics remains veiled. In this study, we find that dehydration-based feeding in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, prompts alterations to midgut gene expression, as well as subsequent physiological factors involving water control and post-bloodfeeding (pbf) regulation. Altered expression of ion transporter genes and aquaporin 2 (AQP2) in the midgut of dehydrated mosquitoes as well as the rapid reequilibration of hemolymph osmolality after a bloodmeal indicate an ability to expedite fluid and ion processing. These alterations ultimately indicate that female A. aegypti employ mechanisms to ameliorate the detriments of dehydration by imbibing a bloodmeal, providing an effective avenue for rehydration. Continued research into bloodmeal utilization and the resulting effects on arthropod-borne transmission dynamics becomes increasingly important as drought prevalence is increased by climate change.
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46
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Cottis S, Blisnick AA, Failloux AB, Vernick KD. Determinants of Chikungunya and O'nyong-Nyong Virus Specificity for Infection of Aedes and Anopheles Mosquito Vectors. Viruses 2023; 15:589. [PMID: 36992298 PMCID: PMC10051923 DOI: 10.3390/v15030589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases caused by viruses and parasites are responsible for more than 700 million infections each year. Anopheles and Aedes are the two major vectors for, respectively, malaria and arboviruses. Anopheles mosquitoes are the primary vector of just one known arbovirus, the alphavirus o'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV), which is closely related to the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), vectored by Aedes mosquitoes. However, Anopheles harbor a complex natural virome of RNA viruses, and a number of pathogenic arboviruses have been isolated from Anopheles mosquitoes in nature. CHIKV and ONNV are in the same antigenic group, the Semliki Forest virus complex, are difficult to distinguish via immunodiagnostic assay, and symptomatically cause essentially the same human disease. The major difference between the arboviruses appears to be their differential use of mosquito vectors. The mechanisms governing this vector specificity are poorly understood. Here, we summarize intrinsic and extrinsic factors that could be associated with vector specificity by these viruses. We highlight the complexity and multifactorial aspect of vectorial specificity of the two alphaviruses, and evaluate the level of risk of vector shift by ONNV or CHIKV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solène Cottis
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, F-75015 Paris, France
- Graduate School of Life Sciences ED515, Sorbonne Université UPMC Paris VI, 75252 Paris, France
| | - Adrien A. Blisnick
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Virology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Kenneth D. Vernick
- Genetics and Genomics of Insect Vectors Unit, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR2000, F-75015 Paris, France
- Graduate School of Life Sciences ED515, Sorbonne Université UPMC Paris VI, 75252 Paris, France
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47
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García-Longoria L, Ahrén D, Berthomieu A, Kalbskopf V, Rivero A, Hellgren O. Immune gene expression in the mosquito vector Culex quinquefasciatus during an avian malaria infection. Mol Ecol 2023; 32:904-919. [PMID: 36448733 PMCID: PMC10108303 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Plasmodium relictum is the most widespread avian malaria parasite in the world. It is listed as one of the 100 most dangerous invasive species, having been responsible for the extinction of several endemic bird species, and the near-demise of several others. Here we present the first transcriptomic study focused on the effect of P. relictum on the immune system of its vector (the mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus) at different times post-infection. We show that over 50% of immune genes identified as being part of the Toll pathway and 30%-40% of the immune genes identified within the Imd pathway are overexpressed during the critical period spanning the parasite's oocyst and sporozoite formation (8-12 days), revealing the crucial role played by both these pathways in this natural mosquito-Plasmodium combination. Comparison of infected mosquitoes with their uninfected counterparts also revealed some unexpected immune RNA expression patterns earlier and later in the infection: significant differences in expression of several immune effectors were observed as early as 30 min after ingestion of the infected blood meal. In addition, in the later stages of the infection (towards the end of the mosquito lifespan), we observed an unexpected increase in immune investment in uninfected, but not in infected, mosquitoes. In conclusion, our work extends the comparative transcriptomic analyses of malaria-infected mosquitoes beyond human and rodent parasites and provides insights into the degree of conservation of immune pathways and into the selective pressures exerted by Plasmodium parasites on their vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luz García-Longoria
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Dag Ahrén
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Victor Kalbskopf
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ana Rivero
- MIVEGEC (CNRS, Université de Montpellier, IRD), Montpellier, France
| | - Olof Hellgren
- Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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48
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Liu W, Cheng P, An S, Zhang K, Gong M, Zhang Z, Zhang R. Chromosome-level assembly of Culex pipiens molestus and improved reference genome of Culex pipiens pallens (Culicidae, Diptera). Mol Ecol Resour 2023; 23:486-498. [PMID: 36075571 DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.13712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Culex pipiens molestus and Culex pipiens pallens are two distinct bioforms in the Culex pipiens complex that are important vectors of several pathogens and are widely distributed around the world. In the current study, we present a high-quality chromosome-level genome of Cx. pipiens f. molestus and describe the genetic characteristics of this genome. The assembly genome was 559.749 Mb with contig and scaffold N50 values of 200.952 Mb and 0.370 Mb, and more than 94.78% of the assembled bases were located on 3 chromosomes. A total of 19,399 protein-coding genes were predicted. Many gene families were expanded in the genome of Cx. pipiens f. molestus, particularly those of the chemosensory protein (CSP) and gustatory receptor (GR) gene families. In addition, utilizing Hi-C data, we improved the previously assembled draft genome of Cx. pipiens f. pallens, with scaffold N50 of 186.195 Mb and contig N50 of 0.749 Mb, and more than 97.02% of the assembled bases were located on three chromosomes. This reference genome provides a foundation for genome-based investigations of the unique ecological and evolutionary characteristics of Cx. pipiens f. molestus, and the findings in this study will help to elucidate the mechanisms involved in species divergence in the Culex pipiens complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China.,Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jining, China
| | - Sha An
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China
| | - Maoqing Gong
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China.,Shandong Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Jining, China
| | - Zhong Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China
| | - Ruiling Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center for the Origin and Control of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China.,School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong First Medical University (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Tai'an, China
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49
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Smith EG, Surm JM, Macrander J, Simhi A, Amir G, Sachkova MY, Lewandowska M, Reitzel AM, Moran Y. Micro and macroevolution of sea anemone venom phenotype. Nat Commun 2023; 14:249. [PMID: 36646703 PMCID: PMC9842752 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35794-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Venom is a complex trait with substantial inter- and intraspecific variability resulting from strong selective pressures acting on the expression of many toxic proteins. However, understanding the processes underlying toxin expression dynamics that determine the venom phenotype remains unresolved. By interspecific comparisons we reveal that toxin expression in sea anemones evolves rapidly and that in each species different toxin family dictates the venom phenotype by massive gene duplication events. In-depth analysis of the sea anemone, Nematostella vectensis, revealed striking variation of the dominant toxin (Nv1) diploid copy number across populations (1-24 copies) resulting from independent expansion/contraction events, which generate distinct haplotypes. Nv1 copy number correlates with expression at both the transcript and protein levels with one population having a near-complete loss of Nv1 production. Finally, we establish the dominant toxin hypothesis which incorporates observations in other venomous lineages that animals have convergently evolved a similar strategy in shaping their venom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward G Smith
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Biological Sciences, Charlotte, NC, USA. .,School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
| | - Joachim M Surm
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Jason Macrander
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Biological Sciences, Charlotte, NC, USA.,Florida Southern College, Biology Department, Lakeland, FL, USA
| | - Adi Simhi
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The School of Computer Science & Engineering, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Guy Amir
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The School of Computer Science & Engineering, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maria Y Sachkova
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Sars International Centre for Marine Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magda Lewandowska
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adam M Reitzel
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Department of Biological Sciences, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Yehu Moran
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Henderson C, Kemirembe K, McKeand S, Bergey C, Rasgon JL. Novel genome sequences and evolutionary dynamics of the North American anopheline species Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles crucians, Anopheles quadrimaculatus, and Anopheles albimanus. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2023; 13:jkac284. [PMID: 36377778 PMCID: PMC9836346 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anopheles mosquitoes are the principal vectors for malaria and lymphatic filariasis, and evidence for arboviral transmission under laboratory and natural contexts has been demonstrated. Vector management approaches require an understanding of the ecological, epidemiological, and biological contexts of the species in question, and increased interest in gene drive systems for vector control applications has resulted in an increased need for genome assemblies from understudied mosquito vector species. In this study, we present novel genome assemblies for Anopheles crucians, Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles albimanus, and Anopheles quadrimaculatus and examine the evolutionary relationship between these species. We identified 790 shared single-copy orthologs between the newly sequenced genomes and created a phylogeny using 673 of the orthologs, identifying 289 orthologs with evidence for positive selection on at least 1 branch of the phylogeny. Gene ontology terms such as calcium ion signaling, histone binding, and protein acetylation identified as being biased in the set of selected genes. These novel genome sequences will be useful in developing our understanding of the diverse biological traits that drive vectorial capacity in anophelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Henderson
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Karen Kemirembe
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
| | - Sage McKeand
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
| | - Christina Bergey
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
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