Molecular cloning and RNA interference-mediated functional characterization of a Halloween gene spook in the white-backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera

Ecdysteroid Biosynthesis Halloween Gene Spook Plays an Important Role in the Oviposition Process of Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae

In insects, the ecdysteroid hormone regulates development and reproduction. However, its function in the reproduction process of spider mites is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of the Halloween gene Spook on the oviposition of the reproduction process in a spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. The expression patterns of the ecdysteroid biosynthesis and signaling pathway genes, as analyzed by RT-qPCR, showed that the expression pattern of the Halloween genes was similar to the oviposition pattern of the female mite and the expression patterns of the vitellogenesis-related genes TuVg and TuVgR, suggesting that the Halloween genes are involved in the oviposition of spider mites. To investigate the function of the ecdysteroid hormone on the oviposition of the reproduction process, we carried out an RNAi assay against the Halloween gene Spook by injection in female mites. Effective silencing of TuSpo led to a significant reduction of oviposition. In summary, these results provide an initial study on the effect of Halloween genes on the reproduction in T. urticae and may be a foundation for a new strategy to control spider mites.

RNA-seq analysis of gene expression changes in cuticles during the larval-pupal metamorphosis of Plutella xylostella

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is a holometabolous insect that its cuticles must undergo the significant changes during the larval-pupal metamorphosis development. To elucidate these changes at molecular levels, RNA-seq analysis of cuticles from LLS (later fourth instar larval stage), PPS (prepupal stage) and PS (pupal stage) were performed in P. xylostella. In this paper, a total of 17,710 transcripts were obtained in the larval-pupal transition of P. xylostella, and out of which 2293 (881 up-regulated and 1412 down-regulated) and 2989 transcripts (2062 up-regulated and 927 down-regulated) were identified to be differentially expressed between LLS and PPS, as well as PPS and PS, respectively. The further GO and KEGG analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) revealed that the 'structural constituent of cuticle', 'chitin metabolic process', 'chitin binding', 'tyrosine metabolism' and 'insect hormone biosynthesis' pathways were significantly enriched, indicating these pathways might be involved in the process of larval pupation in P. xylostella. Then, we found some genes that encoded cuticular proteins, chitinolytic enzymes, chitin synthesis enzymes, and cuticle tanning proteins changed their expression levels remarkably, indicating these genes might play important roles in the restruction (degradation and biosynthesis) of insect cuticles during the larval metamorphosis. Additionally, the significant changes in the mRNA levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and juvenile hormone (JH) related genes suggested their crucial roles in regulating cuticle remodeling during the larval metamorphosis of P. xylostella. In conclusion, the present study provide us the comprehensive gene expression profiles to explore the molecular mechanisms of cuticle metamorphosis in P. xylostella, which laid a molecular basis to study roles of specific pathways and genes in insect development.

Characterization of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata

Ecdysteroids, as the key growth hormones, regulate moulting, metamorphosis and reproduction in arthropods. Ecdysteroid biosynthesis is catalysed by a series of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYP450s) encoded by Halloween genes, including spook (spo), phantom (phm), disembodied (dib), shadow (sad) and shade (shd). The ecdysteroid biosynthesis in insects is clear with 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) as the main ecdysteroid. However, the information on the major ecdysteroids in arachnids is limited. In this study, Halloween genes spo, dib, sad and shd, but not phm, were identified in the pond wolf spider, Pardosa pseudoannulata. Phylogenetic analysis grouped arachnid and insect Halloween gene products into two CYP450 clades, the CYP2 clan (spo and phm) and the mitochondrial clan (dib, sad, and shd). In P. pseudoannulata, the temporal expression profile of the four Halloween genes in concurrence with spiderling moulting with steady increase in the course of the 2nd instar followed by a rapid dropdown once moulting was completed. Spatially, the four Halloween genes were highly expressed in spiderling abdomen and in the ovaries of female adults. In parallel, ponasterone A (PA), but not 20E, was detected by LC-MS/MS analysis in P. pseudoannulata, and it was demonstrated as a functional ecdysteroid in the spider by accelerating of moulting with PA addition. The present study revealed the different ecdysteroid biosynthesis pathways in spiders and insects.

Functional analysis of ecdysteroid biosynthetic enzymes of the rice planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens

Ecdysteroids, insect steroid hormones, play key roles in regulating insect development and reproduction. Hemipteran insects require ecdysteroids for egg production; however, ecdysteroid synthesis (ecdysteroidogenesis) details have not been elucidated. We identified all known genes encoding ecdysteroidogenic enzymes in Nilaparvata lugens and clarified their necessity during nymphal and ovarian development. We confirmed that N. lugens utilized 20-hydroxyecdysone as an active hormone. Assays using heterologous expression of enzymes in Drosophila S2 cells showed conserved functions of enzymes Neverland, CYP306A2, CYP314A1 and CYP315A1, but not CYP302A1. RNA interference and rescue analysis using 20-hydroxyecdysone demonstrated that most of the genes were necessary for nymphal development. The identified N. lugens enzymes showed conserved functions and pathways for ecdysteroidogenesis. Knockdown of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes in newly molted females caused failure of egg production: less vitellogenic and mature eggs in ovaries, fewer laid eggs and embryonic development deficiency of laid eggs. Considering the high expressions of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme genes in adults and ovaries, ecdysteroidogenesis in ovaries was critical for N. lugens ovarian development. Our study presents initial evidence that hemipteran insects require ecdysteroidogenesis for ovarian development.

Molecular Characterization of Vitellogenin and Its Receptor in Sogatella furcifera, and Their Function in Oocyte Maturation

The yolk protein precursor, vitellogenin (Vg), provides nutrition for embryonic development whereas the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) is responsible for the uptake of yolk protein by maturing oocytes. These two proteins are key reproduction-related proteins in insects. We cloned and characterized Vg and VgR genes in Sogatella furcifera, and investigated their function in oocyte maturation. Cloned SfVg and SfVgR have open reading frames of 6,114 and 5,796 bp, encoding 2,037 and 1,931 amino acid residues, respectively. Structural analysis indicates that SfVg has the three conserved LPD_N, DUF1943, and VWFD domains, SfVgR contains all conservative motifs of the LDLR superfamily. Both genes were highly expressed in adult females; SfVg was most highly expressed in the fat body whereas SfVgR was mainly expressed in the ovary. Knockdown of either gene reduced yolk protein deposition in oocytes and arrested oocyte maturation. However, silencing one of these two genes did not affect the transcript level of the other. These results demonstrate the role of SfVgR in transporting SfVg into oocytes. Both SfVg and SfVgR are essential for oocyte maturation in S. furcifera and both genes could potentially be targeted as means of controlling this pest.

Identification of Halloween Genes and RNA Interference-Mediated Functional Characterization of a Halloween Gene shadow in Plutella xylostella

Ecdysteroids play an essential role in controlling insect development and reproduction. Their pathway is regulated by a group of enzymes called Halloween gene proteins. The relationship between the Halloween genes and ecdysteroid synthesis has yet to be clearly understood in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), a worldwide Lepidoptera pest attacking cruciferous crops and wild plants. In this study, complete sequences for six Halloween genes, neverland (nvd), shroud (sro), spook (spo), phantom (phm), disembodied (dib), shadow (sad), and shade (shd), were identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a strong conservation in insects, including Halloween genes of P. xylostella that was clustered with all other Lepidoptera species. Three Halloween genes, dib, sad, and shd were highly expressed in the adult stage, while nvd and spo were highly expressed in the egg and pupal stages, respectively. Five Halloween genes were highly expressed specifically in the prothorax, which is the major site of ecdysone production. However, shd was expressed predominantly in the fat body to convert ecdysone into 20-hydroxyecdysone. RNAi-based knockdown of sad, which is involved in the last step of ecdysone biosynthesis, significantly reduced the 20E titer and resulted in a longer developmental duration and lower pupation of fourth-instar larvae, as well as caused shorter ovarioles and fewer fully developed eggs of P. xylostella. Furthermore, after the knockdown of sad, the expression levels of Vg and VgR genes were significantly decreased by 77.1 and 53.0%. Meanwhile, the number of eggs laid after 3 days was significantly reduced in sad knockdown females. These results suggest that Halloween genes may play a critical role in the biosynthesis of ecdysteroids and be involved in the development and reproduction of P. xylostella. Our work provides a solid basis for understanding the functional importance of these genes, which will help to screening potential genes for pest management of P. xylostella.

Molecular cloning, expression, and functional analysis of the chitin synthase 1 gene and its two alternative splicing variants in the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Chitin synthase is responsible for chitin synthesis in the cuticles and cuticular linings of other tissues in insects. We cloned two alternative splicing variants of the chitin synthase 1 gene (SfCHS1) from the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera. The full-length cDNA of the two variants (SfCHS1a and SfCHS1b) consists of 6408 bp, contains a 4719-bp open reading frame encoding 1572 amino acids, and has 5′ and 3′ non-coding regions of 283 and 1406 bp, respectively. The two splicing variants occur at the same position in the cDNA sequence between base pairs 4115 and 4291, and consist of 177 nucleotides that encode 59 amino acids but show 74.6% identity at the amino acid level. Analysis in different developmental stages showed that expression of SfCHS1 and SfCHS1a were highest just after molting, whereas SfCHS1b reached its highest expression level 2 days after molting. Further, SfCHS1 and SfCHS1a were mainly expressed in the integument, whereas SfCHS1b was predominately expressed in the gut and fat body. RNAi-based gene silencing inhibited transcript levels of the corresponding mRNAs in S. furcifera nymphs injected with double-stranded RNA of SfCHS1, SfCHS1a, and SfCHS1b, resulted in malformed phenotypes, and killed most of the treated nymphs. Our results indicate that SfCHS1 may be a potential target gene for RNAi-based S. furcifera control.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) exposed to different insecticides

White-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), one of the main agricultural insect pests in China, is resistant to a wide variety of insecticides. We used transcriptome analysis to compare the expression patterns of resistance- and stress-response genes in S. furcifera subjected to imidacloprid, deltamethrin, and triazophos stress, to determine the molecular mechanisms of resistance to these insecticides. A comparative analysis of gene expression under imidacloprid, deltamethrin, and triazophos stress revealed 1,123, 841, and 316 upregulated unigenes, respectively, compared to the control. These upregulated genes included seven P450s (two CYP2 clade, three CYP3 clade, and two CYP4 clade), one GST, one ABC transporter (ABCF), and seven Hsps (one 90 and six Hsp70s) under imidacloprid stress; one P450 (CYP3 clade), two ABC transporters (one ABCF and one ABCD), and one Hsp (Hsp90) under deltamethrin stress; one P450 (CYP3 clade) and one ABC transporter (ABCF) under triazophos stress. In addition, 80 genes were commonly upregulated in response to the three insecticide treatments, including laminin, larval cuticle protein, and fasciclin, which are associated with epidermal formation. These results provide a valuable resource for the molecular characterisation of insecticide action in S. furcifera, especially the molecular characteristics of insecticide cross resistance.

RNA Interference in Insect Vectors for Plant Viruses

Insects and other arthropods are the most important vectors of plant pathogens. The majority of plant pathogens are disseminated by arthropod vectors such as aphids, beetles, leafhoppers, planthoppers, thrips and whiteflies. Transmission of plant pathogens and the challenges in managing insect vectors due to insecticide resistance are factors that contribute to major food losses in agriculture. RNA interference (RNAi) was recently suggested as a promising strategy for controlling insect pests, including those that serve as important vectors for plant pathogens. The last decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in the functional analysis of insect genes, especially those whose silencing results in mortality or interference with pathogen transmission. The identification of such candidates poses a major challenge for increasing the role of RNAi in pest control. Another challenge is to understand the RNAi machinery in insect cells and whether components that were identified in other organisms are also present in insect. This review will focus on summarizing success cases in which RNAi was used for silencing genes in insect vector for plant pathogens, and will be particularly helpful for vector biologists.

Molecular characterization, tissue and developmental expression profiles of cryptochrome genes in wing dimorphic brown planthoppers, Nilaparvata lugens

Cryptochromes (CRYs) are blue and UV light photoreceptors, known to play key roles in circadian rhythms and in the light-dependent magnetosensitivity of insects. Two novel cryptochrome genes were cloned from the brown planthopper, and were given the designations of Nlcry1 and Nlcry2, with the accession numbers KM108578 and KM108579 in GenBank. The complementary DNA sequences of Nlcry1 and Nlcry2 are 1935 bp and 2463 bp in length, and they contain an open reading frame of 1629 bp and 1872 bp, encoding amino acids of 542 and 623, with a predicted molecular weight of 62.53 kDa and 70.60 kDa, respectively. Well-conserved motifs such as DNA-photolyase and FAD-binding-7 domains were observed in Nlcry1 and Nlcry2. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the proteins of Nlcry1 and Nlcry2 to be clustered into the insect's cryptochrome 1 and cryptochrome 2, respectively. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that the daily oscillations of messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in the head of the brown planthopper were mild for Nlcry1, and modest for Nlcry2. Throughout all developmental stages, Nlcry1 and Nlcry2 exhibited extreme fluctuations and distinctive expression profiles. Cryptochrome mRNA expression peaked immediately after adult emergence and then decreased subsequently. The tissue expression profiles of newly emerged brown planthopper adults showed higher expression levels of CRYs in the head than in the thorax or abdomen, as well as significantly higher levels of CRYs in the heads of the macropterous strain than in the heads of the brachypterous strain. Taken together, the results of our study suggest that the two cryptochrome genes characterized in the brown planthopper might be associated with developmental physiology and migration.

RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the Halloween gene Spookiest (CYP307B1) impedes adult eclosion in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus

Ecdysteroids play a critical role in coordinating insect growth, development and reproduction. A suite of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases coded by what are collectively termed Halloween genes mediate ecdysteroid biosynthesis. In this study, we describe cloning and RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated knockdown of the CYP307B1 Halloween gene (Spookiest) in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus. Transcripts for Ly. hesperus Spookiest (LhSpot) were amplified from all life stages and correlated well with timing of the pre-moult ecdysteroid pulse. In adults, LhSpot was amplified from heads of both genders as well as female reproductive tissues. Heterologous expression of a LhSpot fluorescent chimera in cultured insect cells co-localized with a fluorescent marker of the endoplasmic reticulum/secretory pathway. RNAi-mediated knockdown of LhSpot in fifth instars reduced expression of ecdysone-responsive genes E74 and E75, and prevented adult development. This developmental defect was rescued following application of exogenous 20-hydroxyecdysone but not exogenous 7-dehydrocholesterol. The unequivocal RNAi effects on Ly. hesperus development and the phenotypic rescue by 20-hydroxyecdysone are causal proof of the involvement of LhSpot in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and related developmental processes, and may provide an avenue for development of new control measures against Ly. hesperus.

Differential expression of genes in the alate and apterous morphs of the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida

Winged and wingless morphs in insects represent a trade-off between dispersal ability and reproduction. We studied key genes associated with apterous and alate morphs in Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy) using RNAseq, digital gene expression (DGE) profiling, and RNA interference. The de novo assembly of the transcriptome was obtained through Illumina short-read sequencing technology. A total of 44,199 unigenes were generated and 27,640 were annotated. The transcriptomic differences between alate and apterous adults indicated that 279 unigenes were highly expressed in alate adults, whereas 5,470 were expressed at low levels. Expression patterns of the top 10 highly expressed genes in alate adults agreed with wing bud development trends. Silencing of the lipid synthesis and degradation gene (3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, mitochondrial-like) and glycogen genes (Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase [GTP]-like and Glycogen phosphorylase-like isoform 2) resulted in underdeveloped wings. This suggests that both lipid and glycogen metabolism provide energy for aphid wing development. The large number of sequences and expression data produced from the transcriptome and DGE sequencing, respectively, increases our understanding of wing development mechanisms.

Identification, characterization and functional analysis of a chitin synthase gene in the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Hemiptera, Aphididae)

Chitin synthase (CHS) is a crucial enzyme involved in the final step of the insect chitin biosynthetic pathway. In this study, we cloned the full-length cDNA sequence of a chitin synthase gene (TCiCHS) from the brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida, an important citrus pest and the main vector of citrus tristeza virus worldwide. TCiCHS was expressed during the entire lifecycle and in all insect tissues examined. Expression was highest in first-second-instar nymphs, nymph-adult transitions and in the abdomen (6.7-fold higher than head). Embryos had a higher expression level than the integument. Fourth-instar nymphs were exposed to 5 and 500 mg/l concentrations of the chitin synthesis inhibitor diflubenzuron (DFB) for 48 h and had the highest mortality at the 500 mg/l concentration. The mRNA expression levels of TCiCHS were significantly enhanced upon the exposure of nymphs to both low and high DFB concentrations. Silencing of TCiCHS occurred through plant-mediated double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) feeding. Most dsRNA-fed nymphs were unable to moult to the next stage, and the expression of TCiCHS decreased 48% compared with controls. These results demonstrate that TCiCHS plays an important role in nymph to adult development, is possibly help identify molecular targets for To. citricida control.

The effect of silencing 20E biosynthesis relative genes by feeding bacterially expressed dsRNA on the larval development of Chilo suppressalis

RNA interference (RNAi) is a robust tool to study gene functions as well as potential for insect pest control. Finding suitable target genes is the key step in the development of an efficient RNAi-mediated pest control technique. Based on the transcriptome of Chilo suppressalis, 24 unigenes which putatively associated with insect hormone biosynthesis were identified. Amongst these, four genes involved in ecdysteroidogenesis i.e., ptth, torso, spook and nm-g were evaluated as candidate targets for function study. The partial cDNA of these four genes were cloned and their bacterially expressed dsRNA were fed to the insects. Results revealed a significant reduction in mRNA abundance of target genes after 3 days. Furthermore, knocked down of these four genes resulted in abnormal phenotypes and high larval mortality. After 15 days, the survival rates of insects in dsspook, dsptth, dstorso, and dsnm-g groups were significantly reduced by 32%, 38%, 56%, and 67% respectively, compared with control. Moreover, about 80% of surviving larvae showed retarded development in dsRNA-treated groups. These results suggest that oral ingestion of bacterially expressed dsRNA in C. suppressalis could silence ptth, torso, spook and nm-g. Oral delivery of bacterially expressed dsRNA provides a simple and potential management scheme against C. suppressalis.

RNA interference-aided knockdown of a putative saccharopine dehydrogenase leads to abnormal ecdysis in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

The brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens is a serious phloem-feeding pest of rice in China. The current study focuses on a saccharopine dehydrogenase (SDH) that catalyzes the penultimate reaction in biosynthesis of the amino acid lysine (Lys), which plays a role in insect growth and carnitine production (as a substrate). The protein, provisionally designated as NlylsSDH [a SDH derived from yeast-like symbiont (YLS) in N. lugens], had a higher transcript level in abdomens, compared with heads, wings, legs and thoraces, which agrees with YLS distribution in N. lugens. Ingestion of Nlylssdh targeted double-stranded RNA (dsNlylssdh) for 5, 10 and 15 days decreased the mRNA abundance in the hoppers by 47, 70 and 31%, respectively, comparing with those ingesting normal or dsegfp diets. Nlylssdh knockdown slightly decreased the body weights, significantly delayed the development of females, and killed approximately 30% of the nymphs. Moreover, some surviving adults showed two apparent phenotypic defects: wing deformation and nymphal cuticles remained on tips of the legs and abdomens. The brachypterours/macropterours and sex ratios (female/male) of the adults on the dsRNA diet were lowered compared with the adults on diets without dsRNA. These results suggest that Nlylssdh encodes a functional SDH protein. The adverse effect of Nlylssdh knockdown on N. lugens implies the importance of Lys in hopper development. This study provides a proof of concept example that Nlylssdh could serve as a possible dsRNA-based pesticide for planthopper control.

The silkworm glutathione S-transferase gene noppera-bo is required for ecdysteroid biosynthesis and larval development

Insect molting and metamorphosis are tightly controlled by ecdysteroids, which are important steroid hormones that are synthesized from dietary sterols in the prothoracic gland. One of the ecdysteroidogenic genes in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is noppera-bo (nobo), also known as GSTe14, which encodes a member of the epsilon class of glutathione S-transferases. In D. melanogaster, nobo plays a crucial role in utilizing cholesterol via regulating its transport and/or metabolism in the prothoracic gland. However, it is still not known whether the orthologs of nobo from other insects are also involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis via cholesterol transport and/or metabolism in the prothoracic gland. Here we report genetic evidence showing that the silkworm Bombyx mori ortholog of nobo (nobo-Bm; GSTe7) is essential for silkworm development. nobo-Bm is predominantly expressed in the prothoracic gland. To assess the functional importance of nobo-Bm, we generated a B. mori genetic mutant of nobo-Bm using TALEN-mediated genome editing. We show that loss of nobo-Bm function causes larval arrest and a glossy cuticle phenotype, which are rescued by the application of 20-hydroxyecdysone. Moreover, the prothoracic gland cells isolated from the nobo-Bm mutant exhibit an abnormal accumulation of 7-dehydrocholesterol, a cholesterol metabolite. These results suggest that the nobo family of glutathione S-transferases is essential for development and for the regulation of sterol utilization in the prothoracic gland in not only the Diptera but also the Lepidoptera. On the other hand, loss of nobo function mutants of D. melanogaster and B. mori abnormally accumulates different sterols, implying that the sterol utilization in the PG is somewhat different between these two insect species.

Pathways of Amino Acid Degradation in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) with Special Reference to Lysine-Ketoglutarate Reductase/Saccharopine Dehydrogenase (LKR/SDH)

Nilaparvata lugens harbors yeast-like symbionts (YLSs). In present paper, a genome-wide analysis found 115 genes from Ni. lugens and 90 genes from YLSs that were involved in the metabolic degradation of 20 proteinogenic amino acids. These 205 genes encoded for 77 enzymes. Accordingly, the degradation pathways for the 20 amino acids were manually constructed. It is postulated that Ni. lugens can independently degrade fourteen amino acids (threonine, alanine, glycine, serine, aspartate, asparagine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamate, glutamine, proline, histidine, leucine and lysine). Ni. lugens and YLSs enzymes may work collaboratively to break down tryptophan, cysteine, arginine, isoleucine, methionine and valine. We cloned a lysine-ketoglutarate reductase/saccharopine dehydrogenase gene (Nllkr/sdh) that encoded a bifunctional enzyme catalyzing the first two steps of lysine catabolism. Nllkr/sdh is widely expressed in the first through fifth instar nymphs and adults, and is highly expressed in the fat body, ovary and gut in adults. Ingestion of dsNllkr/sdh by nymphs successfully knocked down the target gene, and caused nymphal/adult mortality, shortened nymphal development stage and reduced adult fresh weight. Moreover, Nllkr/sdh knockdown resulted in three defects: wings were shortened and thickened; cuticles were stretched and thinned; and old nymphal cuticles remained on the tips of legs and abdomen and were not completely shed. These data indicate that impaired lysine degradation negatively affects the survival and development of Ni. lugens.

Knockdown of Cs-Spook induces delayed larval molting in rice striped stem borer Chilo suppressalis

Spook has essential roles in the biogenesis of the molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-E). The function of spook in the rice striped stem borer (SSB) Chilo suppressalis remains unclear, prompting our hypothesis that it exerts actions similar to those reported for other insect species. Here we amplified the full-length transcript of spook (Cs-Spook) in SSB by 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Cs-Spook has conserved P450 motifs such as Helix-C, Helix-I, Helix-K, and PERF motif (PxxFxPxRF). It was highly expressed in late instar larvae but less so in newly molted larvae. Cs-Spook was highly expressed in prothoracic glands. Cs-Spook was knocked down by dsRNA treatments. Compared with controls, the gene expression level was reduced to 9% at 24 h post injection (PI), 33% at 48 h PI, and 24% at 72 h PI. The ecdysteroid titer decreased significantly in the dsRNA-treated group (P < 0.05), resulting in delayed larval development. The delayed development in dsRNA-treatment group was rescued by treating with 20-E. Our work demonstrates that Cs-Spook participates in the biogenesis of 20-E and regulates the molt of SSB, as seen in other species.

The P450 enzyme Shade mediates the hydroxylation of ecdysone to 20-hydroxyecdysone in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata

Ecdysone 20-monooxygenase (E20MO), a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP314A1), catalyses the conversion of ecdysone (E) to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). We report here the cloning and characterization of the Halloween gene Shade (Shd) encoding E20MO in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata. LdSHD has five conserved motifs typical of insect P450s, ie the Helix-C, Helix-I, Helix-K, PxxFxPE/DRF (PERF) and heme-binding motifs. LdShd was expressed in developing eggs, the first to fourth instars, wandering larvae, pupae and adults, with statistically significant fluctuations. Its mRNA was ubiquitously distributed in the head, thorax and abdomen. The recombinant LdSHD protein expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda 9 (Sf9) cells catalysed the conversion of E to 20E. Dietary introduction of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) of LdShd into the second instar larvae successfully knocked down the LdShd expression level, decreased the mRNA level of the ecdysone receptor (LdEcR) gene, caused larval lethality, delayed development and affected pupation. Moreover, ingestion of LdShd-dsRNA by the fourth instars also down-regulated LdShd and LdEcR expression, reduced the 20E titre, and negatively influenced pupation. Introduction of 20E and a nonsteroidal ecdysteroid agonist halofenozide into the LdShd-dsRNA-ingested second instars, and of halofenozide into the LdShd-dsRNA-ingested fourth instars almost completely relieved the negative effects on larval performance. Thus, LdSHD functions to regulate metamorphotic processes by converting E to 20E in a coleopteran insect species Le. decemlineata.

Wingless gene cloning and its role in manipulating the wing dimorphism in the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera

BACKGROUND

Wingless gene (Wg) plays a fundamental role in regulating the segment polarity and wing imaginal discs of insects. The rice planthoppers have an obvious wing dimorphism, and the long- and short-winged forms exist normally in natural populations. However, the molecular characteristics and functions of Wg in rice planthoppers are poorly understood, and the relationship between expression level of Wg and wing dimorphism has not been clarified.

RESULTS

In this study, wingless gene (Wg) was cloned from three species of rice planthopper, Sogatella furcifera, Laodelphgax striatellus and Nilaparvata lugens, and its characteristics and role in determining the wing dimorphism of S. furcifera were explored. The results showed that only three different amino acid residuals encoded by Wg were found between S. furcifera and L. striatellus, but more than 10 residuals in N. lugens were different with L. striatellus and S. furcifera. The sequences of amino acids encoded by Wg showed a high degree of identity between these three species of rice planthopper that belong to the same family, Delphacidae. The macropterous and brachypterous lineages of S. furcifera were established by selection experiment. The Wg mRNA expression levels in nymphs were significantly higher in the macropterous lineage than in the brachypterous lineage of S. furcifera. In macropterous adults, the Wg was expressed mainly in wings and legs, and less in body segments. Ingestion of 100 ng/μL double-stranded RNA of Wg from second instar nymphs led to a significant decrease of expression level of Wg during nymphal stage and of body weight of subsequent adults. Moreover, RNAi of Wg resulted in significantly shorter and deformative wings, including shrunken and unfolded wings.

CONCLUSION

Wg has high degree of identity among three species of rice planthopper. Wg is involved in the development and growth of wings in S. furcifera. Expression level of Wg during the nymphal stage manipulates the size and pattern of wings in S. furcifera.

The putative Halloween gene phantom involved in ecdysteroidogenesis in the white-backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera

Postembryonic development of insects is highly dependent on ecdysteroid hormones ecdysone (E) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP306A1, the product of the Halloween gene phantom (phm), is involved in the ecdysteroidogenesis in representative insects in Diptera, Lepidoptera and Orthoptera. In the present paper, Sfphm was cloned from a hemipteran insect species, the white-backed planthopper Sogatella furcifera. SfPHM has five insect conserved P450 motifs, i.e., Helix-C, Helix-I, Helix-K, PERF and heme-binding motifs. Temporal and spatial expression patterns of Sfphm were evaluated by q-PCR. Sfphm showed three expression peaks in late second-, third- and fourth-instar stages. In contrast, the expression levels were lower and formed three troughs in the newly-molted second-, third- and fourth-instar nymphs. The relative 20E levels exhibited similar temporal patterns to Sfphm expression levels. On day 3 of the fourth-instar nymphs, Sfphm clearly had a high transcript level in the thorax where PGs were located. Dietary introduction of double-stranded RNA of Sfphm into the second instars successfully knocked down the target gene, and greatly reduced 20E level and ecdysone receptor (EcR) expression level. Moreover, knockdown of Sfphm caused lethality and slowed down ecdysis during nymphal stages. Furthermore, ingestion of 20-hydroxyecdysone did not alter Sfphm expression level, but almost completely rescued SfEcR expression level, and relieved the negative effects on nymphal survival and ecdysis in Sfphm-dsRNA-exposed planthoppers. Thus, our results suggest that Sfphm plays a critical role in ecdysteroidogenesis in S. furcifera.

RNA interference depletion of the Halloween gene disembodied implies its potential application for management of planthopper Sogatella furcifera and Laodelphax striatellus

Sogatella furcifera and Laodelphax striatellus are economically important rice pests in China by acting as vectors of several rice viruses, sucking the phloem sap and blocking the phloem vessels. Ecdysteroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone regulates insect development and reproduction. A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase CYP302A1 (22-hydroxylase), encoded by the Halloween gene disembodied (dib), plays a critical role in ecdysteroidogenesis. The objective of this study is to test whether dib genes are potential targets for RNA interference-based management of S. furcifera and L. striatellus. We cloned and characterized Sfdib and Lsdib. The open reading frame regions of dib genes were generated and used for designing and constructing dsRNA fragments. Experiments were conducted using oral delivery of dsdib to investigate the effectiveness of RNAi in S. furcifera and L. striatellus nymphs. Real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis demonstrated that continuous ingestion of dsdib at the concentration of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.50 mg/ml diminished Sfdib expression levels by 35.9%, 45.1% and 66.2%, and ecdysone receptor (SfEcR) gene mRNA levels by 34.0%, 36.2% and 58.5% respectively in S. furcifera, and decreased Lsdib expression level by 18.8%, 35.8% and 56.7%, and LsEcR mRNA levels by 25.2%, 46.8% and 68.8% respectively in L. striatellus. The reduction in dib and EcR transcript abundance resulted in observable phenotypes. The development of nymphs was impaired and the survival was negatively affected. Our data will enable the development of new insect control strategies and functional analysis of vital genes in S. furcifera and L. striatellus nymphs.

RNAi mediated knockdown of the ryanodine receptor gene decreases chlorantraniliprole susceptibility in Sogatella furcifera

The diamide insecticides activate ryanodine receptors (RyRs) to release and deplete intracellular calcium stores from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of muscles and the endoplasmic reticulum of many types of cells. They rapidly interrupt feeding of the target pest and eventually kill the pest due to starvation. However, information about the structure and function of insect RyRs is still limited. In this study, we isolated a 15,985bp full-length cDNA (named SfRyR) from Sogatella furcifera, a serious rice planthopper pest throughout Asia. SfRyR encodes a 5140-amino acid protein, which shares 78-97% sequence identities with other insect homologues, and less than 50% identities with Homo sapiens RyR1-3. All hallmarks of the RyR proteins are conserved in SfRyR. In the N-terminus, SfRyR has a MIR domain, two RIH domains, three SPRY domains, four copies of RyR repeated domain and a RIH-associated domain. In the C-terminus, SfRyR possesses two consensus calcium ion-binding EF-hand motifs, and six transmembrane helices. Temporal and spatial expression analysis showed that SfRyR was widely found in all development stages including egg, first through fifth instar nymphs, macropterous adult females and males. On day 2 fifth-instar nymphs, SfRyR was ubiquitously expressed in the head, thorax and abdomen. Dietary ingestion of dsSfRyR1 and dsSfRyR2 significantly reduced the mRNA level of SfRyR in the treated nymphs by 77.9% and 81.8% respectively, and greatly decreased chlorantraniliprole-induced mortality. Thus, our results suggested that SfRyR gene encoded a functional RyR that mediates chlorantraniliprole toxicity to S. furcifera.