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Zhang B, Zhang H, Liu Y, Wei H, Han C, Erbilgin N. Feeding Preferences Shift from Protein to Carbohydrates Across Life Stages in a Phloeophagus Bark Beetle Species. J Chem Ecol 2025; 51:56. [PMID: 40392432 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-025-01608-z] [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: 04/15/2025] [Revised: 05/04/2025] [Accepted: 05/05/2025] [Indexed: 05/22/2025]
Abstract
Understanding stage-specific nutritional requirements is essential for determining insect feeding strategies and developing targeted pest management approaches. We examined the feeding preferences, developmental duration, survival rates, and digestive efficiency of the mountain pine beetle across different life stages under different nutritional conditions. We tested three artificial diets with varying protein-to-carbohydrate ratios, including high-protein-low-carbohydrate (HP-LC), medium-protein-medium-carbohydrate (MP-MC), and low-protein-high-carbohydrate (LP-HC). The results showed stage-specific differences in feeding preference among beetle larvae. Early-instar larvae preferred HP-LC and MP-MC diets, whereas late-instar larvae preferred LP-HC diets. Adults of both sexes strongly favoured LP-HC diets. Larvae on MP-MC diets exhibited the fastest development and highest digestive efficiency, indicating optimal protein-carbohydrate balance for growth. Survival was highest on the HP-LC and MP-MC diets but was lower on the LP-HC diets, especially in early instars. Poor digestive efficiency in LP-HC diets suggests that excessive carbohydrates hinder nutrient assimilation. These findings show that mountain pine beetle developmental stages have distinct nutritional needs, with early instar larvae requiring higher protein for survival and development. The observed dietary shifts may be linked to seasonal changes in the nutrient composition of host trees and fungal symbionts of the mountain pine beetles. These stage-specific nutritional preferences further suggest opportunities to disrupt beetle growth through targeted, nutrition-based pest management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, China-Australia Joint Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Health, College of Plant Health and Medicine, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266109, Canada
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Hongzhi Zhang
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Yanzhuo Liu
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Haolin Wei
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Chengke Han
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Nadir Erbilgin
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E3, Canada.
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2
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Bradic I, Rewitz K. Steroid Signaling in Autophagy. J Mol Biol 2025:169134. [PMID: 40210154 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2025.169134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2025] [Revised: 03/19/2025] [Accepted: 04/04/2025] [Indexed: 04/12/2025]
Abstract
Autophagy is a conserved cellular process essential for homeostasis and development that plays a central role in the degradation and recycling of cellular components. Recent studies reveal bidirectional interactions between autophagy and steroid-hormone signaling. Steroids are signaling molecules synthesized from cholesterol that regulate key physiological and developmental processes - including autophagic activity. Conversely, other work demonstrates that autophagy regulates steroid production by controlling the availability of precursor sterol substrate. Insights from Drosophila and mammalian models provide compelling evidence for the conservation of these mechanisms across species. In this review we explore how steroid hormones modulate autophagy in diverse tissues and contexts, such as metabolism and disease, and discuss advances in our understanding of autophagy's regulatory role in steroid hormone production. We examine the implications of these interactions for health and disease and offer perspectives on the potential for harnessing this functionality for addressing cholesterol-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Bradic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Kim Rewitz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark.
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Jin X, Ma L, Zhang F, Zhang L, Yin J, Wang W, Zhao M. Identification and Evolution Analysis of the Genes Involved in the 20-Hydroxyecdysone Metabolism in the Mud Crab, Scylla paramamosain: A Preliminary Study. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:1586. [PMID: 39766853 PMCID: PMC11675983 DOI: 10.3390/genes15121586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2024] [Revised: 11/23/2024] [Accepted: 11/26/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 20-Hydroxyecdysone (20E) is the most ubiquitous ecdysteroid (Ecd) and plays critical roles during the life cycle of arthropods. To elucidate the metabolism pathway of 20E in the economically important species, Scylla paramamosain, we conducted a comprehensive exploration of the genes involved in the 20E metabolism pathway. METHODS A comprehensive exploration of genes involved in the 20E metabolism pathway was conducted, including gene annotation, local blast using the Drosophila ortholog as query, and TreeFam ortholog genes identification. Bioinformatics and expression profiling of the identified genes were performed to assess their roles in the 20E metabolism of green mud crabs. RESULTS This experiment indicated that, except for CYP306a1 and CYP314a1, all other ortholog genes involved in the Drosophila 20E metabolism can be found in the mud crab, suggesting that the function of these two genes might be replaced by other CYP genes or the "active" Ecd in mud crabs was not the 20E. All genes had the typical features of each gene family, clustered with the specific clade in the phylogenetic trees. In addition, all the identified genes had the highest expression level in the Y-organ, and sex-biased gene expression was observed in these genes. CONCLUSIONS This study provided some valuable insights into the metabolism and diversity of ecdysteroids in crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 300 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200090, China; (X.J.); (L.M.); (F.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.Y.); (W.W.)
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Lingbo Ma
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 300 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200090, China; (X.J.); (L.M.); (F.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.Y.); (W.W.)
| | - Fengying Zhang
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 300 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200090, China; (X.J.); (L.M.); (F.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.Y.); (W.W.)
| | - Linzi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 300 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200090, China; (X.J.); (L.M.); (F.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.Y.); (W.W.)
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Jinju Yin
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 300 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200090, China; (X.J.); (L.M.); (F.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.Y.); (W.W.)
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 300 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200090, China; (X.J.); (L.M.); (F.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.Y.); (W.W.)
| | - Ming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of East China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation, Ministry of Agriculture, East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, 300 Jungong Road, Shanghai 200090, China; (X.J.); (L.M.); (F.Z.); (L.Z.); (J.Y.); (W.W.)
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4
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Boccia M, Ploβ K, Kunert M, Keshan R, Hatam M, Grabe V, O'Connor SE, Sonawane PD. Metabolic engineering of vitamin D 3 in Solanaceae plants. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2024; 22:3389-3391. [PMID: 39283754 PMCID: PMC11606407 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.14459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 11/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Boccia
- Department of Natural Product BiosynthesisMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Kerstin Ploβ
- Department of Natural Product BiosynthesisMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Maritta Kunert
- Department of Natural Product BiosynthesisMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Radhika Keshan
- Department of Natural Product BiosynthesisMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Mustafa Hatam
- Department of Natural Product BiosynthesisMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Veit Grabe
- Microscopy Imaging ServiceMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Sarah E. O'Connor
- Department of Natural Product BiosynthesisMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
| | - Prashant D. Sonawane
- Department of Natural Product BiosynthesisMax Planck Institute for Chemical EcologyJenaGermany
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Zheng X, Yang J, Liu X, Sun C, Zhou Q, Wang A, Chen J, Liu B. Effects of Different Levels of Antarctic Krill Oil on the Ovarian Development of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:3313. [PMID: 39595365 PMCID: PMC11591225 DOI: 10.3390/ani14223313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2024] [Revised: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 11/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antarctic krill oil has been proven to be able to promote the ovarian development of crustaceans, but its optimal application dose and potential regulatory mechanism in Macrobrachium rosenbergii are still unclear. In this study, five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets with gradient additions of Antarctic krill oil (0%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6%) were served exposed to 8 weeks of feeding. The results show that 3-4.5% Antarctic krill oil supplementation significantly increases the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of M. rosenbergii (p < 0.05). In addition, 3-4.5% Antarctic krill oil supplementation significantly increased the content of hemolymph vitellogenin (VTG) and the levels of reproductive hormones, including methyl farnesoate (MF), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) (p < 0.05). The differences in ovarian index, oocyte volume, yolk granule deposition in oocytes, and the transcription levels of VTG genes in hepatopancreas and ovarian tissues demonstrated that the addition of Antarctic krill oil significantly promoted ovarian development and vitellogenesis, especially at the 4.5% addition level. In terms of molecular signaling, this study confirms that the retinol metabolic signaling pathway, MF signaling pathway, steroid hormone signaling pathway, and ecdysone signaling pathway, along with their specific molecules, such as Farnesoic acid-O-methyltransferase (FAMeT), retinoid x receptor (RXR), ecdysone receptor (EcR), and estrogen-related receptor (ERR), are involved in the regulation of the ovarian development of M. rosenbergii by adding Antarctic krill oil at appropriate doses. The findings indicate that the supplementation of 4.5% Antarctic krill oil in the diet is optimal for stimulating the secretion of reproductive hormones in female M. rosenbergii, thereby promoting vitellogenesis and ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Genetic Breeding of Aquatic Animals and Aquaculture Biology, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi 214081, China; (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.L.); (C.S.); (Q.Z.)
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Key Laboratory for Genetic Breeding of Aquatic Animals and Aquaculture Biology, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi 214081, China; (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.L.); (C.S.); (Q.Z.)
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Genetic Breeding of Aquatic Animals and Aquaculture Biology, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi 214081, China; (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.L.); (C.S.); (Q.Z.)
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Cunxin Sun
- Key Laboratory for Genetic Breeding of Aquatic Animals and Aquaculture Biology, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi 214081, China; (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.L.); (C.S.); (Q.Z.)
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Qunlan Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Genetic Breeding of Aquatic Animals and Aquaculture Biology, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi 214081, China; (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.L.); (C.S.); (Q.Z.)
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Aimin Wang
- College of Marine and Biology Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng 224051, China;
| | - Jianming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Fish Health and Nutrition of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Institute of Freshwater Fisheries, Huzhou 313001, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Key Laboratory for Genetic Breeding of Aquatic Animals and Aquaculture Biology, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC), Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (CAFS), Wuxi 214081, China; (X.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.L.); (C.S.); (Q.Z.)
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
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Wu T, Dong Q, Tang X, Zhu X, Deng D, Ding Y, Ahmad S, Zhang W, Mao Z, Zhao X, Ge L. CYP303A1 regulates molting and metamorphosis through 20E signaling in Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 281:136234. [PMID: 39366602 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.136234] [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: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 09/09/2024] [Accepted: 09/30/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Cytochrome P450s play a crucial role in the breakdown of external substances and perform important activities in the hormone system of insects. It has been understood that P450s were essential in the metabolism of ecdysteroids. CYP303A1 is a highly conserved CYP in most insects, but its specific physiological functions remain poorly understood in Nilaparvata lugens Stål. In this study, NlCYP303A1 was identified and highly expressed in the pre-molt stages, predominantly in the cuticle-producing tissues. Silencing of NlCYP303A1 caused a lethal phenotype with a molting defect. Moreover, the 20E titers, the expression levels of Halloween genes, and critical genes associated with the 20E signaling pathway in N. lugens nymphs were significantly decreased with the silencing NlCYP303A1. We further performed additional backfilling of 20E to rescue the RNAi effects on NlCYP303A1. The gene expression levels that were previously reduced caused by silencing NlCYP303A1 were significantly elevated. However, the molting defects of nymphs were not effectively improved. The results demonstrated NlCYP303A1 plays a crucial role in the molting and metamorphosis of N. lugens by regulating the 20E signaling pathway and cuticular formation, enhances the understanding of the functional role of CYP 2 clans, and identifies candidate gene for RNAi-based control of N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wu
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China; College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Qiaoqiao Dong
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xingyu Tang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xuhui Zhu
- College of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Yangzhou University, 225009 Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Di Deng
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Yuting Ding
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Sheraz Ahmad
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Ziyue Mao
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Linquan Ge
- College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
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7
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Liu W, Yan M, King-Jones K. Soul is a master control gene governing the development of the Drosophila prothoracic gland. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2405469121. [PMID: 39312662 PMCID: PMC11459192 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405469121] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The prothoracic gland (PG) is a major insect endocrine organ. It is the principal source of insect steroid hormones, and critical for key developmental events such as the molts, the establishment of critical weight (CW), pupation, and sexual maturation. However, little is known about the developmental processes that regulate PG morphology. In this study, we identified soul, which encodes a PG-specific basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor. We demonstrate that Tap, also a bHLH protein, dimerizes with Soul. Both are expressed in the developing PG. Interfering with either soul or tap function caused strikingly similar phenotypes, resulting in small and fragmented PGs, the abolishment of steroid hormone-producing gene expression, larval arrest, and a failure to undergo metamorphosis. Furthermore, both soul and tap showed expression peaks just prior to the CW checkpoint. Disrupting soul- or tap-function before, but not after, the CW checkpoint caused larval arrest, and perturbed highly similar gene cohorts, which were enriched for regulators and components of the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway. Intriguingly, a chitin-based cuticle gene, Cpr49Ah, and a POU domain transcription factor gene, pdm3, are direct target genes of the Soul/Tap complex, and disruption of either phenocopied key aspects of soul/tap loss-of-function phenotypes. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the Soul/Tap heterodimer resides at the top of a complex gene hierarchy that drives PG development, CW establishment, and steroid hormone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Liu
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, ABT6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Minyi Yan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, ABT6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Kirst King-Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, ABT6G 2E9, Canada
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8
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Kim TK, Slominski RM, Pyza E, Kleszczynski K, Tuckey RC, Reiter RJ, Holick MF, Slominski AT. Evolutionary formation of melatonin and vitamin D in early life forms: insects take centre stage. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2024; 99:1772-1790. [PMID: 38686544 PMCID: PMC11368659 DOI: 10.1111/brv.13091] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Melatonin, a product of tryptophan metabolism via serotonin, is a molecule with an indole backbone that is widely produced by bacteria, unicellular eukaryotic organisms, plants, fungi and all animal taxa. Aside from its role in the regulation of circadian rhythms, it has diverse biological actions including regulation of cytoprotective responses and other functions crucial for survival across different species. The latter properties are also shared by its metabolites including kynuric products generated by reactive oxygen species or phototransfomation induced by ultraviolet radiation. Vitamins D and related photoproducts originate from phototransformation of ∆5,7 sterols, of which 7-dehydrocholesterol and ergosterol are examples. Their ∆5,7 bonds in the B ring absorb solar ultraviolet radiation [290-315 nm, ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation] resulting in B ring opening to produce previtamin D, also referred to as a secosteroid. Once formed, previtamin D can either undergo thermal-induced isomerization to vitamin D or absorb UVB radiation to be transformed into photoproducts including lumisterol and tachysterol. Vitamin D, as well as the previtamin D photoproducts lumisterol and tachysterol, are hydroxylated by cyochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes to produce biologically active hydroxyderivatives. The best known of these is 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) for which the major function in vertebrates is regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Herein we review data on melatonin production and metabolism and discuss their functions in insects. We discuss production of previtamin D and vitamin D, and their photoproducts in fungi, plants and insects, as well as mechanisms for their enzymatic activation and suggest possible biological functions for them in these groups of organisms. For the detection of these secosteroids and their precursors and photoderivatives, as well as melatonin metabolites, we focus on honey produced by bees and on body extracts of Drosophila melanogaster. Common biological functions for melatonin derivatives and secosteroids such as cytoprotective and photoprotective actions in insects are discussed. We provide hypotheses for the photoproduction of other secosteroids and of kynuric metabolites of melatonin, based on the known photobiology of ∆5,7 sterols and of the indole ring, respectively. We also offer possible mechanisms of actions for these unique molecules and summarise differences and similarities of melatoninergic and secosteroidogenic pathways in diverse organisms including insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Kang Kim
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Radomir M Slominski
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, Bioinformatics and Informatics Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Elzbieta Pyza
- Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 9, Kraków, 30-387, Poland
| | - Konrad Kleszczynski
- Department of Dermatology, Münster, Von-Esmarch-Str. 58, Münster, 48161, Germany
| | - Robert C Tuckey
- School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | | | - Andrzej T Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Chemoprevention Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
- VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
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9
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Ostalé CM, Pulido D, Vega-Cuesta P, López-Varea A, de Celis JF. Developmental analysis of Spalt function in the Drosophila prothoracic gland. Development 2024; 151:dev202751. [PMID: 39087588 PMCID: PMC11385645 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202751] [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: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
The Spalt transcriptional regulators participate in a variety of cell fate specification processes during development, regulating transcription through interactions with DNA AT-rich regions. Spalt proteins also bind to heterochromatic regions, and some of their effects require interactions with the NuRD chromatin remodeling and deacetylase complex. Most of the biological roles of Spalt proteins have been characterized in diploid cells engaged in cell proliferation. Here, we address the function of Drosophila Spalt genes in the development of a larval tissue formed by polyploid cells, the prothoracic gland, the cells of which undergo several rounds of DNA replication without mitosis during larval development. We show that prothoracic glands depleted of Spalt expression display severe changes in the size of the nucleolus, the morphology of the nuclear envelope and the disposition of the chromatin within the nucleus, leading to a failure in the synthesis of ecdysone. We propose that loss of ecdysone production in the prothoracic gland of Spalt mutants is primarily caused by defects in nuclear pore complex function that occur as a consequence of faulty interactions between heterochromatic regions and the nuclear envelope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M Ostalé
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Diego Pulido
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Patricia Vega-Cuesta
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Ana López-Varea
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
| | - Jose F de Celis
- Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', CSIC and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid 28049, Spain
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Šťastná K, Musdal Y, Ismail A, Ebihara K, Niwa R, Mannervik B. Supreme glutathione-dependent ketosteroid isomerase in the yellow-fever transmitting mosquito Aedes aegypti. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 711:149914. [PMID: 38608434 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149914] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The steroid hormone ecdysone is essential for the reproduction and survival of insects. The hormone is synthesized from dietary sterols such as cholesterol, yielding ecdysone in a series of consecutive enzymatic reactions. In the insect orders Lepidoptera and Diptera a glutathione transferase called Noppera-bo (Nobo) plays an essential, but biochemically uncharacterized, role in ecdysteroid biosynthesis. The Nobo enzyme is consequently a possible target in harmful dipterans, such as disease-carrying mosquitoes. Flavonoid compounds inhibit Nobo and have larvicidal effects in the yellow-fever transmitting mosquito Aedes aegypti, but the enzyme is functionally incompletely characterized. We here report that within a set of glutathione transferase substrates the double-bond isomerase activity with 5-androsten-3,17-dione stands out with an extraordinary specific activity of 4000 μmol min-1 mg-1. We suggest that the authentic function of Nobo is catalysis of a chemically analogous ketosteroid isomerization in ecdysone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Šťastná
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
| | - Yaman Musdal
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden; Department of Pediatric Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06230, Turkey
| | - Aram Ismail
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
| | - Kana Ebihara
- Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Bengt Mannervik
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden; Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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11
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Soltani S, Webb SM, Kroll T, King-Jones K. Drosophila Evi5 is a critical regulator of intracellular iron transport via transferrin and ferritin interactions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4045. [PMID: 38744835 PMCID: PMC11094094 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48165-9] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Vesicular transport is essential for delivering cargo to intracellular destinations. Evi5 is a Rab11-GTPase-activating protein involved in endosome recycling. In humans, Evi5 is a high-risk locus for multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease that also presents with excess iron in the CNS. In insects, the prothoracic gland (PG) requires entry of extracellular iron to synthesize steroidogenic enzyme cofactors. The mechanism of peripheral iron uptake in insect cells remains controversial. We show that Evi5-depletion in the Drosophila PG affected vesicle morphology and density, blocked endosome recycling and impaired trafficking of transferrin-1, thus disrupting heme synthesis due to reduced cellular iron concentrations. We show that ferritin delivers iron to the PG as well, and interacts physically with Evi5. Further, ferritin-injection rescued developmental delays associated with Evi5-depletion. To summarize, our findings show that Evi5 is critical for intracellular iron trafficking via transferrin-1 and ferritin, and implicate altered iron homeostasis in the etiology of multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sattar Soltani
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Science, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Samuel M Webb
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Thomas Kroll
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Kirst King-Jones
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Science, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, Canada.
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12
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Vafopoulou X, Steel CGH. Halloween genes are expressed with a circadian rhythm during development in prothoracic glands of the insect RHODNIUS PROLIXUS. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2024; 290:111588. [PMID: 38242349 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.111588] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
We analyse the developmental and circadian profiles of expression of the genes responsible for ecdysteroidogenesis (Halloween genes) in the PGs of Rhodnius prolixus throughout larval-adult development. Extensive use of in vitro techniques enabled multiple different parameters to be measured in individual PGs. Expression of disembodied and spook closely paralleled the ecdysteroid synthesis of the same PGs, and the ecdysteroid titre in vivo, but with functionally significant exceptions. Various tissues other than PGs expressed one, both or neither genes. Both gonads express both genes in pharate adults (larvae close to ecdysis). Both genes were expressed at low, but significant, levels in UF Rhodnius, raising questions concerning how developmental arrest is maintained in UF animals. IHC confirmed the subcellular localisation of the coded proteins. Gene knockdown suppressed transcription of both genes and ecdysteroid synthesis, with spook apparently regulating the downstream gene disembodied. Transcription of both genes occurred with a daily rhythm (with peaks at night) that was confirmed to be under circadian control using aperiodic conditions. The complex behaviour of the rhythm in LL implied two anatomically distinct oscillators regulate this transcription rhythm. First, the circadian clock in the PGs and second, the circadian rhythm of of Rhodnius PTTH which is released rhythmically from the brain under control of the circadian clock therein, both of which were described previously. We conclude ecdysteroidogenesis in Rhodnius PGs employs a similar pathway as other insects, but its control is complex, involving mechanisms both within and outside the PGs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colin G H Steel
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto M3J 1P3, Canada.
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13
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Lv J, He QH, Shi P, Zhou F, Zhang TT, Zhang M, Zhang XY. RNAi-mediated silencing of the neverland gene inhibits molting in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105845. [PMID: 38582577 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) is a key intermediate product used for biosynthesis of molting hormone. This is achieved through a series of hydroxylation reactions catalyzed by the Halloween family of cytochrome P450s. Neverland is an enzyme catalyzes the first reaction of the ecdysteroidogenic pathway, which converts dietary cholesterol into 7-DHC. However, research on the physiological function of neverland in orthopteran insects is lacking. In this study, neverland from Locusta migratoria (LmNvd) was cloned and analyzed. LmNvd was mainly expressed in the prothoracic gland and highly expressed on days 6 and 7 of fifth instar nymphs. RNAi-mediated silencing of LmNvd resulted in serious molting delays and abnormal phenotypes, which could be rescued by 7-DHC and 20-hydroxyecdysone supplementation. Hematoxylin and eosin staining results showed that RNAi-mediated silencing of LmNvd disturbed the molting process by both promoting the synthesis of new cuticle and suppressing the degradation of the old cuticle. Quantitative real-time PCR results suggested that the mRNA expression of E75 early gene and chitinase 5 gene decreased and that of chitin synthase 1 gene was markedly upregulated after knockdown of LmNvd. Our results suggest that LmNvd participates in the biosynthesis process of molting hormone, which is involved in regulating chitin synthesis and degradation in molting cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Lv
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, China
| | - Qi-Hui He
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, China
| | - Peng Shi
- Shanxi Academy of Forestry and Grassland, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, China.
| | - Xue-Yao Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030006, China; Shanxi Key Laboratory of Nucleic Acid Biopesticides, China; Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, China.
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14
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Ma S, Zhang T, Wang R, Wang P, Liu Y, Chang J, Wang A, Lan X, Sun L, Sun H, Shi R, Lu W, Liu D, Zhang N, Hu W, Wang X, Xing W, Jia L, Xia Q. High-throughput and genome-scale targeted mutagenesis using CRISPR in a nonmodel multicellular organism, Bombyx mori. Genome Res 2024; 34:134-144. [PMID: 38191205 PMCID: PMC10903940 DOI: 10.1101/gr.278297.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Large-scale genetic mutant libraries are powerful approaches to interrogating genotype-phenotype correlations and identifying genes responsible for certain environmental stimuli, both of which are the central goal of life science study. We produced the first large-scale CRISPR-Cas9-induced library in a nonmodel multicellular organism, Bombyx mori We developed a piggyBac-delivered binary genome editing strategy, which can simultaneously meet the requirements of mixed microinjection, efficient multipurpose genetic operation, and preservation of growth-defect lines. We constructed a single-guide RNA (sgRNA) plasmid library containing 92,917 sgRNAs targeting promoters and exons of 14,645 protein-coding genes, established 1726 transgenic sgRNA lines following microinjection of 66,650 embryos, and generated 300 mutant lines with diverse phenotypic changes. Phenomic characterization of mutant lines identified a large set of genes responsible for visual phenotypic or economically valuable trait changes. Next, we performed pooled context-specific positive screens for tolerance to environmental pollutant cadmium exposure, and identified KWMTBOMO12902 as a strong candidate gene for breeding applications in sericulture industry. Collectively, our results provide a novel and versatile approach for functional B. mori genomics, as well as a powerful resource for identifying the potential of key candidate genes for improving various economic traits. This study also shows the effectiveness, practicality, and convenience of large-scale mutant libraries in other nonmodel organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanyuan Ma
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
| | - Tong Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ruolin Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jiasong Chang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Aoming Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xinhui Lan
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Le Sun
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Run Shi
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Wenbo Hu
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
- China Chongqing Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine & Health Science, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400065, China
| | - Weiqing Xing
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ling Jia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City, Biological Science Research Center, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China;
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15
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Zhang S, Wu S, Yao R, Wei X, Ohlstein B, Guo Z. Eclosion muscles secrete ecdysteroids to initiate asymmetric intestinal stem cell division in Drosophila. Dev Cell 2024; 59:125-140.e12. [PMID: 38096823 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
During organ development, tissue stem cells first expand via symmetric divisions and then switch to asymmetric divisions to minimize the time to obtain a mature tissue. In the Drosophila midgut, intestinal stem cells switch their divisions from symmetric to asymmetric at midpupal development to produce enteroendocrine cells. However, the signals that initiate this switch are unknown. Here, we identify the signal as ecdysteroids. In the presence of ecdysone, EcR and Usp promote the expression of E93 to suppress Br expression, resulting in asymmetric divisions. Surprisingly, the primary source of pupal ecdysone is not from the prothoracic gland but from dorsal internal oblique muscles (DIOMs), a group of transient skeletal muscles that are required for eclosion. Genetic analysis shows that DIOMs secrete ecdysteroids during mTOR-mediated muscle remodeling. Our findings identify sequential endocrine and mechanical roles for skeletal muscle, which ensure the timely asymmetric divisions of intestinal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Song Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Ruining Yao
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xueying Wei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Benjamin Ohlstein
- Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Zheng Guo
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Cell Architecture Research Center, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
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16
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Liu S, Zhang J, Li R, Zhang C, Wang L, Liang H, Feng G, Xiong D. Triazophos exposure on maternal Daphnia magna at environmental-related concentrations revealed toxic effects to its offspring. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 196:105607. [PMID: 37945248 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Due to chemical and photochemical stability, triazophos has been frequently detected in rivers and oceans over the years with extensive use for pest control in agriculture, and it has become a worldwide ecological concern to the aquatic environment. Until now, fewer data are available regarding the potential long-term adverse effects of triazophos on aquatic invertebrates, which plays an essential role in aquatic food webs, as a key group for water ecosystems. In this experiment, the F1- and F2 progenies of Daphnia magna were recovered when daphnias (F0) exposure to triazophos at environmental-related concentrations (0.1 and 1.0 μg/L) for 21 d; and the indexes related to phenotypic traits, reproduction and gene expression were measured in tested animals. The results showed that heart rate and total number of neonates in exposed F0-daphnias were significantly lower than those of control group, and the detoxification genes (HR96 and P-gp) were up-regulated while genes related reproduction (Vtg) and molting (Nvd and Shd) were significantly down-regulated. The heart rate and individual size of F1-daphnias (<24 h) were significantly reduced in the treatment group. After 21-d recovery, the heart rate and expression of HR96, P-gp, Vtg, Nvd and Shd were declined in F1-daphnias. There was no obvious difference of morphological traits and heart rate between treatment and control in F2-daphnias (<24 h). In summary, daphnias (F0) exposure to triazophos with environmental dose could raise toxic effects on its offspring (F1), which is mainly manifested by reduced heart rate, the accumulated number and individual size of offspring and decreased expression of genes related to molting and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoquan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jianlu Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Qinling Ecological Security, Shaanxi Institute of Zoology, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ruijiao Li
- Fisheries Research & Technology Extension Center of Shaanxi, Yellow River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Xi'an 710086, China
| | - Chunyun Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hao Liang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Guangpeng Feng
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai 200090, China.
| | - Dongmei Xiong
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
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17
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Chafino S, Salvia R, Cruz J, Martín D, Franch-Marro X. TGFß/activin-dependent activation of Torso controls the timing of the metamorphic transition in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010897. [PMID: 38011268 PMCID: PMC10703416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms governing body size attainment during animal development is of paramount importance in biology. In insects, a crucial phase in determining body size occurs at the larva-pupa transition, marking the end of the larval growth period. Central to this process is the attainment of the threshold size (TS), a critical developmental checkpoint that must be reached before the larva can undergo metamorphosis. However, the intricate molecular mechanisms by which the TS orchestrates this transition remain poor understood. In this study, we investigate the role of the interaction between the Torso and TGFß/activin signaling pathways in regulating metamorphic timing in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Our results show that Torso signaling is required specifically during the last larval instar and that its activation is mediated not only by the prothoracicotropic hormone (Tc-Ptth) but also by Trunk (Tc-Trk), another ligand of the Tc-Torso receptor. Interestingly, we show that while Tc-Torso activation by Tc-Ptth determines the onset of metamorphosis, Tc-Trk promotes growth during the last larval stage. In addition, we found that the expression of Tc-torso correlates with the attainment of the TS and the decay of juvenile hormone (JH) levels, at the onset of the last larval instar. Notably, our data reveal that activation of TGFß/activin signaling pathway at the TS is responsible for repressing the JH synthesis and inducing Tc-torso expression, initiating metamorphosis. Altogether, these findings shed light on the pivotal involvement of the Ptth/Trunk/Torso and TGFß/activin signaling pathways as critical regulatory components orchestrating the TS-driven metamorphic initiation, offering valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying body size determination in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Chafino
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Roser Salvia
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Josefa Cruz
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - David Martín
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Xavier Franch-Marro
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
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18
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Wen D, Chen Z, Wen J, Jia Q. Sterol Regulation of Development and 20-Hydroxyecdysone Biosynthetic and Signaling Genes in Drosophila melanogaster. Cells 2023; 12:1739. [PMID: 37443773 PMCID: PMC10340181 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131739] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are crucial in regulating the growth and development of insects. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, both C27 and C28 ecdysteroids have been identified. While the biosynthetic pathway of the C27 ecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) from cholesterol is relatively well understood, the biosynthetic pathway of C28 ecdysteroids from C28 or C29 dietary sterols remains unknown. In this study, we found that different dietary sterols (including the C27 sterols cholesterol and 7-dehydrocholesterol, the C28 sterols brassicasterol, campesterol, and ergosterol, and the C29 sterols β-sitosterol, α-spinasterol, and stigmasterol) differentially affected the expression of 20E biosynthetic genes to varying degrees, but similarly activated 20E primary response gene expression in D. melanogaster Kc cells. We also found that a single dietary sterol was sufficient to support D. melanogaster growth and development. Furthermore, the expression levels of some 20E biosynthetic genes were significantly altered, whereas the expression of 20E signaling primary response genes remained unaffected when flies were reared on lipid-depleted diets supplemented with single sterol types. Overall, our study provided preliminary clues to suggest that the same enzymatic system responsible for the classical C27 ecdysteroid 20E biosynthetic pathway also participated in the conversion of C28 and C29 dietary sterols into C28 ecdysteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wen
- College of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, China;
| | - Zhi Chen
- College of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, China;
| | - Jiamin Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China;
| | - Qiangqiang Jia
- College of Biological Science and Agriculture, Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities, Duyun 558000, China;
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Development Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China;
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
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19
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Wang J, Jiang S, Zhang W, Xiong Y, Jin S, Cheng D, Zheng Y, Qiao H, Fu H. Function Analysis of Cholesterol 7-Desaturase in Ovarian Maturation and Molting in Macrobrachium nipponense: Providing Evidence for Reproductive Molting Progress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086940. [PMID: 37108104 PMCID: PMC10138363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086940] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Cholesterol 7-desaturase gene plays an important role in insect ecdysone synthesis, but its role in ovarian development has not been reported. In this study, characteristics and the phylogenetic relationship of Cholesterol 7-desaturase were identified by bioinformatics. qPCR showed that the Mn-CH7D gene was highly expressed in the ovary, which was much higher than that in other tissues, and the expression level of Mn-CH7D reached the highest level at the third stage of the ovarian development stage (O-III). During embryonic development, the Mn-CH7D gene expression was highest in the zoea stage. The function of the Mn-CH7D gene was explored by RNA interference. The experimental group was injected with Mn-CH7D dsRNA through the pericardial cavity of M. nipponense, while the control group was injected with the same volume of dsGFP. Statistical analysis of gonadal development and GSI calculation showed that the silencing of Mn-CH7D resulted in the suppression of gonadal development. In addition, the molting frequency of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group during the second molting cycle after silencing Mn-CH7D. On the seventh day after silencing, ecdysone content in the experimental group was significantly reduced. These results demonstrated that the Mn-CH7D gene played a dual role in ovarian maturation and molting of M. nipponense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jisheng Wang
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Sufei Jiang
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Wenyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yiwei Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Shubo Jin
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Dan Cheng
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Yalu Zheng
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Hui Qiao
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
| | - Hongtuo Fu
- Wuxi Fisheries College, Nanjing Agricultural University, Wuxi 214081, China
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fisheries and Germplasm Resources Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Freshwater Fisheries Research Center, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Wuxi 214081, China
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20
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Ebihara K, Niwa R. Compounds Inhibiting Noppera-bo, a Glutathione S-transferase Involved in Insect Ecdysteroid Biosynthesis: Novel Insect Growth Regulators. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030461. [PMID: 36979396 PMCID: PMC10046418 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are conserved in a wide range of organisms, including insects. In 2014, an epsilon GST, known as Noppera-bo (Nobo), was shown to regulate the biosynthesis of ecdysteroid, the principal steroid hormone in insects. Studies on fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, and silkworms, Bombyx mori, demonstrated that loss-of-function mutants of nobo fail to synthesize ecdysteroid and die during development, consistent with the essential function of ecdysteroids in insect molting and metamorphosis. This genetic evidence suggests that chemical compounds that inhibit activity of Nobo could be insect growth regulators (IGRs) that kill insects by disrupting their molting and metamorphosis. In addition, because nobo is conserved only in Diptera and Lepidoptera, a Nobo inhibitor could be used to target IGRs in a narrow spectrum of insect taxa. Dipterans include mosquitoes, some of which are vectors of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Given that mosquito control is essential to reduce mosquito-borne diseases, new IGRs that specifically kill mosquito vectors are always in demand. We have addressed this issue by identifying and characterizing several chemical compounds that inhibit Nobo protein in both D. melanogaster and the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. In this review, we summarize our findings from the search for Nobo inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Ebihara
- Degree Programs in Life and Earth Sciences, Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba 305-8572, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tennodai 1-1-1, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan
- Correspondence:
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Okamoto N, Fujinaga D, Yamanaka N. Steroid hormone signaling: What we can learn from insect models. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:525-554. [PMID: 37717997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.12.006] [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: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are a group of steroid hormones in arthropods with pleiotropic functions throughout their life history. Ecdysteroid research in insects has made a significant contribution to our current understanding of steroid hormone signaling in metazoans, but how far can we extrapolate our findings in insects to other systems, such as mammals? In this chapter, we compare steroid hormone signaling in insects and mammals from multiple perspectives and discuss similarities and differences between the two lineages. We also highlight a few understudied areas and remaining questions of steroid hormone biology in metazoans and propose potential future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Okamoto
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Daiki Fujinaga
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Naoki Yamanaka
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States.
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Rogers MS, Gordon AM, Rappe TM, Goodpaster JD, Lipscomb JD. Contrasting Mechanisms of Aromatic and Aryl-Methyl Substituent Hydroxylation by the Rieske Monooxygenase Salicylate 5-Hydroxylase. Biochemistry 2023; 62:507-523. [PMID: 36583545 PMCID: PMC9854337 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The hydroxylase component (S5HH) of salicylate-5-hydroxylase catalyzes C5 ring hydroxylation of salicylate but switches to methyl hydroxylation when a C5 methyl substituent is present. The use of 18O2 reveals that both aromatic and aryl-methyl hydroxylations result from monooxygenase chemistry. The functional unit of S5HH comprises a nonheme Fe(II) site located 12 Å across a subunit boundary from a one-electron reduced Rieske-type iron-sulfur cluster. Past studies determined that substrates bind near the Fe(II), followed by O2 binding to the iron to initiate catalysis. Stopped-flow-single-turnover reactions (STOs) demonstrated that the Rieske cluster transfers an electron to the iron site during catalysis. It is shown here that fluorine ring substituents decrease the rate constant for Rieske electron transfer, implying a prior reaction of an Fe(III)-superoxo intermediate with a substrate. We propose that the iron becomes fully oxidized in the resulting Fe(III)-peroxo-substrate-radical intermediate, allowing Rieske electron transfer to occur. STO using 5-CD3-salicylate-d8 occurs with an inverse kinetic isotope effect (KIE). In contrast, STO of a 1:1 mixture of unlabeled and 5-CD3-salicylate-d8 yields a normal product isotope effect. It is proposed that aromatic and aryl-methyl hydroxylation reactions both begin with the Fe(III)-superoxo reaction with a ring carbon, yielding the inverse KIE due to sp2 → sp3 carbon hybridization. After Rieske electron transfer, the resulting Fe(III)-peroxo-salicylate intermediate can continue to aromatic hydroxylation, whereas the equivalent aryl-methyl intermediate formation must be reversible to allow the substrate exchange necessary to yield a normal product isotope effect. The resulting Fe(III)-(hydro)peroxo intermediate may be reactive or evolve through a high-valent iron intermediate to complete the aryl-methyl hydroxylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie S. Rogers
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics and Center for Metals in Biocatalysis, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Adrian M. Gordon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Todd M. Rappe
- Minnesota NMR Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Jason D. Goodpaster
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - John D. Lipscomb
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics and Center for Metals in Biocatalysis, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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Cheng S, Dai P, Li R, Chen Z, Liang P, Xie X, Zhen C, Gao X. The sulfoximine insecticide sulfoxaflor exposure reduces the survival status and disrupts the intestinal metabolism of the honeybee Apis mellifera. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 442:130109. [PMID: 36303336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are indispensable pollinators in agricultural production, biodiversity conservation, and nutrients provision. The abundance and diversity of honeybees have been rapidly diminishing, possibly related to the extensive use of insecticides in ecosystems. Sulfoxaflor is a novel sulfoximine insecticide that, like neonicotinoids, acts as a competitive modulator of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) in insects. However, few studies have addressed the negative effects of sulfoxaflor on honeybees at environmentally relevant concentrations. In the present study, adult workers were fed a 50% (w/v) of sugar solution containing different concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L) of sulfoxaflor for two weeks consecutively. The survival rates, food intake, and body weight of the honeybees significantly decreased after continuous exposure at higher doses (0.5 and 2.0 mg/L) of sulfoxaflor when compared with the control. The change in the metabolites in the honeybee gut was determined using high-throughput non-targeted metabolomics on day 14 after sulfoxaflor treatment. The results revealed that 24 and 105 metabolites changed after exposure to 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L sulfoxaflor, respectively, compared with that of the control groups. A total of 12 changed compounds including pregenolone and glutathione were detected as potential biomarkers, which were eventually found to be enriched in pathways of the steroid hormone biosynthesis (p = 0.0001) and glutathione metabolism (p = 0.021). These findings provide a new perspective on the physiological influence of sulfoxaflor stress in honeybees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenhang Cheng
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Pingli Dai
- Key Laboratory of Pollinating Insect Biology, Institute of Apicultural Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100093, PR China
| | - Ren Li
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Pingzhuo Liang
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Xie
- Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Congai Zhen
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China
| | - Xiwu Gao
- Department of Entomology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, PR China.
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Qi H, Cao H, Zhao Y, Cao Y, Jin Q, Wang Y, Zhang K, Deng D. Cloning and functional analysis of the molting gene CYP302A1 of Daphnia sinensis. Front Zool 2023; 20:2. [PMID: 36635746 PMCID: PMC9835317 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-023-00483-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molting is an important physiological process in the growth and development of arthropoda, which is mainly regulated by juvenile hormone and ecdysone. CYP302A1 is a key enzyme which plays a critical role in the synthesis of ecdysone in insects, but it has not been identified in cladocera. RESULTS The CYP302Al gene of Daphnia sinensis was cloned and its function was analyzed in this paper. The CYP302Al gene of D. sinensis was 5926 bp in full-length, with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1596 bp that encoded 531 amino acids (aa), a molecular weight of 60.82 kDa and an isoelectric point of 9.29. The amino acid sequence analysis revealed that there were five characteristic conserved regions of cytochrome P450 family (namely helix-C, helix-K, helix-I, PERF and heme-binding). In dsRNA mediated experiment, the expression level of CYP302A1 gene decreased significantly (knock-down of 56.22%) in the 5% Escherichia coli concentration treatment. In addition, the expression levels of EcR and USP and HR3 genes in the downstream were also significantly decreased, whereas that of FTZ-f1 gene increased significantly. In the 5% E. coli treatment, the molting time at maturity of D. sinensis prolonged, and the development of embryos in the incubation capsule appeared abnormal or disintegrated. The whole-mount in situ hybridization showed that the CYP302A1 gene of D. sinensis had six expression sites before RNA interference (RNAi), which located in the first antennal ganglion, ovary, cecae, olfactory hair, thoracic limb and tail spine. However, the expression signal of the CYP302A1 gene of D. sinensis disappeared in the first antennal ganglion and obviously attenuated in the ovary after RNAi. CONCLUSION The CYP302A1 gene played an important role in the ecdysone synthesis pathway of D. sinensis, and the knock-down of the gene affected the molting and reproduction of D. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiying Qi
- grid.440755.70000 0004 1793 4061School of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Huijuan Cao
- grid.440755.70000 0004 1793 4061School of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yajie Zhao
- grid.440755.70000 0004 1793 4061School of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaqin Cao
- grid.440755.70000 0004 1793 4061School of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qide Jin
- grid.440755.70000 0004 1793 4061School of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yeping Wang
- grid.440755.70000 0004 1793 4061School of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Kun Zhang
- grid.440755.70000 0004 1793 4061School of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Daogui Deng
- grid.440755.70000 0004 1793 4061School of Life Science, Huaibei Normal University, Huaibei, 235000 People’s Republic of China
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Scanlan JL, Robin C, Mirth CK. Rethinking the ecdysteroid source during Drosophila pupal-adult development. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 152:103891. [PMID: 36481381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroids, typified by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), are essential hormones for the development, reproduction and physiology of insects and other arthropods. For over half a century, the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster (Ephydroidea: Diptera) has been used as a model of ecdysteroid biology. Many aspects of the biosynthesis and regulation of ecdysteroids in this species are understood at the molecular level, particularly with respect to their secretion from the prothoracic gland (PG) cells of the ring gland, widely considered the dominant biosynthetic tissue during development. Discrete pulses of 20E orchestrate transitions during the D. melanogaster life cycle, the sources of which are generally well understood, apart from the large 20E pulse at the onset of pharate adult development, which has received little recent attention. As the source of this pharate adult pulse (PAP) is a curious blind spot in Drosophila endocrinology, we evaluate published biochemical and genetic data as they pertain to three hypotheses for the source of PAP 20E: the PG; an alternative biosynthetic tissue; or the recycling of stored 20E. Based on multiple lines of evidence, we contend the PAP cannot be derived from biosynthesis, with other data consistent with D. melanogaster able to recycle ecdysteroids before and during metamorphosis. Published data also suggest the PAP is conserved across Diptera, with evidence for pupal-adult ecdysteroid recycling occurring in other cyclorrhaphan flies. Further experimental work is required to test the ecdysteroid recycling hypothesis, which would establish fundamental knowledge of the function, regulation, and evolution of metamorphic hormones in dipterans and other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack L Scanlan
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - Charles Robin
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Christen K Mirth
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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Wu L, Li L, Xu Y, Li Q, Liu F, Zhao H. Identification and characterization of CYP307A1 as a molecular target for controlling the small hive beetle, Aethina tumida. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:37-44. [PMID: 36054776 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays a key role in insect development, metamorphosis, and reproduction. Previous studies have shown that ecdysteroid metabolism is regulated by a series of CYP genes in most of the insect species. However, the roles of these CYP genes in a Coleopteran beetle, Aethina tumida (small hive beetle, SHB) have not yet been explored. RESULTS In the current study, we identified seven CYP genes (six Halloween genes and one AtCYP18A1 gene) related to 20E metabolism. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) showed that AtCYP307A1 and AtCYP307B1 were primarily expressed in the embryonic stage and in the cephalothorax of larvae. RNA interference (RNAi) screening revealed that suppression of AtCYP307A1 expression caused a lethal phenotype during the larval-pupal metamorphosis. Furthermore, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of the integument showed that the RNAi of AtCYP307A1 inhibited the apolysis and degradation of the old cuticle. In addition, silencing of AtCYP307A1 resulted in significant down-regulation of 20E titers and the expression levels of 20E signaling pathway genes. Finally, the AtCYP307A1 RNAi phenotype was rescued by topical application of 20E. CONCLUSION Our studies suggest that AtCYP307A1 involved in 20E synthesis is indispensable during the larval-pupal metamorphosis of beetles, which could serve as a putative insecticide target for pest control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixian Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangbin Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yajing Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongxia Zhao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Animal Conservation and Resource Utilization, Guangdong Public Laboratory of Wild Animal Conservation and Utilization, Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Ohhara Y, Kato Y, Kamiyama T, Yamakawa-Kobayashi K. Su(var)2-10- and Su(var)205-dependent upregulation of the heterochromatic gene neverland is required for developmental transition in Drosophila. Genetics 2022; 222:iyac137. [PMID: 36149288 PMCID: PMC9630985 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Animals develop from juveniles to sexually mature adults through the action of steroid hormones. In insect metamorphosis, a surge of the steroid hormone ecdysone prompts the transition from the larval to the adult stage. Ecdysone is synthesized by a series of biosynthetic enzymes that are specifically expressed in an endocrine organ, the prothoracic gland. At the late larval stage, the expression levels of ecdysone biosynthetic enzymes are upregulated through the action of numerous transcription factors, thus initiating metamorphosis. In contrast, the mechanism by which chromatin regulators support the expression of ecdysone biosynthetic genes is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Su(var)2-10 and Su(var)205, suppressor of variegation [Su(var)] genes encoding a chromatin regulator Su(var)2-10 and nonhistone heterochromatic protein 1a, respectively, regulate the transcription of one of the heterochromatic ecdysone biosynthetic genes, neverland, in Drosophila melanogaster. Knockdown of Su(var)2-10 and Su(var)205 in the prothoracic gland caused a decrease in neverland expression, resulting in a defect in larval-to-prepupal transition. Furthermore, overexpression of neverland and administration of 7-dehydrocholesterol, a biosynthetic precursor of ecdysone produced by Neverland, rescued developmental defects in Su(var)2-10 and Su(var)205 knockdown animals. These results indicate that Su(var)2-10- and Su(var)205-mediated proper expression of neverland is required for the initiation of metamorphosis. Given that Su(var)2-10-positive puncta are juxtaposed with the pericentromeric heterochromatic region, we propose that Su(var)2-10- and Su(var)205-dependent regulation of inherent heterochromatin structure at the neverland gene locus is essential for its transcriptional activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Ohhara
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Yuki Kato
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Takumi Kamiyama
- College of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Kimiko Yamakawa-Kobayashi
- School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
- Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
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Sanchez Granel ML, Siburu NG, Fricska A, Maldonado LL, Gargiulo LB, Nudel CB, Uttaro AD, Nusblat AD. A novel Tetrahymena thermophila sterol C-22 desaturase belongs to the Fatty Acid Hydroxylase/Desaturase superfamily. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102397. [PMID: 35988640 PMCID: PMC9485055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102397] [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: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sterols in eukaryotic cells play important roles in modulating membrane fluidity and in cell signaling and trafficking. During evolution, a combination of gene losses and acquisitions gave rise to an extraordinary diversity of sterols in different organisms. The sterol C-22 desaturase identified in plants and fungi as a cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase evolved from the first eukaryotic cytochrome P450 and was lost in many lineages. Although the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila desaturates sterols at the C-22 position, no cytochrome P-450 orthologs are present in the genome. Here, we aim to identify the genes responsible for the desaturation as well as their probable origin. We used gene knockout and yeast heterologous expression approaches to identify two putative genes, retrieved from a previous transcriptomic analysis, as sterol C-22 desaturases. Furthermore, we demonstrate using bioinformatics and evolutionary analyses that both genes encode a novel type of sterol C-22 desaturase that belongs to the large fatty acid hydroxylase/desaturase superfamily and the genes originated by genetic duplication prior to functional diversification. These results stress the widespread existence of nonhomologous isofunctional enzymes among different lineages of the tree of life as well as the suitability for the use of T. thermophila as a valuable model to investigate the evolutionary process of large enzyme families.
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Affiliation(s)
- María L Sanchez Granel
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicolás G Siburu
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda s/n, S2000FHQ, Rosario, Argentina
| | - Annamária Fricska
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas L Maldonado
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Médica (IMPaM), CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura B Gargiulo
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Clara B Nudel
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAD, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Antonio D Uttaro
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Rosario, CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Bioquímicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Ocampo y Esmeralda s/n, S2000FHQ, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Alejandro D Nusblat
- Instituto de Nanobiotecnología (NANOBIOTEC), CONICET, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAD, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Paredes-Montero JR, Arif U, Brown JK. Knockdown of ecdysteroid synthesis genes results in impaired molting and high mortality in Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae). PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:2204-2214. [PMID: 35191190 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA-mediated interference (RNAi) has become a promising biopesticide technology with which to direct sequence-specific gene knockdown of key targets in the potato psyllid (PoP) Bactericera cockerelli, resulting in significant mortality. In this study, three strategically selected target genes, ATF4, C7 and D24, essential for the biosynthesis and regulation of ecdysteroids, were evaluated for knockdown and mortality using oral delivery of individual, paired and all three double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), in five replicated experiments. Knockdown was determined as the fold-change in gene expression using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Knockdown of the D24 target, at 39%-45%, resulted in 51% PoP mortality by 10 days post-ingestion (dpi) of dsRNA. Knockdown of C7, at 38%-61%, resulted in 53% mortality by 10 dpi, whereas dsD24 ingestion resulted in 65% mortality by 10 dpi when dsD24 and dsC7 were co-delivered. Three phenotypes, INCOMEC, PREMEC and SWOLLEN, were observed at a frequency of 4%-12%, and are consistent with incomplete ecdysis in immature and/or adult PoP. Adult PoP exhibiting INCOMEC survived for several days but were unable to mate or fly, whereas SWOLLEN and PREMEC were lethal to the immature instars. Knockdown of ATF4 did not result in the mortality or malformations in immature and adult PoP. CONCLUSIONS Compared with knockdown of individual D24 and C7 targets, significantly greater RNAi penetrance was achieved following delivery of combined dsRNAs. The highest knockdown that resulted in incomplete ecdysis and/or mortality was obtained for targets with predicted involvement in the same or interacting pathway(s). Knockdown of ATF4 was apparently "rescued" by uncharacterized compensatory gene(s) or effects. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge R Paredes-Montero
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Usman Arif
- Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Judith K Brown
- School of Plant Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Wang ZY, Pergande MR, Ragsdale CW, Cologna SM. Steroid hormones of the octopus self-destruct system. Curr Biol 2022; 32:2572-2579.e4. [PMID: 35561680 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2022.04.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Among all invertebrates, soft-bodied cephalopods have the largest central nervous systems and the greatest brain-to-body mass ratios, yet unlike other big-brained animals, cephalopods are unusually short lived.1-5 Primates and corvids survive for many decades, but shallow-water octopuses, such as the California two-spot octopus (Octopus bimaculoides), typically live for only 1 year.6,7 Lifespan and reproduction are controlled by the principal neuroendocrine center of the octopus: the optic glands, which are functional analogs to the vertebrate pituitary gland.8-10 After mating, females steadfastly brood their eggs, begin fasting, and undergo rapid physiological decline, featuring repeated self-injury and leading to death.11 Removal of the optic glands completely reverses this life history trajectory,10 but the signaling factors underlying this major life transition are unknown. Here, we characterize the major secretions and steroidogenic pathways of the female optic gland using mass spectrometry techniques. We find that at least three pathways are mobilized to increase synthesis of select sterol hormones after reproduction. One pathway generates pregnane steroids, known in other animals to support reproduction.12-16 Two other pathways produce 7-dehydrocholesterol and bile acid intermediates, neither of which were previously known to be involved in semelparity. Our results provide insight into invertebrate cholesterol pathways and confirm a remarkable unity of steroid hormone biology in life history processes across Bilateria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Yan Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Melissa R Pergande
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Clifton W Ragsdale
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Stephanie M Cologna
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Du JL, Chen F, Wu JJ, Jin L, Li GQ. Smad on X is vital for larval-pupal transition in a herbivorous ladybird beetle. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 139:104387. [PMID: 35367434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Insect development is regulated by a combination of juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Production of both JH and 20E is regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling. TGFβ can be classified into two branches, the Activin and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathways. In Drosophila melanogaster, BMP signaling is critical for JH synthesis, whereas Activin signal is required to generate the large pulse of 20E necessary for entering metamorphosis. However, to which extent the roles of these signals are conserved remains unknown. Here we studied the role of an Activin component Smad on X (Smox) in post-embryonic development in a defoliating ladybird Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata. RNA interference (RNAi)-aided knockdown of Hvsmox inhibited larval growth, and impaired larval development. All Hvmyo RNAi larvae arrested at the fourth-instar larval stage. Moreover, knockdown of Hvsmox delayed gut and Malpighian tubules remodeling. Furthermore, the expression of a JH biosynthesis gene (Hvjhamt), a JH receptor gene HvMet and a JH response gene HvKr-h1 was greatly enhanced. Conversely, the expression levels of an ecdysteroidogenesis gene (Hvspo), a 20E receptor gene (HvEcR) and six 20E response genes (HvBrC, HvE74, HvE75, HvE93, HvHR3 and HvHR4) were significantly lowered. Knockdown of HvMet partially restored the negative phenotypes in the Hvsmox RNAi beetles. Our results suggest that Smox exerts regulative roles in JH production, ecdysteroidogenesis and organ remodeling, thus contributing to modulate the larva-pupa-adult transformation in H. vigintioctopunctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Li Du
- College of Agriculture, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui 233100, China; Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Feng Chen
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Jian-Jian Wu
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Lin Jin
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
| | - Guo-Qing Li
- Education Ministry Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Crop Diseases and Pests/ State & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Green Pesticide Invention and Application, Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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Cyromazine Effects the Reproduction of Drosophila by Decreasing the Number of Germ Cells in the Female Adult Ovary. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13050414. [PMID: 35621750 PMCID: PMC9144682 DOI: 10.3390/insects13050414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Cyromazine, an insect growth regulator, is used to control the Dipteran pest population. Previous findings observed that treatment with cyromazine increased the larval mortality, by interfering with the ecdysone signaling. In addition, the application of exogenous 20E significantly reduced the mortality caused by cyromazine. Many studies have also supported the role of ecdysone signaling in the maintenance of germline stem cells (GSCs), where mutations in ecdysone signaling-related genes significantly decreased the number of GSCs. However, to date, no study has reported the effect of cyromazine on the GSCs of Drosophila melanogaster. In the present study, we observed that cyromazine significantly reduced the number of both GSCs and cystoblasts (CBs) in the ovary of adult female. To further understand the effect of cyromazine on germ cells, we selected some key genes related to the ecdysone signaling pathway and evaluated their expression through RT-qPCR. Additionally, we measured the ecdysone titer from the cyromazine-treated ovaries. Our results indicated a significant decrease in the expression of ecdysone signaling-related genes and also in the ecdysone titer. These results further supported our findings that cyromazine reduced the number of germ cells by interfering with the ecdysone signaling pathway. Abstract In the present study, we observed a 58% decrease in the fecundity of Drosophila melanogaster, after treatment with the cyromazine. To further elucidate the effects of cyromazine on reproduction, we counted the number of both germline stem cells (GSCs) and cystoblasts (CBs) in the ovary of a 3-day-old adult female. The results showed a significant decrease in the number of GSCs and CBs as compared to the control group. The mode of action of cyromazine is believed to be through the ecdysone signaling pathway. To further support this postulate, we observed the expression of key genes involved in the ecdysone signaling pathway and also determined the ecdysone titer from cyromazine-treated ovaries. Results indicated a significant decrease in the expression of ecdysone signaling-related genes as compared to the control group. Furthermore, the titer of the ecdysone hormone was also markedly reduced (90%) in cyromazine-treated adult ovaries, suggesting that ecdysone signaling was directly related to the decrease in the number of GSCs and CBs. However, further studies are required to understand the mechanism by which cyromazine affects the GSCs and CBs in female adult ovaries.
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Kamiyama T, Niwa R. Transcriptional Regulators of Ecdysteroid Biosynthetic Enzymes and Their Roles in Insect Development. Front Physiol 2022; 13:823418. [PMID: 35211033 PMCID: PMC8863297 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.823418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are responsible for coordinating many aspects of biological processes in most multicellular organisms, including insects. Ecdysteroid, the principal insect steroid hormone, is biosynthesized from dietary cholesterol or plant sterols. In the last 20 years, a number of ecdysteroidogenic enzymes, including Noppera-bo, Neverland, Shroud, Spook/Spookier, Cyp6t3, Phantom, Disembodied, Shadow, and Shade, have been identified and characterized in molecular genetic studies using the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. These enzymes are encoded by genes collectively called the Halloween genes. The transcriptional regulatory network, governed by multiple regulators of transcription, chromatin remodeling, and endoreplication, has been shown to be essential for the spatiotemporal expression control of Halloween genes in D. melanogaster. In this review, we summarize the latest information on transcriptional regulators that are crucial for controlling the expression of ecdysteroid biosynthetic enzymes and their roles in insect development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kamiyama
- College of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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Jia ZQ, Zhan EL, Zhang SG, Jones AK, Zhu L, Wang YN, Huang QT, Han ZJ, Zhao CQ. Sublethal doses of broflanilide prevents molting in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda via altering molting hormone biosynthesis. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 181:105017. [PMID: 35082040 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2021.105017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Broflanilide is a novel insecticide with a unique mode of action on the insect GABA receptor and is registered worldwide for the control of agricultural pests. It shows high efficacy in controlling the fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda, which is a destructive pest to various crops. FAW was exposed to sublethal concentrations of broflanilide to determine its impact on insect development. Sublethal doses (LD10 and LD30) caused failure of ecdysis, reduced body length of larvae, malformation of pupae, and vestigial wing formation in adults. Also, broflanilide at LD30 significantly reduced the amount of molting hormone (MH). After exposure to LD10 or LD30 broflanilide, expression of five Halloween genes, which participate in MH biosynthesis, were found to be altered. Specifically, the transcript levels of SfrCYP307A1 (Spook), SfrCYP314A1 (Shade) and SfrCYP315A1 (Shadow) in 3rd day larvae were significantly decreased as well as SfrCYP302A1 (Disembodied) and SfrCYP306A1 (Phantom) in 5th day pupae. In contrast, the transcript levels of SfrCYP302A1 in 3rd day larvae, SfrCYP307A1 and SfrCYP314A1 in 5th day pupae, and SfrCYP306A1, SfrCYP307A1 and SfrCYP315A1 in 0.5th day adults were significantly increased. Our results demonstrate that broflanilide caused the failure of ecdysis in FAW possibly by influencing the intake of cholesterol through inhibition of feeding and also via altering expression of genes important for MH biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Qiang Jia
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - En Ling Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Su Gui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Andrew K Jones
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK.
| | - Lin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Ying Nan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Qiu Tang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China
| | - Zhao Jun Han
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
| | - Chun Qing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, PR China.
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Zhang XY, He QH, Zhang TT, Wu HH, Zhang JZ, Ma EB. Characteristics of Halloween genes and RNA interference-mediated functional analysis of LmCYP307a2 in Locusta migratoria. INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:51-64. [PMID: 33634599 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Halloween genes are involved in the biosynthesis of the molting hormone, which plays a key role in insect ecdysis, development, metamorphosis, and reproduction. Our previous work identified five Halloween genes from Locusta migratoria, but their functions are currently unknown. In this study, the sequences of these five Halloween genes were analyzed and characterized. LmCYP307a2, LmCYP306a1, LmCYP302a1, and LmCYP315a1 were primarily expressed in the prothoracic glands, while LmCYP314a1 was universally expressed in peripheral tissues, especially in the ovaries and Malpighian tubules. All five Halloween genes were mainly expressed from the 5th to the 7th d in 5th-instar nymphs. RNA interference (RNAi) silencing of LmCYP307a2 resulted in severe molting delays and molting failure, which could be rescued by supplementary 20-hydroxyecdysone. A hematoxylin and eosin staining analysis suggested that the RNAi of LmCYP307a2 inhibited the ecdysis process by inhibiting the apolysis and degradation of the old cuticle, and by promoting the synthesis of a new cuticle. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results showed that the expressions of LmE74, LmCht5, and LmCht10 were dramatically down-regulated, while that of LmChsI was substantially up-regulated, after knockdown of LmCYP307a2. The results suggest that LmCYP307a2 is related to the molt process via regulation of chitin synthesis and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Yao Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Qi-Hui He
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Ting-Ting Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Hai-Hua Wu
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Jian-Zhen Zhang
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - En-Bo Ma
- Research Institute of Applied Biology, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
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Zhou Z, Eichner C, Nilsen F, Jonassen I, Dondrup M. A novel approach to co-expression network analysis identifies modules and genes relevant for moulting and development in the Atlantic salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis). BMC Genomics 2021; 22:832. [PMID: 34789144 PMCID: PMC8600823 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08054-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) is an obligate ectoparasitic copepod living on Atlantic salmon and other salmonids in the marine environment. Salmon lice cause a number of environmental problems and lead to large economical losses in aquaculture every year. In order to develop novel parasite control strategies, a better understanding of the mechanisms of moulting and development of the salmon louse at the transcriptional level is required. METHODS Three weighted gene co-expression networks were constructed based on the pairwise correlations of salmon louse gene expression profiles at different life stages. Network-based approaches and gene annotation information were applied to identify genes that might be important for the moulting and development of the salmon louse. RNA interference was performed for validation. Regulatory impact factors were calculated for all the transcription factor genes by examining the changes in co-expression patterns between transcription factor genes and deferentially expressed genes in middle stages and moulting stages. RESULTS Eight gene modules were predicted as important, and 10 genes from six of the eight modules have been found to show observable phenotypes in RNA interference experiments. We knocked down five hub genes from three modules and observed phenotypic consequences in all experiments. In the infection trial, no copepodids with a RAB1A-like gene knocked down were found on fish, while control samples developed to chalimus-1 larvae. Also, a FOXO-like transcription factor obtained highest scores in the regulatory impact factor calculation. CONCLUSIONS We propose a gene co-expression network-based approach to identify genes playing an important role in the moulting and development of salmon louse. The RNA interference experiments confirm the effectiveness of our approach and demonstrated the indispensable role of a RAB1A-like gene in the development of the salmon louse. We propose that our approach could be generalized to identify important genes associated with a phenotype of interest in other organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoran Zhou
- Department of Informatics & Sea Lice Research Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, Bergen, 5008 Norway
| | - Christiane Eichner
- Department of Biological Sciences & Sea Lice Research Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, Bergen, 5008 Norway
| | - Frank Nilsen
- Department of Biological Sciences & Sea Lice Research Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, Bergen, 5008 Norway
| | - Inge Jonassen
- Department of Informatics & Sea Lice Research Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, Bergen, 5008 Norway
| | - Michael Dondrup
- Department of Informatics & Sea Lice Research Centre, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgate 55, Bergen, 5008 Norway
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Chafino S, Martín D, Franch-Marro X. Activation of EGFR signaling by Tc-Vein and Tc-Spitz regulates the metamorphic transition in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18807. [PMID: 34552169 PMCID: PMC8458297 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98334-9] [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: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal development relies on a sequence of specific stages that allow the formation of adult structures with a determined size. In general, juvenile stages are dedicated mainly to growth, whereas last stages are devoted predominantly to the maturation of adult structures. In holometabolous insects, metamorphosis marks the end of the growth period as the animals stops feeding and initiate the final differentiation of the tissues. This transition is controlled by the steroid hormone ecdysone produced in the prothoracic gland. In Drosophila melanogaster different signals have been shown to regulate the production of ecdysone, such as PTTH/Torso, TGFß and Egfr signaling. However, to which extent the roles of these signals are conserved remains unknown. Here, we study the role of Egfr signaling in post-embryonic development of the basal holometabolous beetle Tribolium castaneum. We show that Tc-Egfr and Tc-pointed are required to induced a proper larval-pupal transition through the control of the expression of ecdysone biosynthetic genes. Furthermore, we identified an additional Tc-Egfr ligand in the Tribolium genome, the neuregulin-like protein Tc-Vein (Tc-Vn), which contributes to induce larval-pupal transition together with Tc-Spitz (Tc-Spi). Interestingly, we found that in addition to the redundant role in the control of pupa formation, each ligand possesses different functions in organ morphogenesis. Whereas Tc-Spi acts as the main ligand in urogomphi and gin traps, Tc-Vn is required in wings and elytra. Altogether, our findings show that in Tribolium, post-embryonic Tc-Egfr signaling activation depends on the presence of two ligands and that its role in metamorphic transition is conserved in holometabolous insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Chafino
- grid.507636.10000 0004 0424 5398Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig de la Barceloneta 37, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - David Martín
- grid.507636.10000 0004 0424 5398Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig de la Barceloneta 37, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Xavier Franch-Marro
- grid.507636.10000 0004 0424 5398Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE, CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Passeig de la Barceloneta 37, 08003 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
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Zhao Y, Lindberg BG, Esfahani SS, Tang X, Piazza S, Engström Y. Stop codon readthrough alters the activity of a POU/Oct transcription factor during Drosophila development. BMC Biol 2021; 19:185. [PMID: 34479564 PMCID: PMC8417969 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01106-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A number of cellular processes have evolved in metazoans that increase the proteome repertoire in relation to the genome, such as alternative splicing and translation recoding. Another such process, translational stop codon readthrough (SCR), generates C-terminally extended protein isoforms in many eukaryotes, including yeast, plants, insects, and humans. While comparative genome analyses have predicted the existence of programmed SCR in many species including humans, experimental proof of its functional consequences are scarce. Results We show that SCR of the Drosophila POU/Oct transcription factor Ventral veins lacking/Drifter (Vvl/Dfr) mRNA is prevalent in certain tissues in vivo, reaching a rate of 50% in the larval prothoracic gland. Phylogenetically, the C-terminal extension is conserved and harbors intrinsically disordered regions and amino acid stretches implied in transcriptional activation. Elimination of Vvl/Dfr translational readthrough by CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis changed the expression of a large number of downstream genes involved in processes such as chromatin regulation, neurogenesis, development, and immune response. As a proof-of-principle, we demonstrate that the C-terminal extension of Vvl/Dfr is necessary for correct timing of pupariation, by increasing the capacity to regulate its target genes. The extended Vvl/Dfr isoform acts in synergy with the transcription factor Molting defective (Mld) to increase the expression and biosynthesis of the steroid hormone ecdysone, thereby advancing pupariation. Consequently, late-stage larval development was prolonged and metamorphosis delayed in vvl/dfr readthrough mutants. Conclusions We demonstrate that translational recoding of a POU/Oct transcription factor takes place in a highly tissue-specific and temporally controlled manner. This dynamic and regulated recoding is necessary for normal expression of a large number of genes involved in many cellular and developmental processes. Loss of Vvl/Dfr translational readthrough negatively affects steroid hormone biosynthesis and delays larval development and progression into metamorphosis. Thus, this study demonstrates how SCR of a transcription factor can act as a developmental switch in a spatiotemporal manner, feeding into the timing of developmental transitions between different life-cycle stages. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01106-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpo Zhao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.,Present address: Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, SE, Sweden
| | - Bo Gustav Lindberg
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shiva Seyedoleslami Esfahani
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiongzhuo Tang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.,Present address: Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
| | - Stefano Piazza
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.,Present address: Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, via E Mach 1, 38010, San Michele a/Adige, Italy
| | - Ylva Engström
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Ahmad S, Jamil M, Fahim M, Zhang S, Ullah F, Lyu B, Luo Y. RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Imaginal Disc Growth Factors (IDGFs) Genes Causes Developmental Malformation and Mortality in Melon Fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Front Genet 2021; 12:691382. [PMID: 34290744 PMCID: PMC8287652 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.691382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
This study reports the first successful use of oral feeding dsRNA technique for functional characterization of imaginal disc growth factors (IDGFs) genes (IDGF1, IDGF3_1, IDGF4_0, IDGF4_1, and IDGF6) in melon fly Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Phylogenetic and domain analysis indicates that these genes had high similarity with other Tephritidae fruit flies homolog and contain only one conserved domain among these five genes, which is glyco-18 domain (glyco-hydro-18 domain). Gene expression analysis at different developmental stages revealed that these genes were expressed at larval, pupal, and adult stages. To understand their role in different developmental stages, larvae were fed dsRNA-corresponding to each of the five IDGFs, in an artificial diet. RNAi-mediated knockdown of IDGF1 shows no phenotypic effects but caused mortality (10.4%), while IDGF4_0 caused malformed pharate at the adult stage where insects failed to shed their old cuticle and remained attached with their body, highest mortality (49.2%) was recorded compared to dsRNA-green fluorescent protein (GFP) or DEPC. Silencing of IDGF3_1 and IDGF4_1 cause lethal phenotype in larvae, (17.2%) and (40%) mortality was indexed in Z. cucurbitae. IDGF6 was mainly expressed in pupae and adult stages, and its silencing caused a malformation in adult wings. The developmental defects such as malformation in wings, larval–larval lethality, pupal–adult malformation, and small body size show that IDGFs are key developmental genes in the melon fly. Our results provide a baseline for the melon fly management and understanding of IDGFs specific functions in Z. cucurbitae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakil Ahmad
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Momana Jamil
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Muhammad Fahim
- Centre for Omic Sciences, Islamia College University, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Shujing Zhang
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Farman Ullah
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Baoqian Lyu
- Environment and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences/Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Tropical Crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Haikou, China
| | - Yanping Luo
- School of Plant Protection, Hainan University, Haikou, China
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Gu SH, Chen CH, Lin PL. Changes in expressions of ecdysteroidogenic enzyme and ecdysteroid signaling genes in relation to Bombyx embryonic development. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2021; 335:477-488. [PMID: 33929096 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Although the role of ecdysteroids in regulating egg diapause process in Bombyx mori is well documented, temporal changes in expression levels of genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and its downstream signaling are less well understood. In the present study, we studied changes in expression levels of genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and its downstream signaling during embryonic development of B. mori. Results showed that in diapause eggs, the expression of ecdysteroid-phosphate phosphatase (EPPase) gene and Halloween genes (Spook [Spo] and Shade [Shd]) remained at very low levels. However, in eggs whose diapause initiation was prevented by HCl, significant increases in the messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of EPPase, Spo, and Shd were detected during embryonic development. Other Halloween genes (Neverland [Nvd] and Phantom [Phm]) also showed different changes between diapause and HCl-treated eggs. However, genes of Disembodied (Dib) and Shadow (Sad) showed similar changes in both diapause and HCl-treated eggs. We further investigated changes in expression levels of ecdysone receptor genes (EcRA, EcRB1, and USP) and downstream signaling genes (E75A, E75B, E74A, E74B, Br-C, HR3, HR4, KR-H1, and FTZ-F1). Results showed that genes of EcRA and the other nuclear receptors (E75A, E75B, E74A, HR3, HR4, KR-H1, and FTZ-F1) exhibited significant differential patterns between diapause and HCl-treated eggs, with increased levels being detected during later stages of embryonic development in HCl-treated eggs. Differential temporal changes in expressions of genes involved ecdysteroid biosynthesis and its downstream signaling found between diapause and HCl-treated eggs were further confirmed using nondiapause eggs. Our results showed that nondiapause eggs exhibited the same changing patterns as those in HCl-treated eggs, thus clearly indicating potential correlations between expressions of these genes and embryonic development in B. mori. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report to study the transcriptional regulation of ecdysteroidogenic and ecdysteroid signaling genes, thus providing useful information for a clearer understanding of insect egg diapause mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Hong Gu
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Ling Lin
- Department of Biology, National Museum of Natural Science, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
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Zhou ZX, Dong XL, Li CR. Comparative transcriptome analysis of different developmental stage of Bactrocera minax (Diptera: Tephritidae): Implication of the molecular basis of its obligatory diapause induction. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY D-GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2021; 38:100818. [PMID: 33773478 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The Chinese citrus fruit fly, Bactrocera minax (Enderlein), a devastating pest in citrus, has an obligatory diapause at the pupal stage. Although the physiology of obligatory diapause has been well described, the molecular mechanisms underlying the process remain unknow. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms of obligatory diapause induction in B. minax using high-throughput RNA-Seq data from second-instar larva (2L), third-instar larva (3L) and pupa (P) stages. A total of 116,402 unigenes were obtained, of which 54,781 unigenes were successfully annotated in public databases, and the differentially expressed genes in the 3L vs 2L, P vs 2L, and P vs 3L comparisons were identified. The cluster co-expression patterns of the differentially expressed genes revealed that significantly differentially-expressed genes in the pupal stage were predicted to be related to diapause induction. All differentially expressed genes were investigated by GO functional and KEGG pathway analysis, and the results showed that genes involved in processes such as 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) biosynthesis, cell cycle and metabolic pathways are likely related to obligatory diapause induction in B. minax. These results provide important information on the transcriptome of the Chinese citrus fruit fly that can be used for further functional studies as well as contributing to our understanding of the molecular basis of obligatory diapause induction and suggesting potential molecular targets for the control of this pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xiong Zhou
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China; Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Dong
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China; Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China
| | - Chuan-Ren Li
- Hubei Engineering Research Center for Pest Forewarning and Management, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China; Institute of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434025, China.
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Daimon T, Koyama T, Yamamoto G, Sezutsu H, Mirth CK, Shinoda T. The Number of Larval Molts Is Controlled by Hox in Caterpillars. Curr Biol 2021; 31:884-891.e3. [PMID: 33308417 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Animals with exoskeletons molt for further growth. In insects, the number of larval (or nymphal) molts varies inter- and intra-specifically, and it is widely accepted that the variation in the number of larval molts is an adaptive response to diverse environmental conditions.1-5 However, the molecular mechanism that underlies the variety and plasticity in the number of larval molts is largely unknown. In the silkworm, Bombyx mori, there are strains that molt three, four, or five times, and these numbers are determined by allelic variation at a single autosomal locus, Moltinism (M).6-9 Here, we demonstrate that the Hox gene Sex combs reduced (Scr) is responsible for the phenotypes of the M locus. Scr is selectively expressed in the larval prothoracic gland (PG), an endocrine organ that produces molting hormones.2Scr represses the biosynthesis of molting hormones in the PG, thereby regulating the incremental increase in body size during each larval instar. Our experiments consistently suggest that the differential expression levels of Scr among the three M alleles result in different growth ratios that ultimately lead to the different number of larval molts. Although the role of Hox genes in conferring segmental identity along the body axis and in molding segment-specific structure later in development has been well established,10-13 the present study identifies an unexpected role of Hox gene in hormone biosynthesis. This new role means that, in addition to shaping segment-specific morphology, Hox genes also drive the evolution of life history traits by regulating animal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Daimon
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan; National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal; Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
| | - Takashi Koyama
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal; Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Gaku Yamamoto
- Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hideki Sezutsu
- National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan
| | - Christen K Mirth
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal; School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Tetsuro Shinoda
- National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki 305-8634, Japan; Faculty of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Fukushima University, Fukushima 960-1296, Japan
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Okamoto N, Yamanaka N. Transporter-mediated ecdysteroid trafficking across cell membranes: A novel target for insect growth regulators. JOURNAL OF PESTICIDE SCIENCE 2021; 46:23-28. [PMID: 33746543 PMCID: PMC7953032 DOI: 10.1584/jpestics.d20-071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are a class of steroid hormones in arthropods that control molting and metamorphosis through interaction with intracellular nuclear receptors. In contrast to the extensive literature describing their biosynthetic pathways and signaling components, little has been known about how these hormones are traveling into and out of the cells through lipid bilayers of the cell membranes. Recently, a series of studies conducted in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster revealed that membrane transporters have critical functions in trafficking ecdysteroids across cell membranes, challenging the classical simple diffusion model of steroid hormone transport. Here we summarize recent advances in our understanding of membrane transporters involved in ecdysteroid signaling in Drosophila, with particular focus on Ecdysone Importer (EcI) that is involved in ecdysteroid uptake in peripheral tissues. We then discuss the potential advantage of EcI blockers as a novel pest management tool as compared to classical insect growth regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Okamoto
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8577, Japan
| | - Naoki Yamanaka
- Department of Entomology, Institute for Integrative Genome Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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Koiwai K, Morohashi K, Inaba K, Ebihara K, Kojima H, Okabe T, Yoshino R, Hirokawa T, Nampo T, Fujikawa Y, Inoue H, Yumoto F, Senda T, Niwa R. Non-steroidal inhibitors of Drosophila melanogaster steroidogenic glutathione S-transferase Noppera-bo. JOURNAL OF PESTICIDE SCIENCE 2021; 46:75-87. [PMID: 33746549 PMCID: PMC7953034 DOI: 10.1584/jpestics.d20-072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Insect growth regulators (IGRs) can be developed by elucidating the molecular mechanisms of insect-specific biological events. Because insect molting, and metamorphosis are controlled by ecdysteroids, their biosynthetic pathways can serve as targets for IGR development. The glutathione S-transferase Noppera-bo (Nobo), which is conserved in dipteran and lepidopteran species, plays an essential role in ecdysteroid biosynthesis. Our previous study using 17β-estradiol as a molecular probe revealed that Asp113 of Drosophila melanogaster Nobo (DmNobo) is essential for its biological function. However, to develop IGRs with a greater Nobo inhibitory activity than 17β-estradiol, further structural information is warranted. Here, we report five novel non-steroidal DmNobo inhibitors. Analysis of crystal structures of complexes revealed that DmNobo binds these inhibitors in an Asp113-independent manner. Among amino acid residues at the substrate-recognition site, conformation of conserved Phe39 was dynamically altered upon inhibitor binding. Therefore, these inhibitors can serve as seed compounds for IGR development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Koiwai
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
| | - Kana Morohashi
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8572, Japan
| | - Kazue Inaba
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8572, Japan
| | - Kana Ebihara
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8572, Japan
| | - Hirotatsu Kojima
- Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, 7–3–1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–0033, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Okabe
- Drug Discovery Initiative, The University of Tokyo, 7–3–1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113–0033, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Yoshino
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences Majors of Medical Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8575, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Hirokawa
- Transborder Medical Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8575, Japan
- Division of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8575, Japan
- Molecular Profiling Research Center for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 2–4–7 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135–0064, Japan
| | - Taiki Nampo
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432–1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0392, Japan
| | - Yuuta Fujikawa
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432–1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0392, Japan
| | - Hideshi Inoue
- School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 1432–1 Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192–0392, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Yumoto
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
| | - Toshiya Senda
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
- School of High Energy Accelerator Science, SOKENDAI University, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Ibaraki 305–8571, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Structural Biology Research Center, Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1–1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–0801, Japan
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8572, Japan
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, 1–1–1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305–8577, Japan
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Pan X, Connacher RP, O'Connor MB. Control of the insect metamorphic transition by ecdysteroid production and secretion. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2021; 43:11-20. [PMID: 32950745 PMCID: PMC7965781 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are a class of steroid hormones that controls molting and metamorphic transitions in Ecdysozoan species including insects, in which ecdysteroid biosynthesis and its regulation have been extensively studied. Insect ecdysteroids are produced from dietary sterols by a series of reduction-oxidation reactions in the prothoracic gland and in Drosophila they are released into the hemolymph via vesicle-mediated secretion at the time of metamorphosis. To initiate precisely controlled ecdysteroid pulses, the prothoracic gland functions as a central node integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic signals to control ecdysteroid biosynthesis and secretion. In this review, we outline recent progress in the characterization of ecdysone biosynthesis and steroid trafficking pathways and the discoveries of novel factors regulating prothoracic gland function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyang Pan
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, USA; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, USA
| | - Robert P Connacher
- Department Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael B O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, USA.
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Zhu J, Chen YR, Geng T, Tang SM, Zhao QL, Shen XJ. A 14-amino acids deletion in BmShadow results to non-moult on the 2nd instar in the bivoltine silkworm, Bombyx mori. Gene 2021; 777:145450. [PMID: 33516793 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145450] [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: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The Bombyx mori Shadow gene (BmShadow) belongs to the superfamily of cytochrome P450 genes. To elucidate the function of the BmShadow gene and its association with diapause, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock out the BmShadow gene in the bivoltine strain Qiufeng. The mutant (BmShadow-/-) was obtained in G2, exhibiting a 42-base deletion corresponded exactly to the amino acids regions from positions 155 to 168. The larvae of BmShadow-/- cannot moult at the pre-moulting stage of the 2nd instar. When the BmShadow-/- larvae were fed with 20E analogue at the late stage of the 2nd instar, they were rescued and developed into the 3rd instar. Rescue experiments indicated that the 20E concentration of BmShadow-/- larvae was significantly lower than that in WT larvae, and the 20E concentration of BmShadow-/- larvae which fed 20E analogue was restored to normal levels. Interestingly, the BmShadow-/- larvae could not moult on the 1st instar when they hatched from eggs after being stored at 5 °C for 40 days or after hibernation, suggesting that the 20E transported from the mother was partially consumed in the diapause maintenance phase. Our study confirmed that BmShadow is involved in 20E synthesis and a 14-amino acids region from position 155 to 168 was essential for its function, also there appears to be no other compensation pathway in vivo, which offered an important potential target locus for the control of silkworm development and the biological control of agricultural and forestry pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericutural Biology and Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | | | - Tao Geng
- Environmental and Plant Protection Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Haikou, Hainan 571101, China
| | - Shun-Ming Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericutural Biology and Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Qiao-Ling Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericutural Biology and Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China
| | - Xing-Jia Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericutural Biology and Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212018, China.
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Fujinaga D, Gu J, Kawahara H, Ogihara MH, Kojima I, Takeshima M, Kataoka H. Twenty-hydroxyecdysone produced by dephosphorylation and ecdysteroidogenesis regulates early embryonic development in the silkmoth, Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 127:103491. [PMID: 33096212 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Ecdysteroids are key regulators of embryonic development as well as molting and metamorphosis in insects. Although an active form of ecdysteroids, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) is known to be produced through ecdysteroidogenesis from cholesterol and dephosphorylation of 20E-phosphate during embryogenesis in Lepidoptera, the importance of these production mechanisms in embryonic development has been unclear. Here, we investigated the activation timing of ecdysteroidogenesis from cholesterol and 20E-phosphate dephosphorylation during early embryogenesis in non-diapause eggs of the silkmoth Bombyx mori by observing morphological development, quantifying 20E and 20E-phosphate, measuring transcripts of enzymes involved in 20E production, and detecting activity of these enzymes using egg extracts. Stage-dependent 20E fluctuation and changes in mRNA amounts of enzymes suggest that the two 20E-producing mechanisms are activated at different stages during embryogenesis. Furthermore, knockdown of a dephosphorylation enzyme delayed development at early embryogenesis, whereas knockdown of an ecdysteroidogenic enzyme delayed development at early-middle embryogenesis. These results suggest that 20E is primarily produced initially by dephosphorylation of 20E-phosphate, and then by ecdysteroidogenesis from cholesterol to induce progression of embryonic development in B. mori.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Fujinaga
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Junjie Gu
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Hajime Kawahara
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Mari H Ogihara
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Ikumi Kojima
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Mika Takeshima
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kataoka
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan.
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Mao S, Song Z, Wu M, Wang X, Lu F, Qin HM. Expression, Purification, Refolding, and Characterization of a Neverland Protein From Caenorhabditis elegans. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:593041. [PMID: 33195160 PMCID: PMC7609953 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.593041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones that serve as vital compounds are necessary for the development and metabolism of a variety of organisms. The neverland (NVD) family genes encode the conserved Rieske-type oxygenases, which are accountable for the dehydrogenation during the synthesis and regulation of steroid hormones. However, the His-tagged NVD protein from Caenorhabditis elegans expresses as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). This bottleneck can be solved through refolding by urea or the introduction of a maltose-binding protein (MBP) tag at the N-terminus. Through further research on purification after the introduction of a MBP tag at the N-terminus, the CD measurement and fluorescence-based thermal shift assay indicated that MBP was favorable for the NVD proteins' solubility and stability, which may be beneficial for the large-scale manufacture of NVD protein for further research. The structural model contained the Rieske [2Fe-2S] domain and non-heme iron-binding motif, which were similar to 3-ketosteroid 9 α-hydroxylase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhong Mao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhan Song
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Mian Wu
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaorui Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Fuping Lu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin, China
| | - Hui-Min Qin
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Industrial Enzymes, Tianjin, China
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Yoshinari Y, Ameku T, Kondo S, Tanimoto H, Kuraishi T, Shimada-Niwa Y, Niwa R. Neuronal octopamine signaling regulates mating-induced germline stem cell increase in female Drosophila melanogaster. eLife 2020; 9:57101. [PMID: 33077027 PMCID: PMC7591258 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells fuel the development and maintenance of tissues. Many studies have addressed how local signals from neighboring niche cells regulate stem cell identity and their proliferative potential. However, the regulation of stem cells by tissue-extrinsic signals in response to environmental cues remains poorly understood. Here we report that efferent octopaminergic neurons projecting to the ovary are essential for germline stem cell (GSC) increase in response to mating in female Drosophila. The neuronal activity of the octopaminergic neurons is required for mating-induced GSC increase as they relay the mating signal from sex peptide receptor-positive cholinergic neurons. Octopamine and its receptor Oamb are also required for mating-induced GSC increase via intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Moreover, we identified Matrix metalloproteinase-2 as a downstream component of the octopamine-Ca2+ signaling to induce GSC increase. Our study provides a mechanism describing how neuronal system couples stem cell behavior to environmental cues through stem cell niche signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Yoshinari
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomotsune Ameku
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shu Kondo
- Invertebrate Genetics Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Hiromu Tanimoto
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takayuki Kuraishi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.,AMED-PRIME, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Shimada-Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.,AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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Texada MJ, Koyama T, Rewitz K. Regulation of Body Size and Growth Control. Genetics 2020; 216:269-313. [PMID: 33023929 PMCID: PMC7536854 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The control of body and organ growth is essential for the development of adults with proper size and proportions, which is important for survival and reproduction. In animals, adult body size is determined by the rate and duration of juvenile growth, which are influenced by the environment. In nutrient-scarce environments in which more time is needed for growth, the juvenile growth period can be extended by delaying maturation, whereas juvenile development is rapidly completed in nutrient-rich conditions. This flexibility requires the integration of environmental cues with developmental signals that govern internal checkpoints to ensure that maturation does not begin until sufficient tissue growth has occurred to reach a proper adult size. The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway is the primary cell-autonomous nutrient sensor, while circulating hormones such as steroids and insulin-like growth factors are the main systemic regulators of growth and maturation in animals. We discuss recent findings in Drosophila melanogaster showing that cell-autonomous environment and growth-sensing mechanisms, involving TOR and other growth-regulatory pathways, that converge on insulin and steroid relay centers are responsible for adjusting systemic growth, and development, in response to external and internal conditions. In addition to this, proper organ growth is also monitored and coordinated with whole-body growth and the timing of maturation through modulation of steroid signaling. This coordination involves interorgan communication mediated by Drosophila insulin-like peptide 8 in response to tissue growth status. Together, these multiple nutritional and developmental cues feed into neuroendocrine hubs controlling insulin and steroid signaling, serving as checkpoints at which developmental progression toward maturation can be delayed. This review focuses on these mechanisms by which external and internal conditions can modulate developmental growth and ensure proper adult body size, and highlights the conserved architecture of this system, which has made Drosophila a prime model for understanding the coordination of growth and maturation in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takashi Koyama
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Kim Rewitz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
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