1
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Tempone AJ, Zezza-Ramalho MDS, Borely D, Pitaluga AN, Brazil RP, Brandão-Filho SP, Pessoa FAC, Bruno RV, Carvalho-Costa FA, Salomón OD, Volf P, Burleigh BA, Aguiar ERGR, Traub-Cseko YM. Rhabdoviral Endogenous Sequences Identified in the Leishmaniasis Vector Lutzomyia longipalpis Are Widespread in Sandflies from South America. Viruses 2024; 16:395. [PMID: 38543761 PMCID: PMC10974309 DOI: 10.3390/v16030395] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sandflies are known vectors of leishmaniasis. In the Old World, sandflies are also vectors of viruses while little is known about the capacity of New World insects to transmit viruses to humans. Here, we relate the identification of RNA sequences with homology to rhabdovirus nucleocapsids (NcPs) genes, initially in the Lutzomyia longipalpis LL5 cell lineage, named NcP1.1 and NcP2. The Rhabdoviridae family never retrotranscribes its RNA genome to DNA. The sequences here described were identified in cDNA and DNA from LL-5 cells and in adult insects indicating that they are transcribed endogenous viral elements (EVEs). The presence of NcP1.1 and NcP2 in the L. longipalpis genome was confirmed in silico. In addition to showing the genomic location of NcP1.1 and NcP2, we identified another rhabdoviral insertion named NcP1.2. Analysis of small RNA molecules derived from these sequences showed that NcP1.1 and NcP1.2 present a profile consistent with elements targeted by primary piRNAs, while NcP2 was restricted to the degradation profile. The presence of NcP1.1 and NcP2 was investigated in sandfly populations from South America and the Old World. These EVEs are shared by different sandfly populations in South America while none of the Old World species studied presented the insertions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio J. Tempone
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.d.S.Z.-R.); (D.B.); (A.N.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular/CNPq, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Monique de Souza Zezza-Ramalho
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.d.S.Z.-R.); (D.B.); (A.N.P.)
| | - Daniel Borely
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.d.S.Z.-R.); (D.B.); (A.N.P.)
| | - André N. Pitaluga
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.d.S.Z.-R.); (D.B.); (A.N.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular/CNPq, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Reginaldo Peçanha Brazil
- Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Sinval P. Brandão-Filho
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães, Fiocruz, Recife 50740-465, PE, Brazil;
| | - Felipe A. C. Pessoa
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane, Fiocruz Amazônia, Manaus 69027-070, AM, Brazil;
| | - Rafaela V. Bruno
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular/CNPq, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Insetos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil
| | - Filipe A. Carvalho-Costa
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
| | - Oscar D. Salomón
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, ANLIS, Puerto Iguazu 3370, Misiones, Argentina;
| | - Petr Volf
- Department of Parasitology, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Barbara A. Burleigh
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Eric R. G. R. Aguiar
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
| | - Yara M. Traub-Cseko
- Laboratório de Biologia Molecular de Parasitas e Vetores, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil; (M.d.S.Z.-R.); (D.B.); (A.N.P.)
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular/CNPq, Rio de Janeiro 21040-360, RJ, Brazil;
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Lewis J, Gallichotte EN, Randall J, Glass A, Foy BD, Ebel GD, Kading RC. Intrinsic factors driving mosquito vector competence and viral evolution: a review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1330600. [PMID: 38188633 PMCID: PMC10771300 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1330600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are responsible for the transmission of numerous viruses of global health significance. The term "vector competence" describes the intrinsic ability of an arthropod vector to transmit an infectious agent. Prior to transmission, the mosquito itself presents a complex and hostile environment through which a virus must transit to ensure propagation and transmission to the next host. Viruses imbibed in an infectious blood meal must pass in and out of the mosquito midgut, traffic through the body cavity or hemocoel, invade the salivary glands, and be expelled with the saliva when the vector takes a subsequent blood meal. Viruses encounter physical, cellular, microbial, and immunological barriers, which are influenced by the genetic background of the mosquito vector as well as environmental conditions. Collectively, these factors place significant selective pressure on the virus that impact its evolution and transmission. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of the field in understanding the mosquito-specific factors that underpin vector competence and how each of these mechanisms may influence virus evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Lewis
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Emily N. Gallichotte
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Jenna Randall
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Arielle Glass
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Brian D. Foy
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Gregory D. Ebel
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Rebekah C. Kading
- Center for Vector-borne Infectious Diseases, Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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3
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van Lopik J, Alizada A, Trapotsi MA, Hannon GJ, Bornelöv S, Czech Nicholson B. Unistrand piRNA clusters are an evolutionarily conserved mechanism to suppress endogenous retroviruses across the Drosophila genus. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7337. [PMID: 37957172 PMCID: PMC10643416 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42787-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway prevents endogenous genomic parasites, i.e. transposable elements, from damaging the genetic material of animal gonadal cells. Specific regions in the genome, called piRNA clusters, are thought to define each species' piRNA repertoire and therefore its capacity to recognize and silence specific transposon families. The unistrand cluster flamenco (flam) is essential in the somatic compartment of the Drosophila ovary to restrict Gypsy-family transposons from infecting the neighbouring germ cells. Disruption of flam results in transposon de-repression and sterility, yet it remains unknown whether this silencing mechanism is present more widely. Here, we systematically characterise 119 Drosophila species and identify five additional flam-like clusters separated by up to 45 million years of evolution. Small RNA-sequencing validated these as bona-fide unistrand piRNA clusters expressed in somatic cells of the ovary, where they selectively target transposons of the Gypsy family. Together, our study provides compelling evidence of a widely conserved transposon silencing mechanism that co-evolved with virus-like Gypsy-family transposons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper van Lopik
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Azad Alizada
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Maria-Anna Trapotsi
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Gregory J Hannon
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Susanne Bornelöv
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
| | - Benjamin Czech Nicholson
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK.
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4
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Kalmykova AI, Sokolova OA. Retrotransposons and Telomeres. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2023; 88:1739-1753. [PMID: 38105195 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923110068] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) comprise a significant part of eukaryotic genomes being a major source of genome instability and mutagenesis. Cellular defense systems suppress the TE expansion at all stages of their life cycle. Piwi proteins and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are key elements of the anti-transposon defense system, which control TE activity in metazoan gonads preventing inheritable transpositions and developmental defects. In this review, we discuss various regulatory mechanisms by which small RNAs combat TE activity. However, active transposons persist, suggesting these powerful anti-transposon defense mechanisms have a limited capacity. A growing body of evidence suggests that increased TE activity coincides with genome reprogramming and telomere lengthening in different species. In the Drosophila fruit fly, whose telomeres consist only of retrotransposons, a piRNA-mediated mechanism is required for telomere maintenance and their length control. Therefore, the efficacy of protective mechanisms must be finely balanced in order not only to suppress the activity of transposons, but also to maintain the proper length and stability of telomeres. Structural and functional relationship between the telomere homeostasis and LINE1 retrotransposon in human cells indicates a close link between selfish TEs and the vital structure of the genome, telomere. This relationship, which permits the retention of active TEs in the genome, is reportedly a legacy of the retrotransposon origin of telomeres. The maintenance of telomeres and the execution of other crucial roles that TEs acquired during the process of their domestication in the genome serve as a type of payment for such a "service."
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla I Kalmykova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Olesya A Sokolova
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119334, Russia
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5
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Fonseca PLC, Gaur RK, Aguiar ERGR. Editorial: Using virus specific-signatures during infection to characterize host-pathogen interactions. Front Genet 2023; 14:1290714. [PMID: 37811151 PMCID: PMC10556736 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1290714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Luize Camargos Fonseca
- Genetics Department, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rajarshi Kumar Gaur
- Department of Biotechnology, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
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6
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Qu J, Betting V, van Iterson R, Kwaschik FM, van Rij RP. Chromatin profiling identifies transcriptional readthrough as a conserved mechanism for piRNA biogenesis in mosquitoes. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112257. [PMID: 36930642 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112257] [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: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The piRNA pathway in mosquitoes differs substantially from other model organisms, with an expanded PIWI gene family and functions in antiviral defense. Here, we define core piRNA clusters as genomic loci that show ubiquitous piRNA expression in both somatic and germline tissues. These core piRNA clusters are enriched for non-retroviral endogenous viral elements (nrEVEs) in antisense orientation and depend on key biogenesis factors, Veneno, Tejas, Yb, and Shutdown. Combined transcriptome and chromatin state analyses identify transcriptional readthrough as a conserved mechanism for cluster-derived piRNA biogenesis in the vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles gambiae. Comparative analyses between the two Aedes species suggest that piRNA clusters function as traps for nrEVEs, allowing adaptation to environmental challenges such as virus infection. Our systematic transcriptome and chromatin state analyses lay the foundation for studies of gene regulation, genome evolution, and piRNA function in these important vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqiong Qu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Valerie Betting
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ruben van Iterson
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Florence M Kwaschik
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald P van Rij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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7
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Olmo RP, Todjro YMH, Aguiar ERGR, de Almeida JPP, Ferreira FV, Armache JN, de Faria IJS, Ferreira AGA, Amadou SCG, Silva ATS, de Souza KPR, Vilela APP, Babarit A, Tan CH, Diallo M, Gaye A, Paupy C, Obame-Nkoghe J, Visser TM, Koenraadt CJM, Wongsokarijo MA, Cruz ALC, Prieto MT, Parra MCP, Nogueira ML, Avelino-Silva V, Mota RN, Borges MAZ, Drumond BP, Kroon EG, Recker M, Sedda L, Marois E, Imler JL, Marques JT. Mosquito vector competence for dengue is modulated by insect-specific viruses. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:135-149. [PMID: 36604511 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01289-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus mosquitoes are the main vectors for dengue virus (DENV) and other arboviruses, including Zika virus (ZIKV). Understanding the factors that affect transmission of arboviruses from mosquitoes to humans is a priority because it could inform public health and targeted interventions. Reasoning that interactions among viruses in the vector insect might affect transmission, we analysed the viromes of 815 urban Aedes mosquitoes collected from 12 countries worldwide. Two mosquito-specific viruses, Phasi Charoen-like virus (PCLV) and Humaita Tubiacanga virus (HTV), were the most abundant in A. aegypti worldwide. Spatiotemporal analyses of virus circulation in an endemic urban area revealed a 200% increase in chances of having DENV in wild A. aegypti mosquitoes when both HTV and PCLV were present. Using a mouse model in the laboratory, we showed that the presence of HTV and PCLV increased the ability of mosquitoes to transmit DENV and ZIKV to a vertebrate host. By transcriptomic analysis, we found that in DENV-infected mosquitoes, HTV and PCLV block the downregulation of histone H4, which we identify as an important proviral host factor in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roenick P Olmo
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yaovi M H Todjro
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Eric R G R Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences (DCB), Center of Biotechnology and Genetics (CBG), State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - João Paulo P de Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flávia V Ferreira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Juliana N Armache
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Isaque J S de Faria
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Alvaro G A Ferreira
- Mosquitos Vetores: Endossimbiontes e Interação Patógeno-Vetor, Instituto René Rachou-Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Siad C G Amadou
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Teresa S Silva
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Kátia P R de Souza
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula P Vilela
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antinea Babarit
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Strasbourg, France
| | - Cheong H Tan
- Environmental Health Institute, Vector Biology and Control Division, National Environment Agency, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mawlouth Diallo
- Pôle de Zoologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Alioune Gaye
- Pôle de Zoologie Médicale, Institut Pasteur de Dakar, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Christophe Paupy
- Maladies Infectieuses et Vecteurs: Écologie, Génétique, Évolution et Contrôle (MIVEGEC); Université de Montpellier, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Judicaël Obame-Nkoghe
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Département de Biologie, Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku, Franceville, Gabon.,Écologie des Systèmes Vectoriels, Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville, Franceville, Gabon
| | - Tessa M Visser
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ana Luiza C Cruz
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mariliza T Prieto
- Secretaria Municipal de Saúde, Seção de Controle de Vetores, Santos City Hall, Santos, Brazil
| | - Maisa C P Parra
- Laboratory of Research in Virology, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Maurício L Nogueira
- Laboratory of Research in Virology, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil.,Departament of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Vivian Avelino-Silva
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (FMUSP), Cerqueira Cesar, Brazil
| | - Renato N Mota
- Health Surveillance (Zoonosis Control), Brumadinho City Hall, Brumadinho, Brazil
| | - Magno A Z Borges
- Center for Biological and Health Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Brazil
| | - Betânia P Drumond
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Erna G Kroon
- Department of Microbiology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mario Recker
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn Campus, Penryn, UK.,Institute of Tropical Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luigi Sedda
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Eric Marois
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Luc Imler
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Strasbourg, France
| | - João T Marques
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. .,Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Strasbourg, France.
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8
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Cerqueira de Araujo A, Huguet E, Herniou EA, Drezen JM, Josse T. Transposable element repression using piRNAs, and its relevance to endogenous viral elements (EVEs) and immunity in insects. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100876. [PMID: 35065285 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The piRNA system controls transposable element (TE) mobility by transcriptional gene silencing and post-transcriptional gene silencing. Dispersed in insect genomes, piRNA clusters contain TE copies, from which they produce piRNAs (specific small RNAs). These piRNAs can both target the nascent transcripts produced by active TE copies and directly repress them by heterochromatinization. They can also target mature transcripts and cleave them following amplification by the so-called 'ping-pong' loop mechanism. Moreover, piRNA clusters contain endogenous viral elements (EVEs), from which they produce piRNAs. The current idea is that these piRNAs could participate in the antiviral response against exogenous viral infection. In this review, we show that among insects, to date, this antiviral response by the piRNA system appears mainly restricted to mosquitoes, but this could be due to the focus of most studies on arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Cerqueira de Araujo
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Elisabeth Huguet
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Elisabeth A Herniou
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Jean-Michel Drezen
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France
| | - Thibaut Josse
- Institut de Recherche sur la Biologie de l'Insecte (IRBI), UMR 7261, CNRS - Université de Tours, 37200 Tours, France.
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9
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Mukherjee P, Bhattacharjee S, Mandal DP. PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA): a narrative review of its biogenesis, function, and emerging role in lung cancer. ASIAN BIOMED 2022; 16:3-14. [PMID: 37551397 PMCID: PMC10321162 DOI: 10.2478/abm-2022-0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains elusive in many aspects, especially in its causes and control. After protein profiling, genetic screening, and mutation studies, scientists now have turned their attention to epigenetic modulation. This new arena has brought to light the world of noncoding RNA (ncRNA). Although very complicated and often confusing, ncRNA domains are now among the most attractive molecular markers for epigenetic control of cancer. Long ncRNA and microRNA (miRNA) have been studied best among the noncoding genome and huge data have accumulated regarding their inhibitory and promoting effects in cancer. Another sector of ncRNAs is the world of PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). Initially discovered with the asymmetric division of germline stem cells in the Drosophila ovary, piRNAs have a unique capability to associate with mammalian proteins analogous to P-element induced wimpy testis (PIWI) in Drosophila and are capable of silencing transposons. After a brief introduction to its discovery timelines, the present narrative review covers the biogenesis, function, and role of piRNAs in lung cancer. The effects on lung cancer are highlighted under sections of cell proliferation, stemness maintenance, metastasis, and overall survival, and the review concludes with a discussion of recent discoveries of another class of small ncRNAs, the piRNA-like RNAs (piR-Ls).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritha Mukherjee
- Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, Barasat, Kolkata700126, West Bengal, India
| | - Shamee Bhattacharjee
- Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, Barasat, Kolkata700126, West Bengal, India
| | - Deba Prasad Mandal
- Department of Zoology, West Bengal State University, Berunanpukuria, Malikapur, Barasat, Kolkata700126, West Bengal, India
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10
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Wallau GL. RNA virus EVEs in insect genomes. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 49:42-47. [PMID: 34839033 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Insects are infected by a diverse set of RNA viruses that are more broadly distinguished by their ability to infect single or multiple host species. During replication into the host cell, partial or complete double strand DNA derived from the viral genome may be integrated into their host genomes giving origin to endogenous viral elements (EVEs). EVEs from RNA viruses have been identified in a variety of insect genomes showing different evolutionary trajectories: from highly degraded viral genomic remains to partial and complete viral coding regions. Limited functional knowledge exists about RNA EVEs impact on hosts and circulating viruses, but exciting results are emerging showing a complex arms race interplay that influences the evolutionary trajectory of these interacting entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Luz Wallau
- Departamento de Entomologia e Núcleo de Bioinformática, Instituto Aggeu Magalhães (IAM), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Recife, Pernambuco, CEP: 50.740-465, Brazil.
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11
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Palatini U, Contreras CA, Gasmi L, Bonizzoni M. Endogenous viral elements in mosquito genomes: current knowledge and outstanding questions. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 49:22-30. [PMID: 34740858 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2021.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Integrations from non-retroviral RNA viruses (nrEVEs) have been identified across several taxa, including mosquitoes. Amongst all Culicinae species, the viral vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus stand out for their high number of nrEVEs. In addition, Aedes nrEVEs are enriched in piRNA clusters and generate piRNAs that can silence incoming viral genomes. As such, nrEVEs represent a new form of inherited antiviral immunity. To propel this discovery into novel transmission-blocking vector control strategies, a deeper understanding of nrEVE biology and evolution is essential because differences in the landscape of nrEVEs have been identified in wild-caught mosquitoes, the piRNA profile of nrEVEs is not homogeneous and nrEVEs outside piRNA clusters exist and are expressed at the mRNA level. Here we summarise current knowledge on nrEVEs in mosquitoes and we point out the many unanswered questions and potentials of these genomic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Palatini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia A Contreras
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Laila Gasmi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariangela Bonizzoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy..
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12
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Palatini U, Pischedda E, Bonizzoni M. Computational Methods for the Discovery and Annotation of Viral Integrations. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2509:293-313. [PMID: 35796971 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2380-0_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The transfer of genetic material between viruses and eukaryotic cells is pervasive. Somatic integrations of DNA viruses and retroviruses have been linked to persistent viral infection and genotoxic effects. Integrations into germline cells, referred to as Endogenous Viral Elements (EVEs), can be co-opted for host functions. Besides DNA viruses and retroviruses, EVEs can also derive from nonretroviral RNA viruses, which have often been observed in piRNA clusters. Here, we describe a bioinformatic framework to annotate EVEs in a genome assembly, study their widespread occurrence and polymorphism and identify sample-specific viral integrations using whole genome sequencing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Palatini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Pischedda
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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13
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Detection of Insect-Specific Flaviviruses in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Northeastern Regions of South Africa. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112148. [PMID: 34834955 PMCID: PMC8621686 DOI: 10.3390/v13112148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes in the Aedes and Culex genera are considered the main vectors of pathogenic flaviviruses worldwide. Entomological surveillance using universal flavivirus sets of primers in mosquitoes can detect not only pathogenic viruses but also insect-specific ones. It is hypothesized that insect-specific flaviviruses, which naturally infect these mosquitoes, may influence their vector competence for zoonotic arboviruses. Here, entomological surveillance was performed between January 2014 and May 2018 in five different provinces in the northeastern parts of South Africa, with the aim of identifying circulating flaviviruses. Mosquitoes were sampled using different carbon dioxide trap types. Overall, 64,603 adult mosquitoes were collected, which were screened by RT-PCR and sequencing. In total, 17 pools were found positive for insect-specific Flaviviruses in the mosquito genera Aedes (12/17, 70.59%) and Anopheles (5/17, 29.41%). No insect-specific viruses were detected in Culex species. Cell-fusing agent viruses were detected in Aedes aegypti and Aedes caballus. A range of anopheline mosquitoes, including Anopheles coustani, An. squamosus and An. maculipalpis, were positive for Culex flavivirus-like and Anopheles flaviviruses. These results confirm the presence of insect-specific flaviviruses in mosquito populations in South Africa, expands their geographical range and indicates potential mosquito species as vector species.
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14
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Joosten J, Overheul GJ, Van Rij RP, Miesen P. Endogenous piRNA-guided slicing triggers responder and trailer piRNA production from viral RNA in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:8886-8899. [PMID: 34331446 PMCID: PMC8421150 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the germline of animals, PIWI interacting (pi)RNAs protect the genome against the detrimental effects of transposon mobilization. In Drosophila, piRNA-mediated cleavage of transposon RNA triggers the production of responder piRNAs via ping-pong amplification. Responder piRNA 3' end formation by the nuclease Zucchini is coupled to the production of downstream trailer piRNAs, expanding the repertoire of transposon piRNA sequences. In Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, piRNAs are generated from viral RNA, yet, it is unknown how viral piRNA 3' ends are formed and whether viral RNA cleavage gives rise to trailer piRNA production. Here we report that in Ae. aegypti, virus- and transposon-derived piRNAs have sharp 3' ends, and are biased for downstream uridine residues, features reminiscent of Zucchini cleavage of precursor piRNAs in Drosophila. We designed a reporter system to study viral piRNA 3' end formation and found that targeting viral RNA by abundant endogenous piRNAs triggers the production of responder and trailer piRNAs. Using this reporter, we identified the Ae. aegypti orthologs of Zucchini and Nibbler, two nucleases involved in piRNA 3' end formation. Our results furthermore suggest that autonomous piRNA production from viral RNA can be triggered and expanded by an initial cleavage event guided by genome-encoded piRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joep Joosten
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Gijs J Overheul
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald P Van Rij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Pascal Miesen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
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15
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de Almeida JP, Aguiar ER, Armache JN, Olmo RP, Marques JT. The virome of vector mosquitoes. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 49:7-12. [PMID: 33991759 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the major vectors for arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) of medical importance. Aedes aegypti and A. albopictus are the most prolific and widespread mosquito vectors being responsible for global transmission of dengue, Zika and Chikungunya viruses. Characterizing the collection of viruses circulating in mosquitoes, the virome, has long been of special interest. In addition to arboviruses, mosquitoes carry insect-specific viruses (ISVs) that do not directly infect vertebrates. Mounting evidence indicates that ISVs interact with arboviruses and may affect mosquito vector competence. Here, we review our current knowledge about the virome of vector mosquitoes and discuss the challenges for the field that may lead to novel strategies to prevent outbreaks of arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pp de Almeida
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Eric Rgr Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Department of Biological Science (DCB), Center of Biotechnology and Genetics (CBG), State University of Santa Cruz (UESC), Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna km 16, Ilhéus 45652-900, Brazil
| | - Juliana N Armache
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Roenick P Olmo
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Strasbourg 67084, France
| | - João T Marques
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte CEP 31270901, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UPR9022, INSERM U1257, Strasbourg 67084, France.
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16
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Rozen-Gagnon K, Gu M, Luna JM, Luo JD, Yi S, Novack S, Jacobson E, Wang W, Paul MR, Scheel TKH, Carroll T, Rice CM. Argonaute-CLIP delineates versatile, functional RNAi networks in Aedes aegypti, a major vector of human viruses. Cell Host Microbe 2021; 29:834-848.e13. [PMID: 33794184 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Argonaute (AGO) proteins bind small RNAs to silence complementary RNA transcripts, and they are central to RNA interference (RNAi). RNAi is critical for regulation of gene expression and antiviral defense in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which transmit Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever viruses. In mosquitoes, AGO1 mediates miRNA interactions, while AGO2 mediates siRNA interactions. We applied AGO-crosslinking immunoprecipitation (AGO-CLIP) for both AGO1 and AGO2, and we developed a universal software package for CLIP analysis (CLIPflexR), identifying 230 small RNAs and 5,447 small RNA targets that comprise a comprehensive RNAi network map in mosquitoes. RNAi network maps predicted expression levels of small RNA targets in specific tissues. Additionally, this resource identified unexpected, context-dependent AGO2 target preferences, including endogenous viral elements and 3'UTRs. Finally, contrary to current thinking, mosquito AGO2 repressed imperfect targets. These findings expand our understanding of small RNA networks and have broad implications for the study of antiviral RNAi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Rozen-Gagnon
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Meigang Gu
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joseph M Luna
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ji-Dung Luo
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Soon Yi
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sasha Novack
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Eliana Jacobson
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Matthew R Paul
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Troels K H Scheel
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Copenhagen Hepatitis C Program (CO-HEP), Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital, DK-2650 Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Carroll
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Charles M Rice
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, the Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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17
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Ma Q, Srivastav SP, Gamez S, Dayama G, Feitosa-Suntheimer F, Patterson EI, Johnson RM, Matson EM, Gold AS, Brackney DE, Connor JH, Colpitts TM, Hughes GL, Rasgon JL, Nolan T, Akbari OS, Lau NC. A mosquito small RNA genomics resource reveals dynamic evolution and host responses to viruses and transposons. Genome Res 2021; 31:512-528. [PMID: 33419731 PMCID: PMC7919454 DOI: 10.1101/gr.265157.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although mosquitoes are major transmission vectors for pathogenic arboviruses, viral infection has little impact on mosquito health. This immunity is caused in part by mosquito RNA interference (RNAi) pathways that generate antiviral small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). RNAi also maintains genome integrity by potently repressing mosquito transposon activity in the germline and soma. However, viral and transposon small RNA regulatory pathways have not been systematically examined together in mosquitoes. Therefore, we developed an integrated mosquito small RNA genomics (MSRG) resource that analyzes the transposon and virus small RNA profiles in mosquito cell cultures and somatic and gonadal tissues across four medically important mosquito species. Our resource captures both somatic and gonadal small RNA expression profiles within mosquito cell cultures, and we report the evolutionary dynamics of a novel Mosquito-Conserved piRNA Cluster Locus (MCpiRCL) made up of satellite DNA repeats. In the larger culicine mosquito genomes we detected highly regular periodicity in piRNA biogenesis patterns coinciding with the expansion of Piwi pathway genes. Finally, our resource enables detection of cross talk between piRNA and siRNA populations in mosquito cells during a response to virus infection. The MSRG resource will aid efforts to dissect and combat the capacity of mosquitoes to tolerate and spread arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qicheng Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Satyam P Srivastav
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Stephanie Gamez
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Gargi Dayama
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Fabiana Feitosa-Suntheimer
- Department of Microbiology and the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Edward I Patterson
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca M Johnson
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes for the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Erik M Matson
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Alexander S Gold
- Department of Microbiology and the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Douglas E Brackney
- Department of Environmental Sciences, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - John H Connor
- Department of Microbiology and the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Tonya M Colpitts
- Department of Microbiology and the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
| | - Grant L Hughes
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes for the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
| | - Tony Nolan
- Departments of Vector Biology and Tropical Disease Biology, Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Omar S Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093, USA
| | - Nelson C Lau
- Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
- Boston University Genome Science Institute and the National Emerging Infectious Disease Laboratory, Boston, Massachusetts 02118, USA
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18
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Macias VM, Palatini U, Bonizzoni M, Rasgon JL. Leaning Into the Bite: The piRNA Pathway as an Exemplar for the Genetic Engineering Need in Mosquitoes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 10:614342. [PMID: 33520739 PMCID: PMC7840538 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.614342] [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: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The piRNA pathway is a specialized small RNA interference that in mosquitoes is mechanistically distant from analogous biology in the Drosophila model. Current genetic engineering methods, such as targeted genome manipulation, have a high potential to tease out the functional complexity of this intricate molecular pathway. However, progress in utilizing these methods in arthropod vectors has been geared mostly toward the development of new vector control strategies rather than to study cellular functions. Herein we propose that genetic engineering methods will be essential to uncover the full functionality of PIWI/piRNA biology in mosquitoes and that extending the applications of genetic engineering on other aspects of mosquito biology will grant access to a much larger pool of knowledge in disease vectors that is just out of reach. We discuss motivations for and impediments to expanding the utility of genetic engineering to study the underlying biology and disease transmission and describe specific areas where efforts can be placed to achieve the full potential for genetic engineering in basic biology in mosquito vectors. Such efforts will generate a refreshed intellectual source of novel approaches to disease control and strong support for the effective use of approaches currently in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa M Macias
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Umberto Palatini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States.,Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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19
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Characterization of a Novel Mitovirus of the Sand Fly Lutzomyia longipalpis Using Genomic and Virus-Host Interaction Signatures. Viruses 2020; 13:v13010009. [PMID: 33374584 PMCID: PMC7822452 DOI: 10.3390/v13010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematophagous insects act as the major reservoirs of infectious agents due to their intimate contact with a large variety of vertebrate hosts. Lutzomyia longipalpis is the main vector of Leishmania chagasi in the New World, but its role as a host of viruses is poorly understood. In this work, Lu. longipalpis RNA libraries were subjected to progressive assembly using viral profile HMMs as seeds. A sequence phylogenetically related to fungal viruses of the genus Mitovirus was identified and this novel virus was named Lul-MV-1. The 2697-base genome presents a single gene coding for an RNA-directed RNA polymerase with an organellar genetic code. To determine the possible host of Lul-MV-1, we analyzed the molecular characteristics of the viral genome. Dinucleotide composition and codon usage showed profiles similar to mitochondrial DNA of invertebrate hosts. Also, the virus-derived small RNA profile was consistent with the activation of the siRNA pathway, with size distribution and 5′ base enrichment analogous to those observed in viruses of sand flies, reinforcing Lu. longipalpis as a putative host. Finally, RT-PCR of different insect pools and sequences of public Lu. longipalpis RNA libraries confirmed the high prevalence of Lul-MV-1. This is the first report of a mitovirus infecting an insect host.
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20
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Gamez S, Srivastav S, Akbari OS, Lau NC. Diverse Defenses: A Perspective Comparing Dipteran Piwi-piRNA Pathways. Cells 2020; 9:E2180. [PMID: 32992598 PMCID: PMC7601171 DOI: 10.3390/cells9102180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals face the dual threat of virus infections hijacking cellular function and transposons proliferating in germline genomes. For insects, the deeply conserved RNA interference (RNAi) pathways and other chromatin regulators provide an important line of defense against both viruses and transposons. For example, this innate immune system displays adaptiveness to new invasions by generating cognate small RNAs for targeting gene silencing measures against the viral and genomic intruders. However, within the Dipteran clade of insects, Drosophilid fruit flies and Culicids mosquitoes have evolved several unique mechanistic aspects of their RNAi defenses to combat invading transposons and viruses, with the Piwi-piRNA arm of the RNAi pathways showing the greatest degree of novel evolution. Whereas central features of Piwi-piRNA pathways are conserved between Drosophilids and Culicids, multiple lineage-specific innovations have arisen that may reflect distinct genome composition differences and specific ecological and physiological features dividing these two branches of Dipterans. This perspective review focuses on the most recent findings illuminating the Piwi/piRNA pathway distinctions between fruit flies and mosquitoes, and raises open questions that need to be addressed in order to ameliorate human diseases caused by pathogenic viruses that mosquitoes transmit as vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Gamez
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; (S.G.); (O.S.A.)
| | - Satyam Srivastav
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2703, USA;
| | - Omar S. Akbari
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA; (S.G.); (O.S.A.)
| | - Nelson C. Lau
- Department of Biochemistry and Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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21
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Leonetti P, Miesen P, van Rij RP, Pantaleo V. Viral and subviral derived small RNAs as pathogenic determinants in plants and insects. Adv Virus Res 2020; 107:1-36. [PMID: 32711727 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The phenotypic manifestations of disease induced by viruses and subviral infectious entities are the result of complex molecular interactions between host and viral factors. The viral determinants of the diseased phenotype have traditionally been sought at the level of structural or non-structural proteins. However, the discovery of RNA silencing mechanisms has led to speculations that determinants of the diseased phenotype are caused by viral nucleic acid sequences in addition to proteins. RNA silencing is a gene regulation mechanism conserved within eukaryotic kingdoms (with the exception of some yeast species), and in plants and insects it also functions as an antiviral mechanism. Non-coding RNAs of viral origin, ranging in size from 21 to 24 nucleotides (viral small interfering RNAs, vsiRNAs) accumulate in virus-infected tissues and organs, in some cases to comparable levels as the entire complement of host-encoded small interfering RNAs. Upon incorporation into RNA-induced silencing complexes, vsiRNAs can mediate cleavage or induce translational inhibition of nucleic acid targets in a sequence-specific manner. This review focuses on recent findings that suggest an increased complexity of small RNA-based interactions between virus and host. We mainly address plant viruses, but where applicable discuss insect viruses as well. Prominence is given to studies that have indisputably demonstrated that vsiRNAs determine diseased phenotype by either carrying sequence determinants or, indirectly, by altering host-gene regulatory pathways. Results from these studies suggest biotechnological applications, which are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Leonetti
- Department of Biology, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Bari, Italy
| | - Pascal Miesen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald P van Rij
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Vitantonio Pantaleo
- Department of Biology, Agricultural and Food Sciences, Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, CNR, Bari, Italy..
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