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Zhang H, Wang XY, Sun TF, Chen TJ, Ding JL, Feng MG, Ying SH. A family of nitronate monooxygenase-domain proteins are essential for biocontrol potential of the insect mycopathogen Beauveria bassiana. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2025; 208:106317. [PMID: 40015909 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2025.106317] [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: 11/24/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2025] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 03/01/2025]
Abstract
Beauveria bassiana has been assumed a promising biocontrol agent in integrated pest management. Nitronate monooxygenase (NMO) catalyzes the conversion of alkyl nitronates into aldehydes and nitrite as well as nitroalkanes into the corresponding carbonyl compounds and nitrite. In fungi, enzymatic characteristics have been biochemically determined for NMOs; however, the understanding of their biological functions remains largely unknown in entomopathogenic fungi. In this study, a domain annotation analysis revealed that there were eight NMO proteins (BbNmo1-BbNmo8) in the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana. The first six NMO proteins contained peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1), in which BbNmo2 carried an atypical one. Except for BbNMO1 and BbNMO4, other NMO genes were functionally analyzed. The gene loss of six genes did not cause significant change in fungal vegetative growth, but resulted in convergent defects in fungal resistance to cell-wall integrity stress and conidial hydrophobicity. In addition, BbNmo3 was also required for fungal response to oxidative, osmotic, and nitro-compound stresses as well as extracellular acidification. All these six genes were required for fungal conidiation; however, except for BbNMO3, the other five contributed to blastospore formation. All tested NMO genes were involved in fungal virulence; significantly, BbNMO3 had the greatest contribution. The functionally-characterized NMO proteins were localized to peroxisomes and cytoplasm, which was in accordance with whether they had the PTS1. Current findings indicate that the NMO-domain proteins play essential roles in unique lifestyle in the insect pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin-Yi Wang
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ting-Fei Sun
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tian-Jing Chen
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jin-Li Ding
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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2
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Boguś MI, Kazek M. Sex- and Metamorphosis-Related Changes in the Cuticular Lipid Profile of Galleria mellonella Pupae and Adults. INSECTS 2024; 15:965. [PMID: 39769567 PMCID: PMC11678884 DOI: 10.3390/insects15120965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2024] [Revised: 11/28/2024] [Accepted: 11/29/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2025]
Abstract
The majority of insects reproduce sexually. Among the many factors involved in controlling the reproductive process, cuticular lipids play an important role as unique chemical signatures of species, developmental stage, and sex, and participate in mate recognition. An understanding of the sex- and metamorphosis-related fluctuations in the cuticular lipid profiles of harmful insects is necessary to hamper their reproductive process. A GC/MS analysis of the cuticular lipids of the beehive pest Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) revealed 11 FFAs in the male pupae (C8:0, C9:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:1, C16:0, C17:0, C18:1, C18:0, C20:1, and C21:1) together with another two in the females (C10:0 and C17:1). As metamorphosis progressed, some FFAs disappeared from the pupal cuticle (C8:0 and C17:0 in both sexes, and C10:0, C17:1, and C20:1 only in female pupae) and the levels of the others changed. In adult virgin males and females, C8:0, C17:1, and C17:0 reappeared and two FFAs absent in pupae (C6:0 and C11:0) appeared. In virgin males, C13:0 also appeared (absent in pupae). Copulation resulted in the disappearance of C13:0 and C17:1, decreased the concentrations of C9:0, C11:0, C18:1, and C18:0, and elevated the amounts of C14:0, C16:1, and C16:0 in mated males. In mated females, the concentrations of C11:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, C17:1, and C18:1 increased while C18:1 decreased. Copulation reduced cholesterol levels in mated females, and increased those in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieczysława I. Boguś
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland
- Biomibo, 15 Strzygłowska St., 04-872 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michalina Kazek
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Technologies (CEZAMAT), Warsaw University of Technology, 19 Poleczki St., 02-822 Warsaw, Poland;
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Kazek M, Kaczmarek A, Wrońska AK, Boguś MI. Effect of Benzyl Alcohol on Main Defense System Components of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera). Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:11209. [PMID: 39456990 PMCID: PMC11508370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252011209] [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: 09/11/2024] [Revised: 10/10/2024] [Accepted: 10/11/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Benzyl alcohol (E1519) is an aromatic alcohol used in the pharmaceutical and food industry. It is used to protect food products against microorganisms during storage, as a flavoring in the production of chocolate and confectionery products, as an important ingredient in fragrance, and as a preservative in medical products. However, little is known of its effect on insects. The main aim of this study was to determine the influence of benzyl alcohol on the defense systems of the wax moth Galleria mellonella, i.e., its cuticular lipid composition and critical elements of its immune system. A gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis found benzyl alcohol treatment to elicit significant quantitative and qualitative differences in cuticular free fatty acid (FFA) profiles. Our findings indicate that benzyl alcohol treatment increased the levels of HSP70 and HSP90 and decreased those of HSF1, histamine, and cysteinyl leukotriene. Benzyl alcohol application also increased dismutase level in the hemolymph and lowered those of catalase and 8-OHdG. The treatment also had negative effects on G. mellonella hemocytes and a Sf9 cell line in vitro: 48-h treatment resulted in morphological changes, with the remaining cells being clearly spindle-shaped with numerous granules. The high insecticidal activity of compound and its lack of toxicity towards vertebrates suggest it could be an effective insecticide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Kazek
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Advanced Materials and Technology CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Poleczki 19, 02-822 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Agata Kaczmarek
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland; (A.K.); (A.K.W.)
| | - Anna K. Wrońska
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland; (A.K.); (A.K.W.)
| | - Mieczysława I. Boguś
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warszawa, Poland; (A.K.); (A.K.W.)
- BIOMIBO, ul. Strzygłowska 15, 04-872 Warszawa, Poland
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4
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Falcon-Brindis A, Villanueva RT. Hemp regulates the fitness of corn earworm (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) and its tachinid (Diptera) parasitoids. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0311220. [PMID: 39348364 PMCID: PMC11441649 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311220] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pest management on hemp is still in its infancy, and biological control options are limited. Helicoverpa zea (corn earworm) is one of the key pests of hemp cultivated outdoors, especially on cultivars grown for cannabinoids and grain. In a three-year study, we assessed the effect of diet on the performance of H. zea and its tachinid parasitoids. Parasitized (bearing fly eggs) and unparasitized (without eggs) H. zea larvae were fed on hemp flowers or an artificial diet. Five tachinid species parasitized H. zea larvae, but the most abundant species were Winthemia rufopicta (68.8%) and Lespesia aletiae (28.3%). Overall, 55.2% of H. zea larvae bearing tachinid eggs died, while the mortality of unparasitized larvae reached 24.7%. The success of tachinids increased by 2-fold when the host larvae were fed on an artificial diet. Our results demonstrated that high protein food (artificial diet), intensity of parasitism, and caterpillar size play a role in the fitness of both the herbivores (H. zea) and its tachinid parasitoids. These findings have important implications for understanding biological control mechanisms and open new insights into the impact of landscape variation on plant-herbivore-parasitoid interactions. This study contains supporting evidence that makes both Winthemia rufopicta and Lespesia aletiae excellent candidates for biological control programs against H. zea, a key pest of hemp in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Falcon-Brindis
- Parma Research and Extension Center, Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Nematology, University of Idaho, Parma, Idaho, United States of America
- Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Princeton, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Raul T. Villanueva
- Research and Education Center, Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, Princeton, Kentucky, United States of America
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Guarnieri A, Venditti N, Cutuli MA, Brancazio N, Salvatore G, Magnifico I, Pietrangelo L, Falcone M, Vergalito F, Nicolosi D, Scarsella F, Davinelli S, Scapagnini G, Petronio Petronio G, Di Marco R. Human breast milk isolated lactic acid bacteria: antimicrobial and immunomodulatory activity on the Galleria mellonella burn wound model. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1428525. [PMID: 39310784 PMCID: PMC11412949 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1428525] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Managing burn injuries is a challenge in healthcare. Due to the alarming increase in antibiotic resistance, new prophylactic and therapeutic strategies are being sought. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of live Lactic Acid Bacteria for managing burn infections, using Galleria mellonella larvae as an alternative preclinical animal model and comparing the outcomes with a common antibiotic. Methods The antimicrobial activity of LAB isolated from human breast milk was assessed in vitro against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Additionally, the immunomodulatory effects of LAB were evaluated in vivo using the G. mellonella burn wound infection model. Results and discussion In vitro results demonstrated the antimicrobial activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria against P. aeruginosa. In vivo results show that their prophylactic treatment improves, statistically significant, larval survival and modulates the expression of immunity-related genes, Gallerimycin and Relish/NF-κB, strain-dependently. These findings lay the foundation and suggest a promising alternative for burn wound prevention and management, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance, enhancing immune modulation, and validating the potential G. mellonella as a skin burn wound model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Guarnieri
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Noemi Venditti
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
- Unità Operativa (UO) Laboratorio Analisi, Responsible Research Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marco Alfio Cutuli
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Natasha Brancazio
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giovanna Salvatore
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Irene Magnifico
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Laura Pietrangelo
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Marilina Falcone
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Franca Vergalito
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Food Sciences, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Daria Nicolosi
- Università degli Studi di Catania Department of Drug and Health Sciences, Catania, Italy
| | - Franco Scarsella
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
- ASReM-Azienda Sanitaria Regionale del Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Sergio Davinelli
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scapagnini
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Giulio Petronio Petronio
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Università degli Studi del Molise Department of Medicina e Scienze della Salute “V. Tiberio”, Campobasso, Italy
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Lei JH, Sun TF, Feng MG, Ying SH. Functional insights of three RING-finger peroxins in the life cycle of the insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Curr Genet 2023; 69:267-276. [PMID: 37910177 DOI: 10.1007/s00294-023-01275-1] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisomes play important roles in fungal physiological processes. The RING-finger complex consists of peroxins Pex2, Pex10, and Pex12 and is essential for recycling of receptors responsible for peroxisomal targeting of matrix proteins. In this study, these three peroxins were functionally characterized in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bb). These three peroxins are associated with peroxisomes, in which BbPex2 interacted with BbPex10 and BbPex12. Ablation of these peroxins did not completely block the peroxisome biogenesis, but abolish peroxisomal targeting of matrix proteins via both PTS1 and PTS2 pathways. Three disruptants displayed different phenotypic defects in growth on nutrients and under stress conditions, but have similar defects in acetyl-CoA biosynthesis, development, and virulence. Strikingly, BbPex10 played a less important role in fungal growth on tested nutrients than other two peroxins; whereas, BbPex2 performed a less important contribution to fungal growth under stresses. This investigation reinforces the peroxisomal roles in the lifecycle of entomopathogenic fungi and highlights the unequal functions of different peroxins in peroxisomal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hui Lei
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ting-Fei Sun
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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7
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Boguś MI, Kazek M, Drozdowski M, Kaczmarek A, Wrońska AK. The Entomopathogenic Fungus Conidiobolus coronatus Has Similar Effects on the Cuticular Free Fatty Acid Profile of Sensitive and Resistant Insects. INSECTS 2023; 14:895. [PMID: 37999094 PMCID: PMC10671882 DOI: 10.3390/insects14110895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the recognition of a susceptible host by a fungus and the role of cuticular compounds (CCs) in this process remain unclear; however, accumulated data suggest that this is influenced to a great degree by cuticular lipids. Two insect species differing in their sensitivity to fungal infection, viz. the highly sensitive Galleria mellonella Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the resistant Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Calliphoridae), exhibited significant qualitative and quantitative changes in cuticular free fatty acid (FFA) profiles after exposure to Conidiobolus coronatus (Constantin) Batko (Entomopthorales). Despite being systematically distant, leading different lifestyles in different habitats, both insect species demonstrated similar changes in the same FFAs following exposure to the fungus (C12:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:1, C16:0, C18:1, C18:0), suggesting that these are involved in a contact-induced defense response. As it was not possible to distinguish the share of FFAs present in the conidia that were attached to the cuticle from the FFAs of the cuticle itself in the total number of extracted FFAs, further research is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warszawa, Poland; (M.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Michalina Kazek
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Genomics, Centre of Advanced Materials and Technology CEZAMAT, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Poleczki 19, 02-822 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Mikołaj Drozdowski
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warszawa, Poland; (M.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Agata Kaczmarek
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warszawa, Poland; (M.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Anna Katarzyna Wrońska
- Museum and Institute of Zoology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Wilcza 64, 00-679 Warszawa, Poland; (M.D.); (A.K.)
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8
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Maslova E, Osman S, McCarthy RR. Using the Galleria mellonella burn wound and infection model to identify and characterize potential wound probiotics. MICROBIOLOGY (READING, ENGLAND) 2023; 169:001350. [PMID: 37350463 PMCID: PMC10333784 DOI: 10.1099/mic.0.001350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Burn wound infection is the leading cause of mortality among burn wound patients. One of the most commonly isolated bacterial burn wound pathogens is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a notorious nosocomial multidrug-resistant pathogen. As a consequence of its recalcitrance to frontline antibiotic therapy, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatment avenues to tackle this pathogen. One potential alternative infection prevention measure is to seed the wound bed with probiotic bacteria. Several species of Lactobacillus, a common commensal bacterium, have been previously reported to display growth inhibition activity against wound pathogens. Various species of this genus have also been shown to augment the wound healing process, which makes it a promising potential therapeutic agent. Due to the complexity of the burn wound trauma and burn wound infection, an in vivo model is required for the development of novel therapeutics. There are multiple in vivo models that are currently available, the most common among them being the murine model. However, mammalian burn wound infection models are logistically challenging, do not lend themselves to screening approaches and come with significant concerns around ethics and animal welfare. Recently, an invertebrate burn wound and infection model using G. mellonella has been established. This model addresses several of the challenges of more advanced animal models, such as affordability, maintenance and reduced ethical concerns. This study validates the capacity of this model to screen for potential wound probiotics by demonstrating that a variety of Lactobacillus spp. can limit P. aeruginosa burn wound infection and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Maslova
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, Centre of Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Shanga Osman
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, Centre of Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Ronan R. McCarthy
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, Centre of Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
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Hou J, Ding JL, Peng YJ, Feng MG, Ying SH. Genome-wide identification of BCS1 domain-containing proteins reveals the mitochondrial bcs1 essential for growth, stress response, and virulence of the filamentous entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. Microbiol Res 2023; 267:127262. [PMID: 36450212 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2022.127262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In yeasts, bcs1 is a mitochondrial AAA protein (ATPase associated with diverse cellular activities) and required for biogenesis of the complex III in mitochondrial electron transfer chain. However, the presence and biological roles of bcs1 remain largely unknown in the filamentous fungi. In present study, genome-wide identification revealed that there were six BCS1-domain containing proteins (Bbbcs1a through f) in the filamentous insect pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, five of which (except for Bbbcs1f) were functionally analyzed. Phenotypic evaluation revealed that only Bbbcs1b and Bbbcs1c contributed to fungal physiologies, and they localized to nuclei and mitochondria, respectively. Hence, Bbbcs1c is considered as the ortholog of yeast bcs1 in B. bassiana. Ablation of Bbbcs1c did not affect biogenesis of mitochondria, but its loss significantly attenuated mitochondrial functionality (e.g., ATP synthesis and mitochondrial targeting of proteins) significantly. ΔBbbcs1c mutant displayed the impaired phenotypes in vegetative growth, stress response, development, and virulence. Notably, ΔBbbcs1c mutant displayed the increased sensitivity to linoleic acid (LA) stress and lost the intracellular fatty acid homeostasis. The Bbbcs1c loss compromised the mitochondrial membrane potential, and LA stress exacerbated this damage. These findings indicate that Bbbcs1c is a functional homolog of yeast bcs1 in B. bassiana and links mitochondrial functionality to unique lifestyle in the entomopathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Hou
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jin-Li Ding
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yue-Jin Peng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ming-Guang Feng
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Sheng-Hua Ying
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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10
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Gutiérrez Y, Fresch M, Scherber C, Brockmeyer J. The lipidome of an omnivorous insect responds to diet composition and social environment. Ecol Evol 2022; 12:e9497. [PMID: 36381391 PMCID: PMC9643132 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9497] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipids are biomolecules with essential roles in metabolic processes, signaling, and cellular architecture. In this study, we investigated changes in the lipidome of the house cricket Acheta domesticus subjected to diets of different nutritional composition (i.e., protein to carbohydrate ratio) and two distinct social environments (i.e., solitary or in groups). We measured relative abundances of 811 lipid species in whole-body cricket samples using flow injection analysis coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. We assessed differences in the relative abundances of lipid species induced by diet composition and social environment in female and male A. domesticus. Additionally, we performed a functional analysis of the lipids with significant differences using a recently developed database. We found that most differences in the relative abundances of lipid species were explained by sex alone. Furthermore, the lipidome of female A. domesticus was responsive to diet composition. Females fed with the balanced diet had an even higher abundance of lipids involved in lipid storage than their counterparts fed with a protein-rich diet. Interestingly, the male cricket lipidome was not responsive to diet composition. In addition, the social environment did not induce significant changes in the lipid profile neither in female nor in male crickets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeisson Gutiérrez
- Centro de Bioinformática y Biología Computacional de Colombia – BIOSManizalesColombia
| | - Marion Fresch
- Institute for Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
| | - Christoph Scherber
- Institute of Landscape EcologyUniversity of MünsterMünsterGermany
- Centre for Biodiversity MonitoringZoological Research Museum Alexander KoenigBonnGermany
| | - Jens Brockmeyer
- Institute for Biochemistry and Technical BiochemistryUniversity of StuttgartStuttgartGermany
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11
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Hou J, Lin H, Ding J, Feng M, Ying S. Peroxins in Peroxisomal Receptor Export System Contribute to Development, Stress Response, and Virulence of Insect Pathogenic Fungus Beauveria bassiana. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:622. [PMID: 35736105 PMCID: PMC9224678 DOI: 10.3390/jof8060622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In filamentous fungi, recycling of receptors responsible for protein targeting to peroxisomes depends on the receptor export system (RES), which consists of peroxins Pex1, Pex6, and Pex26. This study seeks to functionally characterize these peroxins in the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. BbPex1, BbPex6, and BbPex26 are associated with peroxisomes and interact with each other. The loss of these peroxins did not completely abolish the peroxisome biogenesis. Three peroxins were all absolutely required for PTS1 pathway; however, only BbPex6 and BbPex26 were required for protein translocation via PTS2 pathway. Three gene disruption mutants displayed the similar phenotypic defects in assimilation of nutrients (e.g., fatty acid, protein, and chitin), stress response (e.g., oxidative and osmotic stress), and virulence. Notably, all disruptant displayed significantly enhanced sensitivity to linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. This study reinforces the essential roles of the peroxisome in the lifecycle of entomopathogenic fungi and highlights peroxisomal roles in combating the host defense system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shenghua Ying
- Institute of Microbiology, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (J.H.); (H.L.); (J.D.); (M.F.)
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12
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Kaczmarek A, Wrońska AK, Kazek M, Boguś MI. Octanoic Acid-An Insecticidal Metabolite of Conidiobolus coronatus (Entomopthorales) That Affects Two Majors Antifungal Protection Systems in Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera): Cuticular Lipids and Hemocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5204. [PMID: 35563592 PMCID: PMC9101785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095204] [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: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The food flavour additive octanoic acid (C8:0) is also a metabolite of the entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus coronatus, which efficiently infects and rapidly kills Galleria mellonella. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of C8:0 in insecticidal fraction FR3 extracted from C. coronatus filtrate. Topical administration of C8:0 had a dose-dependent effect on survival rates of larvae but not on pupation or adult eclosion times of the survivors. Topically applied C8:0 was more toxic to adults than larvae (LD100 for adults 18.33 ± 2.49 vs. 33.56 ± 2.57 µg/mg of body mass for larvae). The administration of C8:0 on the cuticle of larvae and adults, in amounts corresponding to their LD50 and LD100 doses, had a considerable impact on the two main defense systems engaged in protecting against pathogens, causing serious changes in the developmental-stage-specific profiles of free fatty acids (FFAs) covering the cuticle of larvae and adults and damaging larval hemocytes. In vitro cultures of G. mellonella hemocytes, either directly treated with C8:0 or taken from C8:0 treated larvae, revealed deformation of hemocytes, disordered networking, late apoptosis, and necrosis, as well as caspase 1-9 activation and elevation of 8-OHdG level. C8:0 was also confirmed to have a cytotoxic effect on the SF-9 insect cell line, as determined by WST-1 and LDH tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-875 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.W.); (M.K.); (M.I.B.)
| | - Anna Katarzyna Wrońska
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-875 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.W.); (M.K.); (M.I.B.)
| | - Michalina Kazek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-875 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.W.); (M.K.); (M.I.B.)
| | - Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 00-875 Warsaw, Poland; (A.K.W.); (M.K.); (M.I.B.)
- Biomibo, 04-872 Warsaw, Poland
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13
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Kaczmarek A, Boguś M. The metabolism and role of free fatty acids in key physiological processes in insects of medical, veterinary and forensic importance. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12563. [PMID: 35036124 PMCID: PMC8710053 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are the most widespread group of organisms and more than one million species have been described. These animals have significant ecological functions, for example they are pollinators of many types of plants. However, they also have direct influence on human life in different manners. They have high medical and veterinary significance, stemming from their role as vectors of disease and infection of wounds and necrotic tissue; they are also plant pests, parasitoids and predators whose activities can influence agriculture. In addition, their use in medical treatments, such as maggot therapy of gangrene and wounds, has grown considerably. They also have many uses in forensic science to determine the minimum post-mortem interval and provide valuable information about the movement of the body, cause of the death, drug use, or poisoning. It has also been proposed that they may be used as model organisms to replace mammal systems in research. The present review describes the role of free fatty acids (FFAs) in key physiological processes in insects. By focusing on insects of medical, veterinary significance, we have limited our description of the physiological processes to those most important from the point of view of insect control; the study examines their effects on insect reproduction and resistance to the adverse effects of abiotic (low temperature) and biotic (pathogens) factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieczysława Boguś
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Biomibo, Warsaw, Poland
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14
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Kaczmarek A, Boguś MI. The Impact of the Entomopathogenic Fungus Conidiobolus coronatus on the Free Fatty Acid Profile of the Flesh Fly Sarcophaga argyrostoma. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12110970. [PMID: 34821771 PMCID: PMC8623223 DOI: 10.3390/insects12110970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary The interaction between insect and fungus is characterised on the one hand by the parasite developing more effective strategies of host exploitation, and on the other, by the host mounting increasingly robust defences though Red Queen dynamics or coevolutionary arms races. Furthermore, depending on gene flow and differences in selection pressure between sites, both host and parasite may demonstrate local adaptation to their counterpart or develop more general resistance or offensive traits. As the cuticle is considered the first line of defence of the insect, changes in the FFA profile may well influence susceptibility or resistance to fungal invasion. Our findings indicate that Sarcophaga argyrostoma demonstrates stage-specific resistance to Conidiobolus coronatus infection and suggests that FFAs play a role in resistance to fungal infection in flesh flies. These findings not only increase our knowledge of the entomopatogenic potential of fungi, but also of the growing level of infection by C. coronatus in humans and other mammals. Also, the presented research suggests that FFAs demonstrate antifungal activity which may be helpful in designing new antifungal treatments. Abstract The chemical composition of the insect cuticle varies remarkably between species and their life stages. It can affect host resistance and substrate utilization by invading entomopathogen fungi, such as the soil fungus Conidiobolus coronatus. In this study, Sarcophaga argyrostoma flies were exposed to sporulating C. coronatus colonies for 24 h; the pupae were resistant, but the adults demonstrated 60% mortality. Although the pupae demonstrated no sign of infection nor any abnormal development, our findings indicate that after 24 h of contact with the fungus, the pupae demonstrated a 25.2-fold increase in total cuticular free fatty acids (FFAs) and a 1.9-fold decrease in total internal FFAs. Also, the cuticular FFA increased from 26 to 30, while the internal FFA class increased from 13 to 23. In exposed adults, the total mass of cuticular FFAs increased 1.7-fold, while the number of FFAs stayed the same (32 FFAs). Also, the internal FFA class increased from 26 to 35 and the total FFA mass increased 1.1-fold. These considerable differences between adults and pupae associated with C. coronatus exposure indicate developmental changes in the mechanisms governing lipid metabolism and spatial distribution in the organism, and suggest that cuticular lipids play a vital role in the defence against pathogenic fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw, Poland;
- BIOMIBO, Strzygłowska 15, 04-872 Warsaw, Poland
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15
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Dodecanol, metabolite of entomopathogenic fungus Conidiobolus coronatus, affects fatty acid composition and cellular immunity of Galleria mellonella and Calliphora vicina. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15963. [PMID: 34354188 PMCID: PMC8342708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95440-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
One group of promising pest control agents are the entomopathogenic fungi; one such example is Conidiobolus coronatus, which produces a range of metabolites. Our present findings reveal for the first time that C. coronatus also produces dodecanol, a compound widely used to make surfactants and pharmaceuticals, and enhance flavors in food. The main aim of the study was to determine the influence of dodecanol on insect defense systems, i.e. cuticular lipid composition and the condition of insect immunocompetent cells; hence, its effect was examined in detail on two species differing in susceptibility to fungal infection: Galleria mellonella and Calliphora vicina. Dodecanol treatment elicited significant quantitative and qualitative differences in cuticular free fatty acid (FFA) profiles between the species, based on gas chromatography analysis with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and had a negative effect on G. mellonella and C. vicina hemocytes and a Sf9 cell line in vitro: after 48 h, almost all the cells were completely disintegrated. The metabolite had a negative effect on the insect defense system, suggesting that it could play an important role during C. coronatus infection. Its high insecticidal activity and lack of toxicity towards vertebrates suggest it could be an effective insecticide.
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Kaczmarek A, Wrońska AK, Boguś MI, Kazek M, Gliniewicz A, Mikulak E, Matławska M. The type of blood used to feed Aedes aegypti females affects their cuticular and internal free fatty acid (FFA) profiles. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251100. [PMID: 33930098 PMCID: PMC8087090 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of various arthropod-borne viral (arboviral) diseases such as dengue and Zika, is a popular laboratory model in vector biology. However, its maintenance in laboratory conditions is difficult, mostly because the females require blood meals to complete oogenesis, which is often provided as sheep blood. The outermost layer of the mosquito cuticle is consists of lipids which protects against numerous entomopathogens, prevents desiccation and plays an essential role in signalling processes. The aim of this work was to determine how the replacement of human blood with sheep blood affects the cuticular and internal FFA profiles of mosquitoes reared in laboratory culture. The individual FFAs present in cuticular and internal extracts from mosquito were identified and quantified by GC-MS method. The normality of their distribution was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Student's t-test was used to compare them. GC-MS analysis revealed similar numbers of internal and cuticular FFAs in the female mosquitoes fed sheep blood by membrane (MFSB) and naturally fed human blood (NFHB), however MFSB group demonstrated 3.1 times greater FFA concentrations in the cuticular fraction and 1.4 times the internal fraction than the NFHB group. In the MFSB group, FFA concentration was 1.6 times higher in the cuticular than the internal fraction, while for NFHB, FFA concentration was 1.3 times lower in the cuticular than the internal fraction. The concentration of C18:3 acid was 223 times higher in the internal fraction than the cuticle in the MHSB group but was absent in the NFHB group. MFSB mosquito demonstrate different FFA profiles to wild mosquitoes, which might influence their fertility and the results of vital processes studied under laboratory conditions. The membrane method of feeding mosquitoes is popular, but our research indicates significant differences in the FFA profiles of MFSB and NFHB. Such changes in FFA profile might influence female fertility, as well as other vital processes studied in laboratory conditions, such as the response to pesticides. Our work indicates that sheep blood has potential shortcomings as a substitute feed for human blood, as its use in laboratory studies may yield different results to those demonstrated by free-living mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- BIOMIBO, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michalina Kazek
- Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Ewa Mikulak
- National Institute of Public Health—National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Matławska
- National Institute of Public Health—National Institute of Hygiene, Warsaw, Poland
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Valencia-Giraldo SM, Niño-Castro A, López-Peña A, Trejos-Vidal D, Correa-Bueno O, Montoya-Lerma J. Immunity and survival response of Atta cephalotes (Hymenoptera: Myrmicinae) workers to Metarhizium anisopliae infection: Potential role of their associated microbiota. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247545. [PMID: 33626077 PMCID: PMC7904218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex are at constant risk of epizootics due to their dense living conditions and frequent social interactions between genetically related individuals. To help mitigate the risk of epizootics, these ants display individual and collective immune responses, including associations with symbiotic bacteria that can enhance their resistance to pathogenic infections. For example, Acromyrmex spp. harbor actinobacteria that control infection by Escovopsis in their fungal gardens. Although Atta spp. do not maintain symbiosis with protective actinobacteria, the evidence suggests that these insects are colonized by bacterial microbiota that may play a role in their defense against pathogens. The potential role of the bacterial microbiome of Atta workers in enhancing host immunity remains unexplored. We evaluated multiple parameters of the individual immunity of Atta cephalotes (Linnaeus, 1758) workers, including hemocyte count, encapsulation response, and the antimicrobial activity of the hemolymph in the presence or absence of bacterial microbiota. Experiments were performed on ants reared under standard conditions as well as on ants previously exposed to the entomopathogenic fungus Metharrizium anisopliae. Furthermore, the effects of the presence/absence of bacteria on the survival of workers exposed to M. anisopliae were evaluated. The bacterial microbiota associated with A. cephalotes workers does not modulate the number of hemocytes under control conditions or under conditions of exposure to the fungal pathogen. In addition, infection by M. anisopliae, but not microbiota, increases the encapsulation response. Similarly, the exposure of workers to this fungus led to increased hemolymph antimicrobial activity. Conversely, the removal of bacterial microbiota did not have a significant impact on the survival of workers with M. anisopliae. Our results suggest that the bacterial microbiota associated with the cuticle of A. cephalotes workers does not play a role as a modulator of innate immunity, either at baseline or after exposure to the entomopathogen M. anisopliae. Further, upon infection, workers rely on mechanisms of humoral immunity to respond to this threat. Overall, our findings indicate that the bacterial microbiota associated with A. cephalotes workers does not play a defensive role.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Niño-Castro
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
- * E-mail: (SMVG); (ANC)
| | - Andrea López-Peña
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Danna Trejos-Vidal
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
| | - Odair Correa-Bueno
- Center for the Study of Social Insects (CEIS), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Campus Rio Claro, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - James Montoya-Lerma
- Department of Biology, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia
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18
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Kaczmarek A, Wrońska AK, Kazek M, Boguś MI. Metamorphosis-related changes in the free fatty acid profiles of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830). Sci Rep 2020; 10:17337. [PMID: 33060748 PMCID: PMC7562915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74475-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The flies of the Sarcophagidae, widespread throughout the temperate zone, are of great significance in Medicine, Veterinary science, Forensics and Entomotoxicology. Lipids are important elements of cell and organelle membranes and a source of energy for embryogenesis, metamorphosis and flight. Cuticular lipids protect from desiccation and act as recognition cues for species, nest mates and castes, and are a source of various pheromones. The free fatty acid (FFA) profile of cuticular and internal extracts of Sarcophaga (Liopygia) argyrostoma (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) larvae, pupae and adults was determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The larvae, pupae and adults contained FFAs from C5:0 to C28:0. The extracts differed quantitatively and qualitatively from each other: C18:1 > C16:1 > C16:0 > C18:0 predominated in the cuticular and internal extracts from the larvae and adults, while 18:1 > C16:0 > C16:1 > C18:0 predominated in the pupae. The FFA profile of the cuticle varies considerably between each development stage: C23:0 and C25:0 are only present in larvae, C28:0 in the pupal cuticle, and C12:1 and C18:3 in internal extracts from adults. The mechanisms underlying this diversity are discussed herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kaczmarek
- The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Anna Katarzyna Wrońska
- The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michalina Kazek
- The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Biomibo, Warsaw, Poland
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19
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Pereira MF, Rossi CC. Overview of rearing and testing conditions and a guide for optimizing Galleria mellonella breeding and use in the laboratory for scientific purposes. APMIS 2020; 128:607-620. [PMID: 32970339 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The greater wax moth Galleria mellonella is an increasingly popular and consolidated alternative infection model to assess microbial virulence and the effectiveness of antimicrobial compounds. The lack of G. mellonella suppliers aiming at scientific purposes and a lack of well-established protocols for raising and testing these animals may impact results and reproducibility between different laboratories. In this review, we discuss the state of the art of rearing the larvae in situ, providing an overview of breeding and testing conditions commonly used and their influence on larval health and experiments results, from setting up the environment, providing the ideal diet, understanding the effects of pretreatments, choosing the best testing conditions, to exploring the most from the results obtained. Meanwhile, we guide the reader through the most practical ways of dealing with G. mellonella to achieve successful experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monalessa Fábia Pereira
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Microbiologia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais, Carangola, MG, Brazil
| | - Ciro César Rossi
- Laboratório de Microbiologia Molecular, Departamento de Microbiologia Médica, Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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20
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Sellin J, Fülle JB, Thiele C, Bauer R, Bülow MH. Free fatty acid determination as a tool for modeling metabolic diseases in Drosophila. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 126:104090. [PMID: 32730782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2020.104090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Free or non-esterified fatty acids are the product of lipolysis of storage fat, i.e. triacylglyceroles. When the amount of fat exceeds the capacity of lipid-storing organs, free fatty acids affect and damage other non-lipid-storing organs. This process is termed lipotoxicity. Within a cell, free fatty acids can damage mitochondria, and lipotoxicity-induced mitochondrial damage has been associated recently with Peroxisomal Biogenesis Disorders. Drosophila melanogaster has a rising popularity as a model organism for metabolic diseases, but an optimized assay for measuring free fatty acids in Drosophila tissue samples is missing. Here we present a detailed protocol highlighting technical requirements and pitfalls to determine free fatty acids in samples of Drosophila tissue. The colorimetric assay allows the reproducible and cost-efficient measurement of free fatty acids in a 96 well plate format. We used our assay to determine changes in free fatty acid levels in different developmental stages and feeding conditions, and found that larvae and adults have different patterns of free fatty acid formation during starvation. Our assay is a valuable tool in the modeling of metabolic diseases with Drosophila melanogaster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Sellin
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Molecular Developmental Biology, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Judith B Fülle
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Skin Research Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos #06-06, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christoph Thiele
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Biochemistry & Cell Biology of Lipids, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Reinhard Bauer
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Molecular Developmental Biology, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Margret H Bülow
- University of Bonn, Life & Medical Sciences Institute (LIMES), Molecular Developmental Biology, Carl-Troll-Straße 31, 53115 Bonn, Germany.
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21
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Kryukov VY, Kosman E, Tomilova O, Polenogova O, Rotskaya U, Tyurin M, Alikina T, Yaroslavtseva O, Kabilov M, Glupov V. Interplay between Fungal Infection and Bacterial Associates in the Wax Moth Galleria mellonella under Different Temperature Conditions. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:E170. [PMID: 32927906 PMCID: PMC7558722 DOI: 10.3390/jof6030170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Various insect bacterial associates are involved in pathogeneses caused by entomopathogenic fungi. The outcome of infection (fungal growth or decomposition) may depend on environmental factors such as temperature. The aim of this study was to analyze the bacterial communities and immune response of Galleria mellonella larvae injected with Cordyceps militaris and incubated at 15 °C and 25 °C. We examined changes in the bacterial CFUs, bacterial communities (Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA gene sequencing) and expression of immune, apoptosis, ROS and stress-related genes (qPCR) in larval tissues in response to fungal infection at the mentioned temperatures. Increased survival of larvae after C. militaris injection was observed at 25 °C, although more frequent episodes of spontaneous bacteriosis were observed at this temperature compared to 15 °C. We revealed an increase in the abundance of enterococci and enterobacteria in the midgut and hemolymph in response to infection at 25 °C, which was not observed at 15 °C. Antifungal peptide genes showed the highest expression at 25 °C, while antibacterial peptides and inhibitor of apoptosis genes were strongly expressed at 15 °C. Cultivable bacteria significantly suppressed the growth of C. militaris. We suggest that fungi such as C. militaris may need low temperatures to avoid competition with host bacterial associates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Yu Kryukov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str. 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.K.); (O.T.); (O.P.); (U.R.); (M.T.); (O.Y.); (V.G.)
| | - Elena Kosman
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str. 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.K.); (O.T.); (O.P.); (U.R.); (M.T.); (O.Y.); (V.G.)
| | - Oksana Tomilova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str. 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.K.); (O.T.); (O.P.); (U.R.); (M.T.); (O.Y.); (V.G.)
| | - Olga Polenogova
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str. 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.K.); (O.T.); (O.P.); (U.R.); (M.T.); (O.Y.); (V.G.)
| | - Ulyana Rotskaya
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str. 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.K.); (O.T.); (O.P.); (U.R.); (M.T.); (O.Y.); (V.G.)
| | - Maksim Tyurin
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str. 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.K.); (O.T.); (O.P.); (U.R.); (M.T.); (O.Y.); (V.G.)
| | - Tatyana Alikina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev av. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (T.A.); (M.K.)
| | - Olga Yaroslavtseva
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str. 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.K.); (O.T.); (O.P.); (U.R.); (M.T.); (O.Y.); (V.G.)
| | - Marsel Kabilov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev av. 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (T.A.); (M.K.)
| | - Viktor Glupov
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals SB RAS, Frunze str. 11, 630091 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.K.); (O.T.); (O.P.); (U.R.); (M.T.); (O.Y.); (V.G.)
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22
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Batalha MDMC, Goulart HF, Santana AEG, Barbosa LAO, Nascimento TG, da Silva MKH, Dornelas CB, Grillo LAM. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of cuticular and internal lipids of the insect Rhynchophorus palmarum. ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 105:e21723. [PMID: 32623787 DOI: 10.1002/arch.21723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Insect cuticle lipids are involved in various types of chemical communication between species, and reduce the penetration of insecticides, chemicals, and toxins, as well as provide protection against the attack of microorganisms, parasitic insects, and predators. Ecological studies related to the insect Rhynchophorus palmarum are well-known; however, very little is known about its resistance mechanisms, which includes its lipid composition and its importance, specifically the cuticle layer. This study aimed to characterize the cuticle and internal lipid compounds of the male and female R. palmarum adult insects and to evaluate the presence of antimicrobial activity. We performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyzes of lipid extracts fractions and we identified 10 methyl esters of fatty acids esters of C14 to C23, with variation between the sexes of C22:0, C21:0, present only in male cuticle, and C20:2 in female. The lipid content of this insect showed relevant amount of C16:1, C18:1, and C18:2. The antimicrobial activity of the cuticular and internal fractions obtained was tested, which resulted in minimum inhibitory concentrations between 12.5 and 20 μg/ml against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis), Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia), and fungal species (Candida albicans e Candida tropicalis). The antimicrobial effect of the R. palmarum cuticle open perspectives for a new source to bioinsecticidal strategies, in addition to elucidating a bioactive mixture against bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana de M C Batalha
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Henrique F Goulart
- Agrarian Sciences Center, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Antônio E G Santana
- Agrarian Sciences Center, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Leandro A O Barbosa
- Laboratory of Cell Biochemistry, Federal University of São João del Rei, Dona Lindú Centro-Oeste Campus, Divinópolis, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Ticiano G Nascimento
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Meirielly K H da Silva
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Camila B Dornelas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
| | - Luciano A M Grillo
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Alagoas, Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil
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Kazek M, Kaczmarek A, Wrońska AK, Boguś MI. Conidiobolus coronatus induces oxidative stress and autophagy response in Galleria mellonella larvae. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228407. [PMID: 32012188 PMCID: PMC6996803 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell homeostasis requires the correct levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to be maintained as these regulate the proliferation and differentiation of cells, and control the immune response and inflammation. High levels of ROS can cause oxidative stress, leading to protein, lipid and DNA damage, or even cell death. Under physiological conditions, the rate of autophagy remains stable; however, it can be accelerated by a number of exogenous stimuli such as oxidative stress, starvation or hypoxia, leading to cell death. The present paper examines the effect of Conidiobolus coronatus infection on the immune response, oxidative stress processes and autophagy in the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. Fungal infection was found to result in the disorganization of the cytoskeleton of the larval immune cells and the enhancement of oxidative defense processes. Lipid peroxidation and autophagy were also induced in the hemocytes. Our findings show that G. mellonella is an ideal model for exploring immune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Kazek
- The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Kaczmarek
- The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Katarzyna Wrońska
- The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieczysława Irena Boguś
- The Witold Stefański Institute of Parasitology Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- BIOMIBO, Warsaw, Poland
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