1
|
Mills MK, Rozo-Lopez P, Bryant WB, Drolet BS. microRNA Expression Dynamics in Culicoides sonorensis Biting Midges Following Blood-Feeding. INSECTS 2023; 14:611. [PMID: 37504617 PMCID: PMC10380374 DOI: 10.3390/insects14070611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Culicoides sonorensis midges vector multiple livestock arboviruses, resulting in significant economic losses worldwide. Due to the tight association between virus transmission, blood feeding, and egg development, understanding midge physiology is paramount to limiting pathogen transmission. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), in multiple aspects of vector physiology. These small ncRNAs regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level and display differential expression during pathogen infection. Due to the lack of annotated miRNAs in the biting midge and associated expression profiles, we used small RNA-Seq and miRDeep2 analyses to determine the Culicoides miRNAs in whole females and midgut tissues in response to blood feeding. Our analyses revealed 76 miRNAs within C. sonorensis composed of 73 orthologous and three candidate novel miRNAs, as well as conserved miRNA clusters. miRNA conservation suggests an interesting evolutionary relationship between miRNA expression and hematophagy in the infraorder Culicomorpha. We also identified multiple blood meal-regulated and tissue-enriched miRNAs. Lastly, we further identified miRNAs with expression patterns potentially associated with virus infection by probing publicly available datasets. Together, our data provide a foundation for future ncRNA work to untangle the dynamics of gene regulation associated with midge physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Katherine Mills
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of South Carolina-Aiken, Aiken, SC 29801, USA
| | - Paula Rozo-Lopez
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - William Bart Bryant
- Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Barbara S Drolet
- Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Center for Grain and Animal Health Research, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hjelmen CE, Yuan Y, Parrott JJ, McGuane AS, Srivastav SP, Purcell AC, Pimsler ML, Sze SH, Tarone AM. Identification and Characterization of Small RNA Markers of Age in the Blow Fly Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). INSECTS 2022; 13:948. [PMID: 36292896 PMCID: PMC9603907 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Blow fly development is important in decomposition ecology, agriculture, and forensics. Much of the impact of these species is from immature samples, thus knowledge of their development is important to enhance or ameliorate their effects. One application of this information is the estimation of immature insect age to provide temporal information for death investigations. While traditional markers of age such as stage and size are generally accurate, they lack precision in later developmental stages. We used miRNA sequencing to measure miRNA expression, throughout development, of the secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (Fabricius) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and identified 217 miRNAs present across the samples. Ten were identified to be significantly differentially expressed in larval samples and seventeen were found to be significantly differentially expressed in intrapuparial samples. Twenty-eight miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed between sexes. Expression patterns of two miRNAs, miR-92b and bantam, were qPCR-validated in intrapuparial samples; these and likely food-derived miRNAs appear to be stable markers of age in C. macellaria. Our results support the use of miRNAs for developmental markers of age and suggest further investigations across species and under a range of abiotic and biotic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl E. Hjelmen
- Department of Biology, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT 84058, USA
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ye Yuan
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Parrott
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, Arizona State University, Glendale, AZ 85306, USA
| | | | - Satyam P. Srivastav
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Amanda C. Purcell
- Centre for Forensic Science, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XQ, UK
| | - Meaghan L. Pimsler
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sing-Hoi Sze
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Aaron M. Tarone
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Reynolds JA, Peyton JT, Denlinger DL. Changes in microRNA abundance may regulate diapause in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 84:1-14. [PMID: 28300610 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Diapause, an alternative developmental pathway characterized by changes in developmental timing and metabolism, is coordinated by molecular mechanisms that are not completely understood. MicroRNA (miRNA) mediated gene silencing is emerging as a key component of animal development and may have a significant role in initiating, maintaining, and terminating insect diapause. In the present study, we test this possibility by using high-throughput sequencing and qRT-PCR to discover diapause-related shifts in miRNA abundance in the flesh fly, Sarcophaga bullata. We identified ten evolutionarily conserved miRNAs that were differentially expressed in diapausing pupae compared to their nondiapausing counterparts. miR-289-5p and miR-1-3p were overexpressed in diapausing pupae and may be responsible for silencing expression of candidate genes during diapause. miR-9c-5p, miR-13b-3p, miR-31a-5p, miR-92b-3p, miR-275-3p, miR-276a-3p, miR-277-3p, and miR-305-5p were underexpressed in diapausing pupae and may contribute to increased expression of heat shock proteins and other factors necessary for the enhanced environmental stress-response that is a feature of diapause. In S. bullata, a maternal effect blocks the programming of diapause in progeny of females that have experienced pupal diapause, and in this study we report that several miRNAs, including miR-263a-5p, miR-100-5p, miR-125-5p, and let-7-5p were significantly overexpressed in such nondiapausing flies and may prevent entry into diapause. Together these miRNAs appear to be integral to the molecular processes that mediate entry into diapause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Reynolds
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH 43210, USA.
| | - Justin T Peyton
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH 43210, USA
| | - David L Denlinger
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH 43210, USA; Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH 43210, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Paulo DF, Azeredo-Espin AML, Canesin LEC, Vicentini R, Junqueira ACM. Identification and characterization of microRNAs in the screwworm flies Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria (Diptera: Calliphoridae). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 26:46-57. [PMID: 27775856 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that modulate gene expression through post-transcriptional regulation. Here, we report the identification and characterization of miRNAs in two closely related screwworm flies with different feeding habits: Cochliomyia hominivorax and Cochliomyia macellaria. The New World screwworm, C. hominivorax, is an obligatory parasite of warm-blooded vertebrates, whereas the secondary screwworm, C. macellaria, is a free-living organism that feeds on decaying organic matter. Here, the small RNA transcriptomes of adults and third-instar larvae of both species were sequenced. A total of 110 evolutionarily conserved miRNAs were identified, and 10 putative precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs) were predicted. The relative expression of six selected miRNAs was further investigated, including miRNAs that are related to reproduction and neural processes in other insects. Mature miRNAs were also characterized across an evolutionary time scale, suggesting that the majority of them have been conserved since the emergence of the Arthropoda [540 million years ago (Ma)], Hexapoda (488 Ma) and Brachycera (195 Ma) lineages. This study is the first report of miRNAs for screwworm flies. We also performed a comparative analysis with the hereby predicted miRNAs from the sheep blowfly, Lucilia cuprina. The results presented may advance our understanding of parasitic habits within Calliphoridae and assist further functional studies in blowflies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D F Paulo
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - A M L Azeredo-Espin
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - L E C Canesin
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - R Vicentini
- Centre for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - A C M Junqueira
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Poelchau MF, Coates BS, Childers CP, Peréz de León AA, Evans JD, Hackett K, Shoemaker D. Agricultural applications of insect ecological genomics. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2016; 13:61-69. [PMID: 27436554 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2015.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Agricultural entomology is poised to benefit from the application of ecological genomics, particularly the fields of biofuels generation and pest control. Metagenomic methods can characterize microbial communities of termites, wood-boring beetles and livestock pests, and transcriptomic approaches reveal molecular bases behind wood-digesting capabilities of these insects, leading to potential mechanisms for biofuel generation. Genome sequences are being exploited to develop new pest control methods, identify candidate antigens to vaccinate livestock, and discover RNAi target sequences and potential non-target effects in other insects. Gene content analyses of pest genome sequences and their endosymbionts suggest metabolic interdependencies between organisms, exposing potential gene targets for insect control. Finally, genome-wide association studies and genotyping by high-throughput sequencing promise to improve management of pesticide resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica F Poelchau
- USDA-ARS, National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States.
| | - Brad S Coates
- USDA-ARS, Corn Insects & Crop Genetics Research Unit, Ames, IA 50011, United States
| | | | - Adalberto A Peréz de León
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX 78028, United States
| | - Jay D Evans
- USDA-ARS, Bee Research Laboratory, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - Kevin Hackett
- USDA-ARS, Office of National Programs, Crop Production and Protection, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| | - DeWayne Shoemaker
- USDA-ARS, Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Research Unit, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nandety RS, Sharif A, Kamita SG, Ramasamy A, Falk BW. Identification of Novel and Conserved microRNAs in Homalodisca vitripennis, the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter by Expression Profiling. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139771. [PMID: 26440407 PMCID: PMC4595010 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a xylem-feeding leafhopper and an important vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa; the causal agent of Pierce’s disease of grapevines. MicroRNAs are a class of small RNAs that play an important role in the functional development of various organisms including insects. In H. vitripennis, we identified microRNAs using high-throughput deep sequencing of adults followed by computational and manual annotation. A total of 14 novel microRNAs that are not found in the miRBase were identified from adult H. vitripennis. Conserved microRNAs were also found in our datasets. By comparison to our previously determined transcriptome sequence of H. vitripennis, we identified the potential targets of the microRNAs in the transcriptome. This microRNA profile information not only provides a more nuanced understanding of the biological and physiological mechanisms that govern gene expression in H. vitripennis, but may also lead to the identification of novel mechanisms for biorationally designed management strategies through the use of microRNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raja Sekhar Nandety
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Almas Sharif
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Shizuo G. Kamita
- Department of Entomology & Nematology, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Asokan Ramasamy
- Division of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore, India
| | - Bryce W. Falk
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|