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Nonkhwao S, Plettner E, Daduang S. Protein-Ligand Binding and Structural Modelling Studies of Pheromone-Binding Protein-like Sol g 2.1 from Solenopsis geminata Fire Ant Venom. Molecules 2024; 29:1033. [PMID: 38474545 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sol g 2 is the major protein in Solenopsis geminata fire ant venom. It shares the highest sequence identity with Sol i 2 (S. invicta) and shares high structural homology with LmaPBP (pheromone-binding protein (PBP) from the cockroach Leucophaea maderae). We examined the specific Sol g 2 protein ligands from fire ant venom. The results revealed that the protein naturally formed complexes with hydrocarbons, including decane, undecane, dodecane, and tridecane, in aqueous venom solutions. Decane showed the highest affinity binding (Kd) with the recombinant Sol g 2.1 protein (rSol g 2.1). Surprisingly, the mixture of alkanes exhibited a higher binding affinity with the rSol g 2.1 protein compared to a single one, which is related to molecular docking simulations, revealing allosteric binding sites in the Sol g 2.1 protein model. In the trail-following bioassay, we observed that a mixture of the protein sol g 2.1 and hydrocarbons elicited S. geminata worker ants to follow trails for a longer time and distance compared to a mixture containing only hydrocarbons. This suggests that Sol g 2.1 protein may delay the evaporation of the hydrocarbons. Interestingly, the piperidine alkaloids extracted have the highest attraction to the ants. Therefore, the mixture of hydrocarbons and piperidines had a synergistic effect on the trail-following of ants when both were added to the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siriporn Nonkhwao
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Erika Plettner
- Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Sakda Daduang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Protein and Proteomics Research Center for Commercial and Industrial Purposes (ProCCI), Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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Biradar DO, Mane YD, Yadav JS, Subba Reddy BV. Prins cyclization: new strategy for the stereoselective total synthesis of Polyrhacitide A. Nat Prod Res 2023:1-11. [PMID: 38041627 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2023.2288694] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
A highly stereoselective total synthesis of polyrhacitide A, a polyketide natural product, has been accomplished by means of Prins cyclisation. The key precursor i.e. anti-1,3-diol for polyrhacitide A has been prepared from trans-2,6-disubstituted-3,4-dihydropyrans. In this approach, Prins cyclisation has successfully been utilised twice for the construction of 1,3-diol unit of polyrhacitide A. The key steps involved in this approach are Jacobsen hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Mitsunobu inversion, Prins cyclisation and Ring-closing metathesis (RCM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanraj O Biradar
- Chemistry, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India
- Maharashtra Mahavidyalaya, Nilanga, India
| | | | - Jhillu S Yadav
- Chemistry, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India
| | - B V Subba Reddy
- Chemistry, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, India
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Chen J. Chemistry and Functions of Imported Fire Ant Venom. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:489. [PMID: 37624246 PMCID: PMC10467070 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15080489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, imported fire ants are often referred to as red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, black imported fire ants, S. richteri Forel, and their hybrid (S. invicta × S. richteri). Due to their aggressive stings and toxic venom, imported fire ants pose a significant threat to public health, agriculture, and ecosystem health. However, venom plays a vital role in the survival of fire ants by serving various crucial functions in defense, foraging, and colony health maintenance. Numerous reviews and book chapters have been published on fire ant venom. Due to its medical importance and the expanding global distribution of these ants, fire ant venom research remains an active and highly productive area, leading to the discovery of new components and functions. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of fire ant venom chemistry and its functions within fire ant colonies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA
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Bachert A, Scheiner R. The ant's weapon improves honey bee learning performance. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8399. [PMID: 37225773 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35540-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Formic acid is the main component of the ant's major weapon against enemies. Being mainly used as a chemical defense, the acid is also exploited for recruitment and trail marking. The repelling effect of the organic acid is used by some mammals and birds which rub themselves in the acid to eliminate ectoparasites. Beekeepers across the world rely on this effect to control the parasitic mite Varroa destructor. Varroa mites are considered the most destructive pest of honey bees worldwide and can lead to the loss of entire colonies. Formic acid is highly effective against Varroa mites but can also kill the honeybee queen and worker brood. Whether formic acid can also affect the behavior of honey bees is unknown. We here study the effect of formic acid on sucrose responsiveness and cognition of honey bees treated at different live stages in field-relevant doses. Both behaviors are essential for survival of the honey bee colony. Rather unexpectedly, formic acid clearly improved the learning performance of the bees in appetitive olfactory conditioning, while not affecting sucrose responsiveness. This exciting side effect of formic acid certainly deserves further detailed investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Bachert
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Gießen, Schubertstraße 81, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - Ricarda Scheiner
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
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5
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Relationship between model noxiousness and mimetic accuracy in myrmecomorphic spiders. Evol Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-021-10126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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6
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Ricke SC, Dittoe DK, Richardson KE. Formic Acid as an Antimicrobial for Poultry Production: A Review. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:563. [PMID: 33088825 PMCID: PMC7494846 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Organic acids continue to receive considerable attention as feed additives for animal production. Most of the emphasis to date has focused on food safety aspects, particularly on lowering the incidence of foodborne pathogens in poultry and other livestock. Several organic acids are currently either being examined or are already being implemented in commercial settings. Among the several organic acids that have been studied extensively, is formic acid. Formic acid has been added to poultry diets as a means to limit Salmonella spp. and other foodborne pathogens both in the feed and potentially in the gastrointestinal tract once consumed. As more becomes known about the efficacy and impact formic acid has on both the host and foodborne pathogens, it is clear that the presence of formic acid can trigger certain pathways in Salmonella spp. This response may become more complex when formic acid enters the gastrointestinal tract and interacts not only with Salmonella spp. that has colonized the gastrointestinal tract but the indigenous microbial community as well. This review will cover current findings and prospects for further research on the poultry microbiome and feeds treated with formic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven C. Ricke
- Department of Food Science, Center of Food Safety, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Dana K. Dittoe
- Department of Food Science, Center of Food Safety, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
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Costa BZ, Galman JL, Slabu I, France SP, Marsaioli AJ, Turner NJ. Synthesis of 2,5-Disubstituted Pyrrolidine Alkaloids via
A One-Pot Cascade Using Transaminase and Reductive Aminase Biocatalysts. ChemCatChem 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.201801166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Z. Costa
- School of Chemistry; University of Manchester Manchester Institute of Biotechnology; 131 Princess Street Manchester, M1 7DN (UK)
- Chemistry Institute; University of Campinas Rua Monteiro Lobato, 277. Barão Geraldo Campinas - SP.; 13083-970 Brazil
| | - James L. Galman
- School of Chemistry; University of Manchester Manchester Institute of Biotechnology; 131 Princess Street Manchester, M1 7DN (UK)
| | - Iustina Slabu
- School of Chemistry; University of Manchester Manchester Institute of Biotechnology; 131 Princess Street Manchester, M1 7DN (UK)
| | - Scott P. France
- School of Chemistry; University of Manchester Manchester Institute of Biotechnology; 131 Princess Street Manchester, M1 7DN (UK)
| | - Anita J. Marsaioli
- Chemistry Institute; University of Campinas Rua Monteiro Lobato, 277. Barão Geraldo Campinas - SP.; 13083-970 Brazil
| | - Nicholas J. Turner
- School of Chemistry; University of Manchester Manchester Institute of Biotechnology; 131 Princess Street Manchester, M1 7DN (UK)
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Hu L, Vander Meer RK, Porter SD, Chen L. Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles Differentiate Tropical Fire Ant Populations (Solenopsis geminata, Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Chem Biodivers 2017; 14. [PMID: 28695711 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.201700192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) from hexane rinses of workers from two Florida populations (dark and red forms) of the tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminata, were separated by silica gel chromatography and identified by GC/MS analysis. Both the dark form and the red form produce similar CHCs with carbon chain lengths ranging from 17 to 35. However, the relative percentages of these CHCs were consistently different between the two color forms. The largest CHC component in the dark form is tricosane, and (Z)-9-tricosene for the red form. There were several significant differences in percent composition. For example, the dark form was characterized by a low tricosene:tricosane ratio (ca. 0.25), whereas this ratio was > 2.5 for the red form. The ratio of tricosene:tricosane can be used as a diagnostic biomarker to delimit the dark and red forms. Cluster analysis showed that the CHCs patterns of dark form colonies are completely separated from the CHC pattern of red form colonies. Differences in social behaviors like nestmate recognition and polygyny between workers from this dark form and the red form await further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China
| | - Robert K Vander Meer
- Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS, Gainesville, Florida, 32608, USA
| | - Sanford D Porter
- Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS, Gainesville, Florida, 32608, USA
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P. R. China
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Al-Tamimi J, Alhazza IM, Al-Khalifa M, Metwalli A, Rady A, Ebaid H. Potential effects of samsum ant, Brachyponera sennaarensis, venom on TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-toxicity in vivo. Lipids Health Dis 2016; 15:198. [PMID: 27863485 PMCID: PMC5116174 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-016-0364-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ant venom shows antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory activities, both in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have confirmed the role of samsum ant venom (SAV) as a powerful antioxidant. This study aimed to investigate whether SAV as a potential treatment for CCl4-induced acute liver toxicity in an animal (rat) model. Methods Thirty-two rats were assigned into four groups; the first one served as the control. The second group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl4 in a 1:1 ratio with olive oil through an intraperitoneal injection. The third group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl4 and then treated with SAV at a dose of 100 μg SAV twice a week for three weeks. The fourth group received a dose of 100 μg SAV only twice a week for three weeks. ELISA, RT-PCR and histopathological examinations were applied. Results Results showed that antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced in the diseased animals. SAV was found to significantly restore the oxidative stability in diseased animals. ELISA estimation and RT-PCR analysis also showed significant upregulation of both nuclear factor (κB) NF-κB and inhibitor (κB) IκB, respectively, in the diseased animals compared to the normal ones. The expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and pro-apoptotic receptor (Fas) were also significantly up-regulated in the diseased rats. Interestingly, SAV was found to significantly restore NF-κB, IκB and TNF-α in the diseased rats to the normal values. As a result, liver enzymes, serum proteins and lipid concentrations were significantly improved by SAV in CCl4-animals in comparison with the control ones. Moreover, SAV obviously improved the hepatic tissues of the same group was. Conclusion SAV treatment restores the normal biochemical and oxidative stability by improving the TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameel Al-Tamimi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim M Alhazza
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Al-Khalifa
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Metwalli
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Food Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Rady
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hossam Ebaid
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Widespread Chemical Detoxification of Alkaloid Venom by Formicine Ants. J Chem Ecol 2015; 41:884-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s10886-015-0625-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Shi QH, Hu L, Wang WK, Vander Meer RK, Porter SD, Chen L. Workers and alate queens of Solenopsis geminata share qualitatively similar but quantitatively different venom alkaloid chemistry. Front Ecol Evol 2015. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2015.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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12
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Wanandy T, Gueven N, Davies NW, Brown SG, Wiese MD. Pilosulins: A review of the structure and mode of action of venom peptides from an Australian ant Myrmecia pilosula. Toxicon 2015; 98:54-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2015.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lebrun EG, Jones NT, Gilbert LE. Chemical warfare among invaders: a detoxification interaction facilitates an ant invasion. Science 2014; 343:1014-7. [PMID: 24526314 DOI: 10.1126/science.1245833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
As tawny crazy ants (Nylanderia fulva) invade the southern United States, they often displace imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta). After exposure to S. invicta venom, N. fulva applies abdominal exocrine gland secretions to its cuticle. Bioassays reveal that these secretions detoxify S. invicta venom. Further, formic acid from N. fulva venom is the detoxifying agent. N. fulva exhibits this detoxification behavior after conflict with a variety of ant species; however, it expresses it most intensely after interactions with S. invicta. This behavior may have evolved in their shared South American native range. The capacity to detoxify a major competitor's venom probably contributes substantially to its ability to displace S. invicta populations, making this behavior a causative agent in the ecological transformation of regional arthropod assemblages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward G Lebrun
- Brackenridge Field Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, 2907 Lake Austin Boulevard, Austin, TX 78703, USA
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14
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Sanitizing the fortress: protection of ant brood and nest material by worker antibiotics. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-013-1664-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Haslam IS, Roubos EW, Mangoni ML, Yoshizato K, Vaudry H, Kloepper JE, Pattwell DM, Maderson PFA, Paus R. From frog integument to human skin: dermatological perspectives from frog skin biology. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2013; 89:618-55. [DOI: 10.1111/brv.12072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Iain S. Haslam
- The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Inflammation and Repair; University of Manchester; Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT U.K
| | - Eric W. Roubos
- Department of Anatomy; Radboud University Medical Centre; Geert Grooteplein Noord 2, 6525 EZ, Nijmegen P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen The Netherlands
| | - Maria Luisa Mangoni
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; La Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5-00185; Rome Italy
| | - Katsutoshi Yoshizato
- Academic Advisors Office, Synthetic Biology Research Center; Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine; Osaka Japan
- Phoenixbio Co. Ltd; 3-4-1, Kagamiyama; Higashihiroshima Hiroshima 739-0046 Japan
| | - Hubert Vaudry
- European Institute for Peptide Research; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan Place Emile Blondel 76821 France
- INSERM U-982, CNRS; University of Rouen; Mont-Saint-Aignan Place Emile Blondel 76821 France
| | - Jennifer E. Kloepper
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie; Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160; 23538 Lübeck Germany
| | - David M. Pattwell
- Leahurst Campus, Institute of Learning & Teaching; School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool; Neston CH64 7TE U.K
| | | | - Ralf Paus
- The Dermatology Centre, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Institute of Inflammation and Repair; University of Manchester; Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PT U.K
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie; Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160; 23538 Lübeck Germany
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Deyrup M, Deyrup L, Carrel J. Ant Species in the Diet of a Florida Population of Eastern Narrow-Mouthed Toads,Gastrophryne carolinensis. SOUTHEAST NAT 2013. [DOI: 10.1656/058.012.0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Chen J, Rashid T, Feng G. Toxicity of formic acid to red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2012; 68:1393-1399. [PMID: 22674812 DOI: 10.1002/ps.3319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ants often compete with other ants for resources. Although formic acid is a common defensive chemical of formicine ants, it does not occur in any other subfamilies in Formicidae. No information on toxicity of formic acid to red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta, is available. This study examined its contact and fumigation toxicity to S. invicta in the laboratory. RESULTS In a contact toxicity bioassay, 24 h LD50 values of formic acid for workers ranged from 124.54 to 197.71 µg ant(-1) . Female alates and queens were much less sensitive to formic acid than workers. At a concentration of 271.72 µg ant(-1) , which killed 81.09 ± 16.04% of workers, the 24 h mortality was up to 39.64% for female alates and 38.89% for queens. In fumigation bioassays, 24 h LC50 values ranged from 0.26 to 0.50 µg mL(-1) for workers, 0.32 µg mL(-1) for male alates and 0.70 µg mL(-1) for female alates. Complete mortality (100%) in queens occurred 24 h after they had been exposed to 1.57 µg mL(-1) of formic acid. At a concentration of 2.09 µg mL(-1) , KT50 values ranged from 23.03 to 43.85 min for workers, from 37.84 to 58.37 min for male alates, from 86.06 to 121.05 min for female alates and from 68.00 to 85.92 min for queens. CONCLUSION When applied topically, formic acid was significantly less toxic than bifenthrin to red imported fire ants. Although its fumigation toxicity was lower than that of dichlorvos, formic acid had about an order of magnitude higher toxicity to S. invicta than to other insects studied so far. It may be worth investigating the use of formic acid for managing imported fire ants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- USDA-ARS, National Biological Control Laboratory, Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA.
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Graystock P, Hughes WOH. Disease resistance in a weaver ant, Polyrhachis dives, and the role of antibiotic-producing glands. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-011-1242-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Saporito RA, Donnelly MA, Norton RA, Garraffo HM, Spande TF, Daly JW. Oribatid mites as a major dietary source for alkaloids in poison frogs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:8885-90. [PMID: 17502597 PMCID: PMC1885597 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0702851104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids in the skin glands of poison frogs serve as a chemical defense against predation, and almost all of these alkaloids appear to be sequestered from dietary arthropods. Certain alkaloid-containing ants have been considered the primary dietary source, but dietary sources for the majority of alkaloids remain unknown. Herein we report the presence of approximately 80 alkaloids from extracts of oribatid mites collected throughout Costa Rica and Panama, which represent 11 of the approximately 24 structural classes of alkaloids known in poison frogs. Forty-one of these alkaloids also occur in the dendrobatid poison frog, Oophaga pumilio, which co-occurs with the collected mites. These shared alkaloids include twenty-five 5,8-disubstituted or 5,6,8-trisubstituted indolizidines; one 1,4-disubstituted quinolizidine; three pumiliotoxins; and one homopumiliotoxin. All but the last of these alkaloid classes occur widely in poison frogs. In addition, nearly 40 alkaloids of unknown structure were detected in mites; none of these alkaloids have been identified in frog extracts. Two of these alkaloids are homopumiliotoxins, five appear to be izidines, four appear to be tricyclics, and six are related in structure to poison frog alkaloids that are currently unclassified as to structure. Mites are common in the diet of O. pumilio, as well as in the diets of other poison frogs. The results of this study indicate that mites are a significant arthropod repository of a variety of alkaloids and represent a major dietary source of alkaloids in poison frogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph A. Saporito
- *Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: or
| | - Maureen A. Donnelly
- *Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Roy A. Norton
- College of Environmental Science and Forestry, State University of New York, Syracuse, NY 13210; and
| | - H. Martin Garraffo
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Thomas F. Spande
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - John W. Daly
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases,National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- To whom correspondence may be addressed. E-mail: or
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Pluzhnikov KA, Bocharov DN, Kononova NV, Sukhanov SV, Balashova TA, Arsen'ev AS, Grishin EV. [Identification and structural analysis of a glycophospholipid component from the venom of ant Paraponera clavata]. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2006; 32:530-7. [PMID: 17042271 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162006050116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The venom of South American ant Paraponera clavata and its low-molecular-mass fraction were shown to possess insectotoxic and pore-forming activities. A number of glycophospholipid components were isolated from this ant venom by means of gel filtration and reversed-phase chromatography. Some of the compounds cause conductivity fluctuations in lipid bilayer membranes within the ranges 3-25 pS and 200-400 pS at concentrations of 10(-6) to 10(-7) M. N-Acetylglucosamine, a fatty acid, and phosphoric acid residues were found in their structures. A full structure, 3-myristoyl-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl phosphate, was elucidated for one of the compounds by the use of 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
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Saporito RA, Garraffo HM, Donnelly MA, Edwards AL, Longino JT, Daly JW. Formicine ants: An arthropod source for the pumiliotoxin alkaloids of dendrobatid poison frogs. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:8045-50. [PMID: 15128938 PMCID: PMC419554 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0402365101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A remarkable diversity of bioactive lipophilic alkaloids is present in the skin of poison frogs and toads worldwide. Originally discovered in neotropical dendrobatid frogs, these alkaloids are now known from mantellid frogs of Madagascar, certain myobatrachid frogs of Australia, and certain bufonid toads of South America. Presumably serving as a passive chemical defense, these alkaloids appear to be sequestered from a variety of alkaloid-containing arthropods. The pumiliotoxins represent a major, widespread, group of alkaloids that are found in virtually all anurans that are chemically defended by the presence of lipophilic alkaloids. Identifying an arthropod source for these alkaloids has been a considerable challenge for chemical ecologists. However, an extensive collection of neotropical forest arthropods has now revealed a putative arthropod source of the pumiliotoxins. Here we report on the presence of pumiliotoxins in formicine ants of the genera Brachymyrmex and Paratrechina, as well as the presence of these ants in the stomach contents of the microsympatric pumiliotoxin-containing dendrobatid frog, Dendrobates pumilio. These pumiliotoxins are major alkaloids in D. pumilio, and Brachymyrmex and Paratrechina ants now represent the only known dietary sources of these toxic alkaloids. These findings further support the significance of ant-specialization and alkaloid sequestration in the evolution of bright warning coloration in poison frogs and toads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph A Saporito
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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