Signalling properties and pharmacology of a 5-HT7 -type serotonin receptor from Tribolium castaneum

Serotonin acts through multiple cellular targets during an olfactory critical period

Serotonin (5-HT) is known to modulate early development during critical periods when experience drives heightened levels of plasticity in neurons. Here, we take advantage of the genetically tractable olfactory system of Drosophila to investigate how 5-HT modulates critical period plasticity in the CO2 sensing circuit of fruit flies. Our study reveals that 5HT modulation of multiple neuronal targets is necessary for experience-dependent structural changes in an odor processing circuit. The olfactory CPP is known to involve local inhibitory networks and consistent with this we found that knocking down 5-HT7 receptors in a subset of GABAergic local interneurons was sufficient to block CPP, as was knocking down GABA receptors expressed by olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Additionally, direct modulation of OSNs via 5-HT2B expression in the cognate OSNs sensing CO2 is also essential for CPP. Furthermore, 5-HT1B expression by serotonergic neurons in the olfactory system is also required during the critical period. Our study reveals that 5-HT modulation of multiple neuronal targets is necessary for experience-dependent structural changes in an odor processing circuit.

Identification and Pharmacological Characterization of Two Serotonin Type 7 Receptor Isoforms from Mythimna separata

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important neuroactive molecule, as neurotransmitters regulate various biological functions in vertebrates and invertebrates by binding and activating specific 5-HT receptors. The pharmacology and tissue distribution of 5-HT receptors have been investigated in several model insects, and these receptors are recognized as potential insecticide targets. However, little is known about the pharmacological characterization of the 5-HT receptors in important agricultural pests. In this study, we investigated the sequence, pharmacology, and tissue distribution of 5-HT7 receptors from oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), an important migratory and polyphagous pest species. We found that the 5-HT7 receptor gene encodes two molecularly distinct transcripts, Msep5-HT7L and Msep5-HT7S, by the mechanism of alternative splicing in M. separata. Msep5-HT7S differs from Msep5-HT7L based on the deletion of 95 amino acids within the third intracellular loop. Two Msep5-HT7 receptor isoforms were activated by 5-HT and synthetic agonists α-methylserotonin, 8-hydroxy-DPAT, and 5-methoxytryptamine, resulting in increased intracellular cAMP levels in a dose-dependent manner, although these agonists showed much poorer potency and efficacy than 5-HT. The maximum efficacy of 5-HT compared to the two 5-HT isoforms was equivalent, but 5-HT exhibited 2.63-fold higher potency against the Msep5-HT7S than the Msep5-HT7L receptor. These two isoforms were also blocked by the non-selective antagonist methiothepin and the selective antagonists WAY-100635, ketanserin, SB-258719, and SB-269970. Moreover, two distinct mRNA transcripts were expressed preferentially in the brain and chemosensory organs of M. separata adults, as determined by qPCR assay. This study is the first comprehensive characterization of two splicing isoforms of 5-HT7 receptors in M. separata, and the first to demonstrate that alternative splicing is also the mechanism for producing multiple 5-HT7 isoforms in insects. Pharmacological and gene expression profiles offer important information that could facilitate further exploration of their function in the central nervous system and peripheral chemosensory organs, and may even contribute to the development of new selective pesticides.

G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) in Insects-A Potential Target for New Insecticide Development

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) play important roles in cell biology and insects' physiological processes, toxicological response and the development of insecticide resistance. New information on genome sequences, proteomic and transcriptome analysis and expression patterns of GPCRs in organs such as the central nervous system in different organisms has shown the importance of these signaling regulatory GPCRs and their impact on vital cell functions. Our growing understanding of the role played by GPCRs at the cellular, genome, transcriptome and tissue levels is now being utilized to develop new targets that will sidestep many of the problems currently hindering human disease control and insect pest management. This article reviews recent work on the expression and function of GPCRs in insects, focusing on the molecular complexes governing the insect physiology and development of insecticide resistance and examining the genome information for GPCRs in two medically important insects, mosquitoes and house flies, and their orthologs in the model insect species Drosophila melanogaster. The tissue specific distribution and expression of the insect GPCRs is discussed, along with fresh insights into practical aspects of insect physiology and toxicology that could be fundamental for efforts to develop new, more effective, strategies for pest control and resistance management.

Identification and characterization of a novel 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka)

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) receptors (5-HTRs) mediate neuroendocrine signaling via interactions with the ligand serotonin (5-HT). The 5-HT signaling system has been well studied in vertebrates, but rarely known in invertebrate animals, especially in the marine invertebrates. In this study, we identified and characterized a novel 5-HTR from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Aj5-HT_4/6 ). The cloned Aj5-HT_4/6 open reading frame comprised 1290 bp and encoded 429 amino acids. Bioinformatic analysis of the receptor indicated that it was a member of the class A of the G protein-coupled receptor family. Further experiments using Aj5-HT_4/6 -transfected HEK293 cells demonstrated that treatment with 5-HT could induce rapid internalization of Aj5-HT_4/6 fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein from the cell surface into the cytoplasm and triggered a significant increase in levels of the second messenger cAMP as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation in a 5-HT dose-dependent manner. Quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that Aj5-HT_4/6 was predominantly expressed in the muscle and respiratory tree, and its expression was significantly decreased during estivation. Taken together, these results imply that Aj5-HT_4/6 is potentially involved in the movement and metabolism of the sea cucumber.

Serotonergic modulation across sensory modalities

The serotonergic system has been widely studied across animal taxa and different functional networks. This modulatory system is therefore well positioned to compare the consequences of neuromodulation for sensory processing across species and modalities at multiple levels of sensory organization. Serotonergic neurons that innervate sensory networks often bidirectionally exchange information with these networks but also receive input representative of motor events or motivational state. This convergence of information supports serotonin's capacity for contextualizing sensory information according to the animal's physiological state and external events. At the level of sensory circuitry, serotonin can have variable effects due to differential projections across specific sensory subregions, as well as differential serotonin receptor type expression within those subregions. Functionally, this infrastructure may gate or filter sensory inputs to emphasize specific stimulus features or select among different streams of information. The near-ubiquitous presence of serotonin and other neuromodulators within sensory regions, coupled with their strong effects on stimulus representation, suggests that these signaling pathways should be considered integral components of sensory systems.

Role of Biogenic Amines in Oviposition by the Diamondback Moth, Plutella xylostella L

Oviposition is an important reproductive behavior that is triggered by mating in insects, and biogenic amines might be involved in its regulation. The effects of biogenic amines on oviposition have only been studied in a few insect species, and the findings to date have not been conclusive. In addition, there are few studies on the effects of biogenic amines on oviposition of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. Here, we tested how mating and biogenic amines regulate oviposition of P. xylostella by injecting amines and amine receptor antagonists into virgin and mated females and counting the number of eggs laid afterward. Biogenic amines of octopamine and tyramine could induce virgin adults of P. xylostella to lay eggs, while dopamine and serotonin had no such effect on oviposition. Furthermore, the octopamine antagonists mianserin, epinastine, and phentolamine inhibited oviposition by mated females. The tyramine antagonist yohimbine, dopamine antagonist SCH23390, and serotonin antagonist ketanserin did not block oviposition by mated females, and octopamine and tyramine-inducing oviposition by virgin females could be inhibited by the octopamine antagonists mianserin and epinastine instead of the tyramine antagonist yohimbine. We conclude that octopamine and its receptors are involved in mating-triggered oviposition in P. xylostella, while tyramine acts as a subsidiary. Further, the inducing effect of tyramine on oviposition is achieved via octopamine receptors instead of tyramine receptors. This experiment is helpful to further understand the role of biogenic amines in mating regulation and to provide a new strategy for controlling P. xylostella.

Molecular Cloning and Expression Analysis of 5-hydroxytryptamine Receptor 7 in Ant Polyrhachis vicina Roger (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) is a monoamine neurotransmitter that plays an important role in regulating a variety of physiological and behavioral activities. In this study, the 5-HT7 receptor gene was cloned from the ant Polyrhachis vicina Roger (1863). The complete Pv5-HT7 receptor cDNA is 3054 bp, including a 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of 790 bp, a 3'-UTR of 752 bp and an open reading frame of 1512 bp encoding polypeptide of 503 amino acids. Hydrophobic analysis suggests that seven trans-membrane domains are the major sequence characteristic of the Pv5-HT7 receptor. In addition, the Pv5-HT7 receptor has three potential N-glycosylation sites, a palmitoylation site, three protein kinase A phosphorylation sites, and four protein kinase C phosphorylation sites. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the deduced Pv5-HT7 receptor sequence shared a high homology with 5-HT7 receptor sequences of other species, such as a 78% similarity with the Am5-HT7 receptor (Apis mellifera). Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) results showed that the expression level of the Pv5-HT7 receptor was low in the eggs and 1th-4th larval stages, but it was increased in the pupae stage and reached its peak in the adult workers. Western blot results showed that the highest protein expression was in the male body, head, and thorax. These results suggest that the Pv5-HT7 receptor may have specific functions in regulating the development of P. vicina, especially in adult formation and caste differentiation, feeding and caring behaviors of workers in the nest, and in the development of motor organs and mating behaviors in males.

Invertebrate serotonin receptors: a molecular perspective on classification and pharmacology

Invertebrate receptors for the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) have been identified in numerous species from diverse phyla, including Arthropoda, Mollusca, Nematoda and Platyhelminthes. For many receptors, cloning and characterization in heterologous systems have contributed data on molecular structure and function across both closely and distantly related species. This article provides an overview of heterologously expressed receptors, and considers evolutionary relationships among them, classification based on these relationships and nomenclature that reflects classification. In addition, transduction pathways and pharmacological profiles are compared across receptor subtypes and species. Previous work has shown that transduction mechanisms are well conserved within receptor subtypes, but responses to drugs are complex. A few ligands display specificity for different receptors within a single species; however, none acts with high specificity in receptors across different species. Two non-selective vertebrate ligands, the agonist 5-methoxytryptamine and antagonist methiothepin, are active in most receptor subtypes in multiple species and hence bind very generally to invertebrate 5-HT receptors. Future challenges for the field include determining how pharmacological profiles are affected by differences in species and receptor subtype, and how function in heterologous receptors can be used to better understand 5-HT activity in intact organisms.

Molecular cloning and functional expression of the 5-HT7 receptor in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Serotonin (5-HT) regulates numerous physiological functions and processes, such as light adaptation, food intake and ovarian maturation, and plays the role through 5-HT receptors. To our knowledge, this is the first study to isolate and characterize the serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT₇ receptor) cDNA encoded in Eriocheir sinensis, an economically important aquaculture species in China, by performing rapid-amplification of cDNA ends. The full-length of 5-HT₇ receptor gene cDNA is 2328 bp and encodes a polypeptide with 590 amino acids that are highly homologous with other crustaceans 5-HT₇ receptor genes. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of the 5-HT₇, including 7 transmembrane domains and some common features of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), indicated that 5-HT₇ receptor was a member of GPCRs family. A gene expression analysis of the 5-HT₇ receptor by RT-PCR revealed that the 5-HT₇ receptor transcripts were widely distributed in various tissues, in which high expression levels were observed in the cranial ganglia, thoracic ganglia and intestines. Further study about the effects of photoperiods on the 5-HT₇ expression in the tissues showed that a significantly increasing expression of the 5-HT₇ receptor was observed in the thoracic ganglia induced by constant light. In addition, in the eyestalks, the expression levels of 5-HT₇ mRNA in constant darkness and constant light were lower than control treatment. Then, the expression levels of the 5-HT₇ receptor in three feeding statuses displayed that there were significantly increasing expressions in the hepatopancreas and intestines after feeding, compared with before feeding and during the feeding period. Finally, the 5-HT₇ mRNA expression levels in stage III and stage IV were higher than the levels in stage I of ovarian development. Our experimental results showed that the 5-HT₇ receptor structurally belongs to GPCRs, and the thoracic ganglia and eyestalks are the important tissues of the 5-HT₇ receptor for light adaptation. The 5-HT₇ receptor may also be involved in the physiological regulation of the hepatopancreas and intestines after ingestion in E. sinensis. In addition, the 5-HT₇ receptor is involved in the process of ovarian maturation. The study provided a foundation for further research of light adaptation, digestive functions and ovarian maturation of the 5-HT₇ receptor in Decapoda.

Dopamine signalling in locusts and other insects

Dopamine is an important catecholamine neurotransmitter in invertebrates and vertebrates. It is biochemically derived from tyrosine via L-DOPA. It is most abundant in the central nervous system, but can also be produced in e.g. epidermal cells. Dopamine has conserved roles in the control of movement, pleasure, motivation, arousal and memory between invertebrate and vertebrate animals. It is crucial for melanisation and sclerotisation, important processes for the formation of the exoskeleton of insects and immune function. In this brief review I will discuss some general aspects of insect dopamine biosynthesis and breakdown, dopamine receptors and their pharmacology. In addition, I will provide a glance on the multitude of biological functions of dopamine in insects. More detail is provided concerning the putative roles of dopamine in phase related phenomena in locusts. Finally, molecular and pharmacological adjustments of insect dopamine signalling are discussed in the light of possible approaches towards insect pest management.

Characterization of three serotonin receptors from the small white butterfly, Pieris rapae

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) plays a key role in modulating diverse physiological processes and behaviors in both protostomes and deuterostomes. These functions are mediated through the binding of serotonin to its receptors, which are recognized as potential insecticide targets. We investigated the sequence, pharmacology and tissue distribution of three 5-HT receptors (Piera5-HT_1A, Piera5-HT_1B, Piera5-HT₇) from the small white butterfly Pieris rapae, an important pest of cultivated cabbages and other mustard family crops. Activation of Piera5-HT_1A or Piera5-HT_1B by 5-HT inhibited the production of cAMP in a dose-dependent manner. Stimulation of Piera5-HT₇ with 5-HT increased cAMP level significantly. Surprisingly, with the exception of 5-methoxytryptamine, agonists including α-methylserotonin, 8-Hydroxy-DPAT and 5-carboxamidotryptamine activated these receptors poorly. The results are consistent with previous findings in Manduca sexta. All three receptors were blocked by methiothepin, but ketanserin and yohimbine were not effective. The selective mammalian 5-HT receptor antagonists SB 216641 and SB 269970 displayed potent inhibition effects on Piera5-HT_1B and Piera5-HT₇ respectively. The results we achieved here indicate that the pharmacological properties of Lepidoptera 5-HT receptors are quite different from those in other insects and vertebrates and may contribute to development of new selective pesticides. This study offers important information on three 5-HT receptors from P. rapae that will facilitate further analysis of the functions of 5-HT receptors in insects.

Comprehensive Immunolocalization Studies of a Putative Serotonin Receptor from the Alimentary Canal of Aedes aegypti Larvae Suggest Its Diverse Roles in Digestion and Homeostasis

Serotonin regulates key processes including digestion and homeostasis in insects. Serotonin effects are mediated by serotonin receptors that transduce information through initiation of second messenger signaling pathways. Lack of information on serotonin receptors associated with the alimentary canal impedes the understanding of the serotonergic role in insect physiology. To address this void, the present study has cloned and identified a putative serotonin receptor (hereafter AaSeR-1) from the alimentary canal of Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) larvae. In addition to in-silico analyses of AaSeR-1 primary sequence, immunohistochemical investigations were carried out to elucidate receptor expression patterns. Specific AaSeR-1 immunofluorescence was detected in the caeca, the mid- and hindgut, including the Malpighian tubules. These findings point out not only receptor ubiquitous nature but also its involvement in regulation of different stages of nutrient processing and homeostasis. Furthermore, AaSeR-1 may mediate an array of effects through its differential expression at various cell compartments. While AaSeR-1 specific immunofluorescence was depicted in the nucleus and nucleolus of principal cells of the anterior midgut, in the posterior, analyses suggest receptor association with the plasma membrane of both principal and regenerative cells. In addition, AaSeR-1 immunofluorescence was also found in some enteroendocrine cells and in both circular and longitudinal muscles that innervate the alimentary canal. Overall, immunohistochemical analyses of AaSeR-1 expression indicate that this receptor exercises multiple roles in digestion- and homeostasis-related mechanisms.

Identification, functional characterization, and pharmacological profile of a serotonin type-2b receptor in the medically important insect, Rhodnius prolixus

In the Chagas disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus, two diuretic hormones act synergistically to dramatically increase fluid secretion by the Malpighian tubules (MTs) during the rapid diuresis that is initiated upon engorgement of vertebrate blood. One of these diuretic hormones is the biogenic amine, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), which controls a variety of additional activities including cuticle plasticization, salivary gland secretion, anterior midgut absorption, cardioacceleratory activity, and myotropic activities on a number of visceral tissues. To better understand the regulatory mechanisms linked to these various physiological actions of serotonin, we have isolated and characterized a serotonin type 2b receptor in R. prolixus, Rhopr5HTR2b, which shares sequence similarity to the vertebrate serotonin type 2 receptors. Rhopr5HTR2b transcript is enriched in well-recognized physiological targets of serotonin, including the MTs, salivary glands and dorsal vessel (i.e., insect heart). Notably, Rhopr5HTR2b was not enriched in the anterior midgut where serotonin stimulates absorption and elicits myotropic control. Using a heterologous functional receptor assay, we examined Rhopr5HTR2b activation characteristics and its sensitivity to potential agonists, antagonists, and other biogenic amines. Rhopr5HTR2b is dose-dependently activated by serotonin with an EC50 in the nanomolar range. Rhopr5HTR2b is sensitive to alpha-methyl serotonin and is inhibited by a variety of serotonin receptor antagonists, including propranolol, spiperone, ketanserin, mianserin, and cyproheptadine. In contrast, the cardioacceleratory activity of serotonin revealed a unique pharmacological profile, with no significant response induced by alpha-methyl serotonin and insensitivity to ketanserin and mianserin. This distinct agonist/antagonist profile indicates that a separate serotonin receptor type may mediate cardiomodulatory effects controlled by serotonin in R. prolixus.

Molecular cloning and characterization of the allatotropin precursor and receptor in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria

Allatotropins (ATs) are pleiotropic neuropeptides initially isolated from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. In 2008, the first receptor for AT-like peptides (ATR) was characterized in Bombyx mori. Since then, ATRs have also been characterized in M. sexta, Tribolium castaneum, Aedes aegypti and Bombus terrestris. These receptors show sequence similarity to vertebrate orexin (ORX) receptors. When generating an EST-database of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) central nervous system, we found cDNA sequences encoding the Schgr-AT precursor and a fragment of its putative receptor. This receptor cDNA has now been completed and functionally expressed in mammalian cell lines. Activation of this receptor, designated as Schgr-ATR, by Schgr-AT caused an increase in intracellular calcium ions, as well as cyclic AMP (cAMP), with an EC₅₀ value in the nanomolar range. In addition, the transcript distribution of both the Schgr-AT precursor and Schgr-ATR was investigated by means of quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, we found more evidence for the myotropic and allatostimulatory actions of Schgr-AT in the desert locust. These data are discussed and situated in a broader context by comparison with literature data on AT and ATR in insects.

Pharmacological and signalling properties of a D2-like dopamine receptor (Dop3) in Tribolium castaneum

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the central nervous system of vertebrates and invertebrates. Despite their evolutionary distance, striking parallels exist between deuterostomian and protostomian dopaminergic systems. In both, signalling is achieved via a complement of functionally distinct dopamine receptors. In this study, we investigated the sequence, pharmacology and tissue distribution of a D2-like dopamine receptor from the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (TricaDop3) and compared it with related G protein-coupled receptors in other invertebrate species. The TricaDop3 receptor-encoding cDNA shows considerable sequence similarity with members of the Dop3 receptor class. Real time qRT-PCR showed high expression in both the central brain and the optic lobes, consistent with the role of dopamine as neurotransmitter. Activation of TricaDop3 expressed in mammalian cells increased intracellular Ca(2+) signalling and decreased NKH-477 (a forskolin analogue)-stimulated cyclic AMP levels in a dose-dependent manner. We studied the pharmacological profile of the TricaDop3 receptor and demonstrated that the synthetic vertebrate dopamine receptor agonists, 2 - amino- 6,7 - dihydroxy - 1,2,3,4 - tetrahydronaphthalene hydrobromide (6,7-ADTN) and bromocriptine acted as agonists. Methysergide was the most potent of the antagonists tested and showed competitive inhibition in the presence of dopamine. This study offers important information on the Dop3 receptor from Tribolium castaneum that will facilitate functional analyses of dopamine receptors in insects and other invertebrates.