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Ji J, Shi Q, Zhang K, Chen L, Zhu X, Li D, Gao X, Niu L, Wang L, Luo J, Cui J. Sexually dimorphic morphology, feeding behavior and gene expression profiles in cotton aphid Aphis gossypii. Pest Manag Sci 2023; 79:5152-5161. [PMID: 37642384 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphism exists in most insects; however, less is known about sexual dimorphism in aphids. In this study, we identified sexually dimorphic differences in morphology, feeding behavior and gene expression between sexual females and males of the cotton aphid through electron microscopy, electrical penetration graph techniques and RNA sequencing. RESULTS All males were alate with a slender reddish-yellow body and abdominal yellow-black stripes, whereas all sexual females were apterous with a pudgy green body. Sensillum types on the antennae were identical between the two sexes, although males had more sensilla, possibly because the antennae are significantly longer in males compared with sexual females. In terms of feeding behavior, males spent more time probing mesophyll cells and the phloem sieve, and salivating into the phloem sieve. By contrast, sexual females spent more time ingesting xylem sap. In total, 510 and 724 genes were specifically expressed in sexual females and males, respectively, and were significantly enriched in signaling pathways related to reproduction for sexual females (e.g. ovarian steroidogenesis, oxytocin signaling pathway) and energy and flight for males (e.g. thermogenesis, insulin signaling pathway). Moreover, 8551 differentially expressed genes were identified between the two sexes, of which the 3720 upregulated genes in sexual females were mostly enriched in signaling pathways of metabolism and energy, such as thermogenesis and the citrate cycle. CONCLUSION This study provides insight into sexual dimorphism in aphids and lays a foundation for revealing the molecular mechanism underlying differences between the two sexes in cotton aphid. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jichao Ji
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Qingyu Shi
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
| | - Kaixin Zhang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- College of Agronomy, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiangzhen Zhu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Xueke Gao
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Lin Niu
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Li Wang
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Junyu Luo
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
| | - Jinjie Cui
- Zhengzhou Research Base, National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, School of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- National Key Laboratory of Cotton Bio-breeding and Integrated Utilization, Institute of Cotton Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Anyang, China
- Western Agricultural Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changji, China
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Scolari F, Girella A, Croce AC. Imaging and spectral analysis of autofluorescence patterns in larval head structures of mosquito vectors. Eur J Histochem 2022; 66. [PMID: 36128772 PMCID: PMC9528535 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2022.3462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autofluorescence (AF) in mosquitoes is currently poorly explored, despite its great potential as a marker of body structures and biological functions. Here, for the first time AF in larval heads of two mosquitoes of key public health importance, Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens, is studied using fluorescence imaging and spectrofluorometry, similarly to a label-free histochemical approach. In generally conserved distribution patterns, AF shows differences between mouth brushes and antennae of the two species. The blue AF ascribable to resilin at the antennal bases, more extended in Cx. pipiens, suggests a potential need to support different antennal movements. The AF spectra larger in Cx. pipiens indicate a variability in material composition and properties likely relatable to mosquito biology, including diverse feeding and locomotion behaviours with implications for vector control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Scolari
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pavia.
| | - Alessandro Girella
- Department of Chemistry - C.S.G.I., University of Pavia; Centro Interdipartimentale di Studi e Ricerche per la Conservazione del Patrimonio Culturale (CISRiC), University of Pavia.
| | - Anna Cleta Croce
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Pavia.
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Croce AC, Scolari F. Autofluorescent Biomolecules in Diptera: From Structure to Metabolism and Behavior. Molecules 2022; 27:4458. [PMID: 35889334 PMCID: PMC9318335 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Light-based phenomena in insects have long attracted researchers’ attention. Surface color distribution patterns are commonly used for taxonomical purposes, while optically-active structures from Coleoptera cuticle or Lepidoptera wings have inspired technological applications, such as biosensors and energy accumulation devices. In Diptera, besides optically-based phenomena, biomolecules able to fluoresce can act as markers of bio-metabolic, structural and behavioral features. Resilin or chitinous compounds, with their respective blue or green-to-red autofluorescence (AF), are commonly related to biomechanical and structural properties, helpful to clarify the mechanisms underlying substrate adhesion of ectoparasites’ leg appendages, or the antennal abilities in tuning sound detection. Metarhodopsin, a red fluorescing photoproduct of rhodopsin, allows to investigate visual mechanisms, whereas NAD(P)H and flavins, commonly relatable to energy metabolism, favor the investigation of sperm vitality. Lipofuscins are AF biomarkers of aging, as well as pteridines, which, similarly to kynurenines, are also exploited in metabolic investigations. Beside the knowledge available in Drosophila melanogaster, a widely used model to study also human disorder and disease mechanisms, here we review optically-based studies in other dipteran species, including mosquitoes and fruit flies, discussing future perspectives for targeted studies with various practical applications, including pest and vector control.
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Dixon AR, Vondra I. Biting Innovations of Mosquito-Based Biomaterials and Medical Devices. Materials 2022; 15:ma15134587. [PMID: 35806714 PMCID: PMC9267633 DOI: 10.3390/ma15134587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are commonly viewed as pests and deadly predators by humans. Despite this perception, investigations of their survival-based behaviors, select anatomical features, and biological composition have led to the creation of several beneficial technologies for medical applications. In this review, we briefly explore these mosquito-based innovations by discussing how unique characteristics and behaviors of mosquitoes drive the development of select biomaterials and medical devices. Mosquito-inspired microneedles have been fabricated from a variety of materials, including biocompatible metals and polymers, to mimic of the mouthparts that some mosquitoes use to bite a host with minimal injury during blood collection. The salivary components that these mosquitoes use to reduce the clotting of blood extracted during the biting process provide a rich source of anticoagulants that could potentially be integrated into blood-contacting biomaterials or administered in therapeutics to reduce the risk of thrombosis. Mosquito movement, vision, and olfaction are other behaviors that also have the potential for inspiring the development of medically relevant technologies. For instance, viscoelastic proteins that facilitate mosquito movement are being investigated for use in tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. Even the non-wetting nanostructure of a mosquito eye has inspired the creation of a robust superhydrophobic surface coating that shows promise for biomaterial and drug delivery applications. Additionally, biosensors incorporating mosquito olfactory receptors have been built to detect disease-specific volatile organic compounds. Advanced technologies derived from mosquitoes, and insects in general, form a research area that is ripe for exploration and can uncover potential in further dissecting mosquito features for the continued development of novel medical innovations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela R. Dixon
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering and School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Isabelle Vondra
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115, USA;
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Croce AC, Scolari F. The Bright Side of the Tiger: Autofluorescence Patterns in Aedes albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae) Male and Female Mosquitoes. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27030713. [PMID: 35163978 PMCID: PMC8839535 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Light-based events in insects deserve increasing attention for various reasons. Besides their roles in inter- and intra-specific visual communication, with biological, ecological and taxonomical implications, optical properties are also promising tools for the monitoring of insect pests and disease vectors. Among these is the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, a global arbovirus vector. Here we have focused on the autofluorescence characterization of Ae. albopictus adults using a combined imaging and spectrofluorometric approach. Imaging has evidenced that autofluorescence rises from specific body compartments, such as the head appendages, and the abdominal and leg scales. Spectrofluorometry has demonstrated that emission consists of a main band in the 410–600 nm region. The changes in the maximum peak position, between 430 nm and 500 nm, and in the spectral width, dependent on the target structure, indicate the presence, at variable degrees, of different fluorophores, likely resilin, chitin and melanins. The aim of this work has been to provide initial evidence on the so far largely unexplored autofluorescence of Ae. albopictus, to furnish new perspectives for the set-up of species- and sex-specific investigation of biological functions as well as of strategies for in-flight direct detection and surveillance of mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna C. Croce
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology & Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.C.); (F.S.); Tel.: +39-0382-986428 (A.C.C.); +39-0382-986421 (F.S.)
| | - Francesca Scolari
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Italian National Research Council (CNR), Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biology & Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 9, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
- Correspondence: (A.C.C.); (F.S.); Tel.: +39-0382-986428 (A.C.C.); +39-0382-986421 (F.S.)
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