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Naseem MT, Beaven R, Koyama T, Naz S, Su SY, Leader DP, A Klaerke D, Calloe K, Denholm B, Halberg KV. NHA1 is a cation/proton antiporter essential for the water-conserving functions of the rectal complex in Tribolium castaneum. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2217084120. [PMID: 36943876 PMCID: PMC10068851 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217084120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
More than half of all extant metazoan species on earth are insects. The evolutionary success of insects is linked with their ability to osmoregulate, suggesting that they have evolved unique physiological mechanisms to maintain water balance. In beetles (Coleoptera)-the largest group of insects-a specialized rectal ("cryptonephridial") complex has evolved that recovers water from the rectum destined for excretion and recycles it back to the body. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the remarkable water-conserving functions of this system are unknown. Here, we introduce a transcriptomic resource, BeetleAtlas.org, for the exceptionally desiccation-tolerant red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, and demonstrate its utility by identifying a cation/H+ antiporter (NHA1) that is enriched and functionally significant in the Tribolium rectal complex. NHA1 localizes exclusively to a specialized cell type, the leptophragmata, in the distal region of the Malpighian tubules associated with the rectal complex. Computational modeling and electrophysiological characterization in Xenopus oocytes show that NHA1 acts as an electroneutral K+/H+ antiporter. Furthermore, genetic silencing of Nha1 dramatically increases excretory water loss and reduces organismal survival during desiccation stress, implying that NHA1 activity is essential for maintaining systemic water balance. Finally, we show that Tiptop, a conserved transcription factor, regulates NHA1 expression in leptophragmata and controls leptophragmata maturation, illuminating the developmental mechanism that establishes the functions of this cell. Together, our work provides insights into the molecular architecture underpinning the function of one of the most powerful water-conserving mechanisms in nature, the beetle rectal complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad T Naseem
- Department of Biology, Section for Cell and Neurobiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Robin Beaven
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Takashi Koyama
- Department of Biology, Section for Cell and Neurobiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Sehrish Naz
- Department of Biology, Section for Cell and Neurobiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
| | - Sheng-Yuan Su
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - David P Leader
- Institute of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Dan A Klaerke
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Pathobiological Sciences, University of Copenhagen DK-1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Calloe
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Section for Pathobiological Sciences, University of Copenhagen DK-1870, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Barry Denholm
- Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Kenneth V Halberg
- Department of Biology, Section for Cell and Neurobiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-2100, Denmark
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Moitra S, Farshchi Tabrizi A, Idrissi Machichi K, Kamravaei S, Miandashti N, Henderson L, Mukherjee M, Khadour F, Naseem MT, Lacy P, Melenka L. Non-Malignant Respiratory Illnesses in Association with Occupational Exposure to Asbestos and Other Insulating Materials: Findings from the Alberta Insulator Cohort. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17197085. [PMID: 32998195 PMCID: PMC7579178 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17197085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many insulating materials are used in construction, although few have been reported to cause non-malignant respiratory illnesses. We aimed to investigate associations between exposures to insulating materials and non-malignant respiratory illnesses in insulators. In this cross-sectional study, 990 insulators (45 ± 14 years) were screened from 2011-2017 in Alberta. All participants underwent pulmonary function tests and chest radiography. Demographics, work history, and history of chest infections were obtained through questionnaires. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was diagnosed according to established guidelines. Associations between exposures and respiratory illnesses were assessed by modified Poisson regression. Of those screened, 875 (88%) were males. 457 (46%) participants reported having ≥ 1 chest infection in the past 3 years, while 156 (16%) were diagnosed with COPD. In multivariate models, all materials (asbestos, calcium silicate, carbon fibers, fiberglass, and refractory ceramic fibers) except aerogels and mineral fibers were associated with recurrent chest infections (prevalence ratio [PR] range: 1.18-1.42). Only asbestos was associated with COPD (PR: 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01, 2.05). Therefore, occupational exposure to insulating materials was associated with non-malignant respiratory illnesses, specifically, recurrent chest infections and COPD. Longitudinal studies are urgently needed to assess the risk of exposure to these newly implemented insulation materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subhabrata Moitra
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.M.); (A.F.T.); (K.I.M.); (S.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Ali Farshchi Tabrizi
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.M.); (A.F.T.); (K.I.M.); (S.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Kawtar Idrissi Machichi
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.M.); (A.F.T.); (K.I.M.); (S.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Samineh Kamravaei
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.M.); (A.F.T.); (K.I.M.); (S.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Noushin Miandashti
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.M.); (A.F.T.); (K.I.M.); (S.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.)
| | - Linda Henderson
- Synergy Respiratory & Cardiac Care, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0N2, Canada; (L.H.); (F.K.); (M.T.N.)
| | - Manali Mukherjee
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University & Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, Hamilton, ON L8N 4A6, Canada;
| | - Fadi Khadour
- Synergy Respiratory & Cardiac Care, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0N2, Canada; (L.H.); (F.K.); (M.T.N.)
| | - Muhammad T. Naseem
- Synergy Respiratory & Cardiac Care, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0N2, Canada; (L.H.); (F.K.); (M.T.N.)
| | - Paige Lacy
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.M.); (A.F.T.); (K.I.M.); (S.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-780-492-6085
| | - Lyle Melenka
- Alberta Respiratory Centre, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; (S.M.); (A.F.T.); (K.I.M.); (S.K.); (N.M.); (L.M.)
- Synergy Respiratory & Cardiac Care, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 0N2, Canada; (L.H.); (F.K.); (M.T.N.)
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Tahir MF, Abbas MA, Ghafoor T, Dil S, Shahid MA, Bullo MMH, Ain QU, Ranjha MA, Khan MA, Naseem MT. Seroprevalence and risk factors of avian influenza H9 virus among poultry professionals in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. J Infect Public Health 2018; 12:482-485. [PMID: 30578143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2018.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avian influenza H9 is endemic in commercial and backyard poultry in Pakistan and is a serious occupational health hazard to industry workers. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of avian influenza H9 infection in people working with poultry in Rawalpindi, Pakistan and assess the measures they took to protect themselves from infection. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to May 2017 of 419 people working with poultry in Rawalpindi Division, including farm workers, vaccinators, field veterinarians, butchers and staff working in diagnostic laboratories. Potential participants were randomly approached and gave written consent to participate. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire and serum samples were processed to detect H9 antibodies using the haemagglutination inhibition test. RESULTS Of the 419 participants, 406 (96.9%) were male. The mean age of the participants was 36.4 (SD 10.86) years. A total of 332 participants agreed to a blood test, 167 of whom were positive for A(H9) antibodies, giving an overall seroprevalence of 50.3%. Laboratory staff had the highest seroprevalence (100%) and veterinarians the lowest (38.5%). Vaccinators, butchers and farm workers had a seroprevalence of 83.3%, 52.4% and 45.5% respectively. Personals who used facemasks had significantly lower (P<0.002) seroprevalence (29.6%) than those who never used them (90.6%). Similarly, those who always used gloves and washed their hands with soap had a seroprevalence of 32.8% compared with 89.0% in those who never took these precautions. Of the participants who handled antigens, 92.3% were seropositive. CONCLUSION Laboratory staff and vaccinators are exposed to viral cultures and influenza vaccines respectively which may explain their high seroprevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad F Tahir
- Poultry Research Institute, Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan; Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | | | - Tamkeen Ghafoor
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Saima Dil
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Islamabad, Pakistan; Livestock and Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad A Shahid
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Mir M H Bullo
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Islamabad, Pakistan; Federal General Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Qurat Ul Ain
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Islamabad, Pakistan; Veterinary Research Institute, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan
| | | | - Mumtaz A Khan
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Islamabad, Pakistan; National Institute of Health, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Khan AM, Ashfaq M, Khan AA, Naseem MT, Mansoor S. Evaluation of potential RNA-interference-target genes to control cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcuidae). Insect Sci 2018; 25:778-786. [PMID: 28316131 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) of vital insect genes is a potential tool for targeted pest control. However, selection of the right target genes is a challenge because the RNAi efficacy is known to vary among insect species. Cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis, is a phloem-feeding economically important crop pest. We evaluated the RNAi of 2 vital genes, Bursicon (PsBur) and V-ATPase (PsV-ATPase) as potential targets in P. solenopsis for its control. PCR fragments of PsBur and PsV-ATPase were amplified using cDNA synthesized from the total RNA. The PCR amplicons were cloned into Potato virus X (PVX) to develop recombinant PVX for the inoculation of Nicotiana tabacum plants for bioassays with healthy P. solenopsis. Reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to validate the expression of transgenes in the recombinant-PVX-inoculated plants (treated), and suppression of the target genes in the mealybugs exposed to them. The RT-PCR confirmed the expression of transgenes in the treated plants. Mealybug individuals on treated plants either died or showed physical deformities. Further, the population of mealybug was significantly reduced by feeding on N. tabacum expressing RNAi triggers against PsBur and PsV-ATPase. The results conclude that RNAi is activated in P. solenopsis by feeding on N. tabacum expressing RNAi triggering elements of PsBur and PsV-ATPase genes through recombinant PVX vector. Further, V-ATPase and Bursicon genes are potential targets for RNAi-mediated control of P. solenopsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif M Khan
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ashfaq
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Biodiversity Institute of Ontario, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Azhar A Khan
- College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bahadur Campus, Layyah, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad T Naseem
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Mansoor
- National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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