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Luck VL, Richards DP, Shaikh AY, Franzyk H, Mellor IR. The Effects of Structural Alterations in the Polyamine and Amino Acid Moieties of Philanthotoxins on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Inhibition in the Locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26227007. [PMID: 34834099 PMCID: PMC8622278 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26227007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the polyamine and amino acid (tyrosine) moieties of philanthotoxin-343 (PhTX-343) were investigated for their effects on the antagonism of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) isolated from the locust (Schistocerca gregaria) mushroom body. Through whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, the philanthotoxin analogues in this study were shown to cause inhibition of the inward current when co-applied with acetylcholine (ACh). PhTX-343 (IC50 = 0.80 μM at -75 mV) antagonised locust nAChRs in a use-dependent manner, suggesting that it acts as an open-channel blocker. The analogue in which both the secondary amine functionalities were replaced with methylene groups (i.e., PhTX-12) was ~6-fold more potent (IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) = 0.13 μM at -75 mV) than PhTX-343. The analogue containing cyclohexylalanine as a substitute for the tyrosine moiety of PhTX-343 (i.e., Cha-PhTX-343) was also more potent (IC50 = 0.44 μM at -75 mV). A combination of both alterations to PhTX-343 generated the most potent analogue, i.e., Cha-PhTX-12 (IC50 = 1.71 nM at -75 mV). Modulation by PhTX-343 and Cha-PhTX-343 fell into two distinct groups, indicating the presence of two pharmacologically distinct nAChR groups in the locust mushroom body. In the first group, all concentrations of PhTX-343 and Cha-PhTX-343 inhibited responses to ACh. In the second group, application of PhTX-343 or Cha-PhTX-343 at concentrations ≤100 nM caused potentiation, while concentrations ≥ 1 μM inhibited responses to ACh. Cha-PhTX-12 may have potential to be developed into insecticidal compounds with a novel mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria L. Luck
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (V.L.L.); (D.P.R.)
| | - David P. Richards
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (V.L.L.); (D.P.R.)
| | - Ashif Y. Shaikh
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.Y.S.); (H.F.)
| | - Henrik Franzyk
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Jagtvej 162, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (A.Y.S.); (H.F.)
| | - Ian R. Mellor
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (V.L.L.); (D.P.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-1159-513257
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Kingwascharapong P, Chaijan M, Karnjanapratum S. Ultrasound-assisted extraction of protein from Bombay locusts and its impact on functional and antioxidative properties. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17320. [PMID: 34453091 PMCID: PMC8397741 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96694-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Impact of ultrasound-assisted process (UAP) on yield, functional properties, antioxidant properties and molecular characteristics of protein extracted from Bombay locusts (BL) (Patanga succinta L.) was studied. Different conditions of UAP were implemented for different amplitudes (40-60%) and times (10-30 min) during aqueous extraction. Notably, UAP could enhance yield and protein recovery, compared with those from typical process (TP) (continuously stirred at 100 rpm at room temperature for 1 h). UAP conditions used governed the change of surface hydrophobicity and free α-amino content of BL. UAP could improve solubility of BL, especially at pH levels higher than 2. UAP had no significant (p > 0.05) detrimental effects on foaming capacity and stability of BL. Nevertheless, UAP, particularly at 50-60% amplitudes, affected the emulsion activity and stability of BL. UAP provided BL with high radical scavenging activities and good electron donating ability, especially that from 60% amplitude for 20 min (UAP-60/20). UAP-60/20 showed the impact on change of isoelectric point and molecular characteristic monitored by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) of BL, compared to those from TP. In addition, BL was also an excellent source of both essential and nonessential amino acids. Therefore, UAP potentially enhanced BL extraction efficiency, resulting the BL with good functional and antioxidative properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Passakorn Kingwascharapong
- Department of International Professional in Culinary Art, Faculty of International Hospitality Industry, Dusit Thani College, Bangkok, 10250, Thailand
| | - Manat Chaijan
- Food Technology and Innovation Research Centre of Excellence, Department of Food Industry, School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80161, Thailand
| | - Supatra Karnjanapratum
- School of Food Industry, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Ladkrabang, Bangkok, 10520, Thailand.
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Tirado-Gallegos JM, Zamudio-Flores PB, Espino-Díaz M, Salgado-Delgado R, Vela-Gutiérrez G, Hernández-Centeno F, López-De la Peña HY, Hernández-González M, Rendón-Villalobos JR, Ortega-Ortega A. Chitosan Films Obtained from Brachystola magna (Girard) and Its Evaluation on Quality Attributes in Sausages during Storage. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061782. [PMID: 33810043 PMCID: PMC8004905 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
High molecular weight chitosan (≈322 kDa) was obtained from chitin isolated from Brachystola magna (Girard) to produced biodegradable films. Their physicochemical, mechanical and water vapor permeability (WVP) properties were compared against commercial chitosan films with different molecular weights. Brachystola magna chitosan films (CFBM) exhibited similar physicochemical and mechanical characteristics to those of commercial chitosans. The CFBM films presented lower WVP values (10.01 × 10−11 g/m s Pa) than commercial chitosans films (from 16.06 × 10−11 to 64.30 × 10−11 g/m s Pa). Frankfurt-type sausages were covered with chitosan films and stored in refrigerated conditions (4 °C). Their quality attributes (color, weight loss, pH, moisture, texture and lipid oxidation) were evaluated at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. Sausages covered with CFMB films presented the lowest weight loss (from 1.24% to 2.38%). A higher increase in hardness (from 22.32 N to 30.63 N) was observed in sausages covered with CFMB films. Compared with other films and the control (uncovered sausages), CFMB films delay pH reduction. Moreover, this film presents the lower lipid oxidation level (0.10 malonaldehyde mg/sample kg). Thus, chitosan of B. magna could be a good alternative as packaging material for meat products with high-fat content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Tirado-Gallegos
- Tecnología de Productos de Origen Animal, Facultad de Zootecnia y Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Periférico Francisco R. Almada km 1, Chihuahua, Chihuahua C.P. 31453, Mexico
- Correspondence: (J.M.T.-G.); (P.B.Z.-F.); Tel.: +52-(625)-581-2920 (P.B.Z.-F.); Fax: +52-(625)-581-2921 (P.B.Z.-F.)
| | - Paul Baruk Zamudio-Flores
- Fisiología y Tecnología de Alimentos de la Zona Templada, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C.-Unidad Cuauhtémoc, Avenida Río Conchos s/n, Parque Industrial, Apartado Postal 781, Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua C.P. 31570, Mexico;
- Correspondence: (J.M.T.-G.); (P.B.Z.-F.); Tel.: +52-(625)-581-2920 (P.B.Z.-F.); Fax: +52-(625)-581-2921 (P.B.Z.-F.)
| | - Miguel Espino-Díaz
- Fisiología y Tecnología de Alimentos de la Zona Templada, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C.-Unidad Cuauhtémoc, Avenida Río Conchos s/n, Parque Industrial, Apartado Postal 781, Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua C.P. 31570, Mexico;
| | - René Salgado-Delgado
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Zacatepec, Posgrado-Departamento de Ingeniería Química y Bioquímica, Calzada Tecnológico 27, Zacatepec, Morelos C.P. 62780, Mexico;
| | - Gilber Vela-Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo de Productos Funcionales, Facultad de Ciencias de la Nutrición y Alimentos, Universidad de Ciencias y Artes de Chiapas, Libramiento Norte Poniente 1150, Col. Lajas Maciel, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas C.P. 29000, Mexico;
| | - Francisco Hernández-Centeno
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, División de Ciencia Animal, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Buenavista, Saltillo, Coahuila C.P. 25315, Mexico (H.Y.L.-D.l.P.); (M.H.-G.)
| | - Haydee Yajaira López-De la Peña
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, División de Ciencia Animal, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Buenavista, Saltillo, Coahuila C.P. 25315, Mexico (H.Y.L.-D.l.P.); (M.H.-G.)
| | - María Hernández-González
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, División de Ciencia Animal, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Calzada Antonio Narro 1923, Buenavista, Saltillo, Coahuila C.P. 25315, Mexico (H.Y.L.-D.l.P.); (M.H.-G.)
| | - J Rodolfo Rendón-Villalobos
- Centro de Desarrollo de Productos Bióticos, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Calle CeProBi Núm. 8, Colonia San Isidro, Yautepec, Morelos C.P. 62731, Mexico;
| | - Adalberto Ortega-Ortega
- Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Extensión Cuauhtémoc, Barrio de la presa s/n, Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, Chihuahua C.P. 31510, Mexico;
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Pérez-Ramírez R, Torres-Castillo JA, Barrientos-Lozano L, Almaguer-Sierra P, Torres-Acosta RI. Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Orthoptera: Acrididae) as a Source of Compounds of Biotechnological and Nutritional Interest. J Insect Sci 2019; 19:5586711. [PMID: 31606745 PMCID: PMC6790246 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/iez088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The Central American locust, Schistocerca piceifrons piceifrons (Walker) is a major agricultural pest in Mexico and Central America. Control measures against this pest have generated much environmental damage and substantial financial costs because chemical insecticides are used. Yet various Orthoptera species also appear to be a potential source of nutrients and a source of bioactive metabolites. Here, we studied the presence of secondary metabolites in the adult stage of S. p. piceifrons by applying different colorimetric techniques. Adults were collected from the southern region of Tamaulipas, Mexico, during September-December 2017. These samples were subjected to sequential processes of eviscerating, drying, pulverizing, extracting, and detecting of metabolites. Extractions were carried out in water, 50% ethanol, and absolute ethanol. The presence of phenolic compounds, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, and quantity of antioxidants against the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2, 2'-azino-bis, 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radicals were determined and reported. Proximate analysis showed that S. p. piceifrons has a high protein content (80.26%), low fat content (6.21%), and fiber content (12.56%) similar to other Orthoptera species. Chitin and chitosan contents of S. p. piceifrons were 11.88 and 9.11%, respectively; the recovery percentage of chitosan from chitin was 76.71%. Among the Orthoptera, the protein content of this pest is among the highest while its contents of chitin and chitosan are similar to those of other insect species (e.g., Bombix mori Linnaeus [Lepidoptera: Bombycidae]). Our results suggest this pest species is a potential source of bioactive compounds of biotechnological interest for use by pharmaceutical and food industries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogelio Pérez-Ramírez
- Tecnológico Nacional de México-Instituto Tecnológico de Cd. Victoria, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Jorge Ariel Torres-Castillo
- Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas-Instituto de Ecología Aplicada, División del Golfo 356, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Ludivina Barrientos-Lozano
- Tecnológico Nacional de México-Instituto Tecnológico de Cd. Victoria, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Pedro Almaguer-Sierra
- Tecnológico Nacional de México-Instituto Tecnológico de Cd. Victoria, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México
| | - Reyna Ivonne Torres-Acosta
- Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Mante, Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas, México
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Kasozi KI, Namazi C, Basemera E, Atuheire C, Odwee A, Majalija S, Kateregga JN. Inorganic pollutants in edible grasshoppers ( Ruspolia nitidula) of Uganda and their major public health implications. Afr Health Sci 2019; 19:2679-2691. [PMID: 32127841 PMCID: PMC7040292 DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v19i3.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inorganic contamination of food products is associated with adverse health effects, however, information on grasshoppers in Africa is sparse. The objective of the study was to determine antioxidant, heavy metal and food safety status of edible grasshoppers of Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in central and southwestern Uganda, in which a questionnaire was administered to grasshopper harvesters. Grasshopper samples were collected from each harvesting point and analyzed in the laboratory for antioxidant and heavy metal content i.e. Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn) and Cadmium (Cd) using atomic absorbance spectrometric (AAS) method on the heads and abdomen of the insects. Results Major antioxidants were Catalase > Glutathione > Glutathione peroxidase. In addition concentrations of heavy metals were in the order of Pb > Cr > Zn > Cd in the heads and abdomens of the grasshoppers. Pb concentrations were found to be higher in the heads than the abdomens and the carcinogenic potential of the grasshoppers was over 10 times over the recommended levels. Grasshoppers were found not to be safe especially in children due to their small body weight in comparison to adults. Conclusion Pb poisoning in the Ugandan children would be propagated through contaminated grasshoppers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keneth Iceland Kasozi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University Western Campus, Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Catherine Namazi
- School of Pharmacy, Kampala International University Western Campus, Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Elizabeth Basemera
- Department of Pharmacy and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Collins Atuheire
- Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health, Kampala International University Western Campus, Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
- Department of Health Sciences and Special Education, Africa Renewal University, Kampala
| | - Ambrose Odwee
- Department of Public Health, School of Allied Health, Kampala International University Western Campus, Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Samuel Majalija
- Department of Pharmacy and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John N Kateregga
- Department of Pharmacy and Comparative Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources, College of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
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Lehtovaara VJ, Roininen H, Valtonen A. Optimal Temperature for Rearing the Edible Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). J Econ Entomol 2018; 111:2652-2659. [PMID: 30124900 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toy234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) is an insect with significant economic potential in Africa. However, to mass-rear this species on a large scale, the optimal rearing temperature needs to be determined. We assessed multiple performance traits for R. differens reared at seven constant temperatures, ranging from 18 to 32°C, from newly hatched nymphs to 3 wk after adult molting. The highest observed survival was at 30°C (mean survival of 86.7%), where also the development rate reached its maximum. At this temperature, the development from newly hatched nymphs to adults took approximately 49 d. The weight of individuals at the time of adult molt reached its maximum at 28°C (mean weight of 0.62 g). To maximize the yield from mass-rearing, suggested time to harvest R. differens is 10 d after the adult molt. According to our results, during this time period R. differens individuals can achieve up to 50% higher weight than if harvested immediately after adult molting. For maximal survival and weight gain, we recommend rearing temperature of 28-30°C, whereas a slightly higher temperature of 31°C leads to the shortest development time. Taking into account all the performance traits, the overall optimal temperature is estimated at 29°C. Our results can be used when developing large-scale, mass-rearing protocols for R. differens in controlled temperatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- V J Lehtovaara
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - H Roininen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
| | - A Valtonen
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Joensuu, Finland
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Oonincx DGAB, van Keulen P, Finke MD, Baines FM, Vermeulen M, Bosch G. Evidence of vitamin D synthesis in insects exposed to UVb light. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10807. [PMID: 30018318 PMCID: PMC6050303 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29232-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebrates obtain the prohormone vitamin D primarily by endogenous cutaneous synthesis under ultraviolet b (UVb) exposure. To date, endogenous synthesis of vitamin D in insects has never been investigated. In an initial experiment, we exposed four insect species which differ in ecology and morphology (migratory locusts, house crickets, yellow mealworms and black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)) to a low irradiance UVb source. In a second experiment we exposed these species to a higher UV irradiance, and in a third we tested the effect of exposure duration on vitamin D concentrations in yellow mealworms. Low irradiance UVb tended to increase vitamin D3 levels in house crickets, vitamin D2 levels in BSFL and vitamin D2 and D3 in yellow mealworms. Higher UVb irradiance increased vitamin D3 levels in all species but BSFL. Both BSFL and migratory locusts had increased vitamin D2 levels. Longer UVb exposure of yellow mealworms increased vitamin D2 and increased vitamin D3 until a plateau was reached at 6400 IU/kg. This study shows that insects can synthesize vitamin D de novo and that the amounts depend on UVb irradiance and exposure duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G A B Oonincx
- Laboratory of Entomology, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - P van Keulen
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M D Finke
- Mark Finke LLC, 17028 E Wildcat Dr, Rio Verde, AZ, 85263, USA
| | - F M Baines
- UV Guide UK, Greenfield, School Lane, Govilon, Abergavenny, NP7 9NT, Wales, UK
| | - M Vermeulen
- TNO Triskelion, Nutrient Analysis team, Utrechtseweg 48, Zeist, The Netherlands
- CCIC Europe Food Test, Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - G Bosch
- Animal Nutrition Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Trehalose is a major blood sugar in insects with a range of physiological functions, including an energy source and a cryoprotectant. Hemolymph trehalose concentrations are tightly regulated according to physiological conditions. An insulin-like peptide, SeILP1, downregulates hemolymph trehalose concentrations in Spodoptera exigua. Here, we identified a factor that upregulates hemolymph trehalose concentration in S. exigua. Hemolymph trehalose concentrations were significantly increased after immune challenge or under starvation in a time-dependent manner. To determine endocrine factors responsible for the upregulation, stress-associated mediators, such as octopamine, serotonin, or eicosanoids were injected, but they did not upregulate hemolymph trehalose. On the other hand, injection with Schistocerca gregaria adipokinetic hormone (AKH) significantly increased hemolymph trehalose concentration in S. exigua. During upregulation of hemolymph trehalose by AKH injection, trehalose degradation appeared to be inhibited because expression of trehalase and SeILP1 were significantly suppressed while that of trehalose phosphate synthase was not significantly changed. Interrogation of a Spodoptera genome database identified an S. exigua AKH-like gene and its expression was confirmed. During starvation, its expression concentrations were increased, although RNA interference specific to the AKH-like hypertrehalosemic factor (SeHTF) gene significantly prevented the upregulation of hemolymph trehalose concentrations during starvation. A synthetic peptide of SeHTF was prepared and injected into S. exigua larvae. At nanomolar concentration, the synthetic SeHTF peptide effectively upregulated hemolymph trehalose concentrations. Here we report a novel hypertrehalosemic factor in S. exigua (SeHTF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjin Park
- Department of Bio-Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
| | - Yonggyun Kim
- Department of Bio-Sciences, Andong National University, Andong, Korea
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Abstract
Interest in the consumption of insects (entomophagy) as an alternative environmentally sustainable source of protein in the diet of humans has recently witnessed a surge. Knowledge of the nutrient composition and, in particular, the bioavailability of minerals from insects is currently sparse. This study evaluated the availability of Fe, Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, and Zn from four commonly eaten insects and compared these to sirloin beef. Soluble iron from the samples was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Iron bioavailability was determined using an in vitro simulated peptic-pancreatic digestion, followed by measurement of ferritin (a surrogate marker for iron absorption) in Caco-2 cells. Cricket and sirloin beef had comparably higher levels of Fe, Ca, and Mn than grasshopper, meal, and buffalo worms. However, iron solubility was significantly higher from the insect samples than from beef. The complementation of whole-wheat flour with insect or beef protein resulted in overall decreases in mineral content and iron solubility in the composite mixtures. Collectively, the data show that grasshopper, cricket, and mealworms contain significantly higher chemically available Ca, Cu, Mg, Mn, and Zn than sirloin. However, buffalo worms and sirloin exhibited higher iron bioavailability comparable to that of FeSO4. Commonly consumed insect species could be excellent sources of bioavailable iron and could provide the platform for an alternative strategy for increased mineral intake in the diets of humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys O Latunde-Dada
- Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London , Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Wenge Yang
- School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University , Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Mayra Vera Aviles
- Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London , Franklin-Wilkins Building, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom
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Tanaka S, Hatakeyama K, Takahashi S, Adati T. Radioactive contamination of arthropods from different trophic levels in hilly and mountainous areas after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. J Environ Radioact 2016; 164:104-112. [PMID: 27447690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
In order to understand the influence of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident on the ecosystem in hilly and mountainous areas of Fukushima Prefecture, chronological changes in the levels of radiocesium in arthropod species were investigated. From 2012 to 2014, arthropods from different trophic levels were sampled and the air radiation dose rates at the sampling sites were analyzed. The air radiation dose rates showed a significant and constant reduction over the 2 years at the sampling sites in Fukushima. The median radiocesium concentration (134Cs + 137Cs) detected in the rice grasshopper, Oxya yezoensis, and the Emma field cricket, Teleogryllus emma, dropped continuously to 0.080 and 0.078 Bq/g fresh weight, respectively, in 2014. In contrast, no significant reduction in radioactive contamination was observed in the Jorô spider, Nephila clavata, in which the level remained at 0.204 Bq/g in 2014. A significant positive correlation between radiocesium concentration and the air radiation dose rate was observed in the rice grasshopper, the Emma field cricket and the Jorô spider. The highest correlation coefficient (ρ = 0.946) was measured in the grasshopper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sota Tanaka
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, 156-8502 Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kaho Hatakeyama
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, 156-8502 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sentaro Takahashi
- Division of Radiation Safety and Control, Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute, Kumatori, Sennan, Osaka 590-0494, Japan
| | - Tarô Adati
- Department of International Agricultural Development, Faculty of International Agriculture and Food Studies, Tokyo University of Agriculture, 1-1-1 Sakuragaoka, Setagaya, 156-8502 Tokyo, Japan.
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Betz O, Maurer A, Verheyden AN, Schmitt C, Kowalik T, Braun J, Grunwald I, Hartwig A, Neuenfeldt M. First protein and peptide characterization of the tarsal adhesive secretions in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, and the Madagascar hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa. Insect Mol Biol 2016; 25:541-9. [PMID: 27126627 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Peptides and proteins have been largely neglected in the analysis of insect tarsal adhesives. After extraction of the protein fraction of the tarsal secretion of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, and Madagascar hissing cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa, we combined Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analyses for protein mass detection. In both these insects, SDS-PAGE analysis revealed several protein bands ranging from 8-190 kDa in both the tarsal secretion and the tibia control sample. Two (S. gregaria) and one (G. portentosa) protein bands exclusively occurred in the tarsal secretion and can be considered to belong to peptides and proteins specific to this secretion. MALDI-TOF analyses revealed 83 different proteins/peptides of 1-7 kDa in S. gregaria, and 48 of 1-11 kDa in G. portentosa. 59 (S. gregaria) and 27 (G. portentosa) proteins exclusively occurred in the tarsal secretion. In G. portentosa, a characteristic series of signal peaks occurred in the range of c. 10-12 kDa, each peak being approximately 160 Da apart. Such a pattern is indicative of proteins modified by glycosylation. Our approach demonstrates that extensive sampling involving considerable time and manpower to sample the adhesive fluid directly from the tarsi opens up a perspective for extracting peptides and proteins in sufficient quantities. This makes them accessible to the field of proteomics and thus to elucidate their possible function in the adhesive process.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Betz
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - A Maurer
- Medizinisch-Naturwissenschaftliches Forschungszentrum, Tübingen, Germany
| | - A N Verheyden
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - C Schmitt
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - T Kowalik
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung, Bremen, Germany
| | - J Braun
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
| | - I Grunwald
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung, Bremen, Germany
| | - A Hartwig
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Fertigungstechnik und Angewandte Materialforschung, Bremen, Germany
| | - M Neuenfeldt
- Professur für Evolutionsbiologie der Invertebraten, Universität Tübingen, Institut für Evolution und Ökologie, Tübingen, Germany
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Zhou XR, Li YY, Li N, Pang BP. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUPERCOOLING CAPABILITY AND CRYOPROTECTANT CONTENT IN EGGS OF PARARCYPTERA MICROPTERA MERIDIONALIS (ORTHOPTERA: ACRYPTERIDAE). Cryo Letters 2015; 36:270-277. [PMID: 26576002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Grasshoppers are major agricultural pests throughout the world. The egg stage is important for the low temperature resistance, and almost all grasshoppers overwinter in the egg stage. OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between cold hardiness and cryoprotectant content in Pararcyptera microptera meridionalis eggs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The supercooling point (SCP) of the eggs was measured, along with the contents of water, fat, amino acids, low molecular sugars and polyols. RESULTS SCP, water content and glucose concentration decreased during egg development, whereas the contents of fat, trehalose, glycerol, inositol and sorbitol increased. SCP is negatively correlated with the concentrations of fat, trehalose, glycerol, inositol and sorbitol, but positively with water content and glucose concentration. Among low molecular weight sugars and polyols tested in eggs, trehalose concentration was highest, followed by glycerol. Although total content of free amino acids did not change much, of the tested 17 free amino acids in eggs, proline and glutamine had increased by 46.3 % and 13.2 %, respectively, and both showed a negative correlation with SCP. Stepwise regression analysis showed that proline, glycerol, trehalose and inositol contribute most to the SCP depression. Cold acclimation at 0 degree C increased the contents of trehalose and glycerol, and decreased SCP. CONCLUSION The increase of the supercooling capacity in P. microptera meridionalis eggs during development could be attributed mainly to proline, glycerol, trehalose and inositol. Cold acclimation enhances supercooling capacity via glycerol and trehalose.
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Affiliation(s)
- X R Zhou
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Y Y Li
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - N Li
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Bp P Pang
- Research Center for Grassland Entomology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China.
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Gäde G, Šimek P, Marco HG. A novel adipokinetic peptide from the corpus cardiacum of the primitive caeliferan pygmy grasshopper Tetrix subulata (Caelifera, Tetrigidae). Peptides 2015; 68:43-9. [PMID: 25661310 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Revised: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The basal caeliferan family Tetrigidae is investigated to identify neuropeptides belonging to the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) family. The pygmy grasshopper Tetrix subulata contains in its corpus cardiacum two octapeptides as revealed by liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The less abundant peptide is the well-known Schgr-AKH-II (pELNFSTGW amide) which is suggested to be the ancestral AKH of Caelifera and Ensifera. The second peptide, Tetsu-AKH (pEFNFTPGW amide), is novel and quite unusual with its third aromatic residue at position 2. It is thought to be autapomorphic for Caelifera. Tetsu-AKH has hyperlipemic activity in T. subulata and in Schistocerca gregaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch ZA-7700, South Africa.
| | - Petr Šimek
- Biology Centre, The Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Heather G Marco
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch ZA-7700, South Africa
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Cheseto X, Kuate SP, Tchouassi DP, Ndung’u M, Teal PEA, Torto B. Potential of the Desert Locust Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) as an Unconventional Source of Dietary and Therapeutic Sterols. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127171. [PMID: 25970517 PMCID: PMC4429980 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Insects are increasingly being recognized not only as a source of food to feed the ever growing world population but also as potential sources of new products and therapeutic agents, among which are sterols. In this study, we sought to profile sterols and their derivatives present in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, focusing on those with potential importance as dietary and therapeutic components for humans. Using coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), we analyzed and compared the quantities of sterols in the different sections of the gut and tissues of the locust. In the gut, we identified 34 sterols which showed a patchy distribution, but with the highest composition in the foregut (55%) followed by midgut (31%) and hindgut (14%). Fed ad libitum on wheat seedlings, five sterols unique to the insect were detected. These sterols were identified as 7-dehydrocholesterol, desmosterol, fucosterol, (3β, 5α) cholesta-8, 14, 24-trien-3-ol, 4, 4-dimethyl, and (3β, 20R) cholesta-5, 24-dien-3, 20-diol with the first three having known health benefits in humans. Incubation of the fore-, mid- and hindgut with cholesterol-[4-13C] yielded eight derivatives, three of these were detected in the gut of the desert locust after it had consumed the vegetative diet but were not detected in the diet. Our study shows that the desert locust ingests phytosterols from a vegetative diet and, amplifies and metabolizes them into derivatives with potential salutary benefits and we discuss our findings in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Cheseto
- Behavioral and Chemical Ecology Department, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- Chemistry Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Serge Philibert Kuate
- Behavioral and Chemical Ecology Department, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David P. Tchouassi
- Behavioral and Chemical Ecology Department, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mary Ndung’u
- Chemistry Department, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peter E. A. Teal
- Chemistry Research Unit, Center for Medical, Agricultural, and Veterinary Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Baldwyn Torto
- Behavioral and Chemical Ecology Department, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi, Kenya
- * E-mail:
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Zhang C, Song N, Zeng GM, Jiang M, Zhang JC, Hu XJ, Chen AW, Zhen JM. Bioaccumulation of zinc, lead, copper, and cadmium from contaminated sediments by native plant species and Acrida cinerea in South China. Environ Monit Assess 2014; 186:1735-1745. [PMID: 24249249 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3489-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This research was conducted to search and identify spontaneously growing heavy metal-tolerant plant species that are potentially useful for phytoremediation in contaminated sediment. Five sites were selected for collection of plants growing on polluted shore (river bank) sediment of the Xiang River, China. The concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd in plants, sediments, and grasshoppers were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS700, Perkin-Elmer, USA). Considering translocation factor and bioaccumulation factor, Rumex crispus (Polygonaceae), Rumex dentatus (Polygonaceae), and Lagopsis supina (Labiatae) could be potentially useful for phytostabilization of metals. R. crispus can be considered potentially useful for phytoextraction of Cd. In light of the biomagnification factors, grasshoppers are deconcentrators for Pb and Cd, microconcentrators for Zn and macroconcentrators for Cu to the plants, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first report on Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd accumulation in R. crispus and L. supina, providing a pioneer contribution to the very small volume of data available on the potential use of native plant species from contaminated sediments in phytostabilization and phytoremediation technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, China,
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16
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Teal PEA, Jones D, Jones G, Torto B, Nyasembe V, Borgemeister C, Alborn HT, Kaplan F, Boucias D, Lietze VU. Identification of methyl farnesoate from the hemolymph of insects. J Nat Prod 2014; 77:402-405. [PMID: 24467367 DOI: 10.1021/np400807v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Methyl farnesoate, [methyl (2E,6E)-3,7,11-trimethyldodeca-2,6,10-trienoate (1)] has not been thought be present in the hemolymph of insects, although it is the immediate biosynthetic precursor of the circulating insect hormone juvenile hormone III (methyl (2E,6E)-10,11-epoxy-3,7,11-trimethyl-2,6-dodecadienoate) (2). Compound 1 was identified from the hemolymph obtained from five orders of insects. Identification of 1 from the American bird grasshopper was facilitated using both electron impact and chemical-ionization GC-MS, GC-FTIR, and 2D NMR techniques. The identifications from other insects were made using GC-MS, and the amounts of all were quantified using LIM-CI-GC-MS. The ratios of 1 and 2 varied in these insects during different developmental stages. The present results underscore the need for further studies on methyl farnesoate (1) as a circulating hormone in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E A Teal
- Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, USDA-ARS , 1700 SW 23 Drive, Gainesville, Florida 32604, United States
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Pang BP, Li N, Zhou XR. Supercooling capacity and cold hardiness of band-winged grasshopper eggs (Orthoptera: Acrididae). J Insect Sci 2014; 14:ieu151. [PMID: 25527594 PMCID: PMC5657928 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieu151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The band-winged grasshopper, Oedaleus asiaticus Bei-Bienko, is one of the most dominant and economically important grasshopper species in the steppe grasslands and farming-pastoral ecotone in northern China. It is a univoltine species and overwinters as eggs in soil. The cold hardiness of its eggs was examined in the laboratory. Water content in soil significantly affected the supercooling points (SCPs), water content and fat content of prediapause eggs. With the increase of water content in soil, the SCP, and water content of prediapause eggs rose whereas the fat content declined. There was a significant relationship between the SCP and water content or fat content of prediapause eggs. The SCPs of prediapause and diapause eggs varied from -7.6 to -28.4°C and the SCPs of eggs 30 d after oviposition could be divided into two groups. The means of high SCP group (-11.0 to -11.9°C) were much higher than those of low SCP group (-21.8 to -21.9°C), and the majority belonged to the latter (90.48-93.33%). The SCPs of prediapause eggs and early-diapause eggs 30 d after oviposition were significantly higher than those of deep-diapause eggs 60 d after oviposition. The survival rates of diapause eggs were significantly different among different temperature treatments. The survival rate was higher than 88% at greater than -20°C and declined significantly to 57% at -25°C, and suddenly dropped to zero at -30°C. The lower lethal temperature (Ltemp50) for 12 h exposure was -25.3°C and the lower lethal time (Ltime50) at -20°C was 32.8 d. As the mean SCPs of diapause eggs were similar to their Ltemp50, the SCP of eggs can be considered as a good indicator of cold hardiness for O. asiaticus and that this grasshopper is a freeze-intolerant insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Ping Pang
- Laboratory of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, China
| | - Na Li
- Laboratory of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, China
| | - Xiao-Rong Zhou
- Laboratory of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010019, China
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18
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Umbers KDL, Herberstein ME, Madin JS. Colour in insect thermoregulation: empirical and theoretical tests in the colour-changing grasshopper, Kosciuscola tristis. J Insect Physiol 2013; 59:81-90. [PMID: 23108152 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2012] [Revised: 10/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Body colours can result in different internal body temperatures, but evidence for the biological significance of colour-induced temperature differences is inconsistent. We investigated the relationship between body colour and temperature in a model insect species that rapidly changes colour. We used an empirical approach and constructed a heat budget model to quantify whether a colour change from black to turquoise has a role in thermoregulation for the chameleon grasshopper (Kosciuscola tristis). Our study shows that colour change in K. tristis provides relatively small temperature differences that vary greatly with wind speed (0.55 °C at ms(-1) to 0.05 °C at 10 ms(-1)). The biological significance of this difference is unclear and we discuss the requirement for more studies that directly test hypotheses regarding the fitness effects of colour in manipulating body temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D L Umbers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia.
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Ruiz M, Wicker-Thomas C, Sanchez D, Ganfornina MD. Grasshopper Lazarillo, a GPI-anchored Lipocalin, increases Drosophila longevity and stress resistance, and functionally replaces its secreted homolog NLaz. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 42:776-789. [PMID: 22846641 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 07/17/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Lazarillo (Laz) is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked glycoprotein first characterized in the developing nervous system of the grasshopper Schistocerca americana. It belongs to the Lipocalins, a functionally diverse family of mostly secreted proteins. In this work we test whether the protective capacity known for Laz homologs in flies and vertebrates (NLaz, GLaz and ApoD) is evolutionarily conserved in grasshopper Laz, and can be exerted from the plasma membrane in a cell-autonomous manner. First we demonstrate that extracellular forms of Laz have autocrine and paracrine protecting effects for oxidative stress-challenged Drosophila S2 cells. Then we assay the effects of overexpressing GPI-linked Laz in adult Drosophila and whether it rescues both known and novel phenotypes of NLaz null mutants. Local effects of GPI-linked Laz inside and outside the nervous system promote survival upon different stress forms, and extend lifespan and healthspan of the flies in a cell-type dependent manner. Outside the nervous system, expression in fat body cells but not in hemocytes results in protection. Within the nervous system, glial cell expression is more effective than neuronal expression. Laz actions are sexually dimorphic in some expression domains. Fat storage promotion and not modifications in hydrocarbon profiles or quantities explain the starvation-desiccation resistance caused by Laz overexpression. This effect is exerted when Laz is expressed ubiquitously or in dopaminergic cells, but not in hemocytes. Grasshopper Laz functionally restores the loss of NLaz, rescuing stress-sensitivity as well as premature accumulation of aging-related damage, monitored by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). However Laz does not rescue NLaz courtship behavioral defects. Finally, the presence of two new Lipocalins with predicted GPI-anchors in mosquitoes shows that the functional advantages of GPI-linkage have been commonly exploited by Lipocalins in the arthropodan lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Ruiz
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular y Fisiología, Universidad de Valladolid-CSIC, c/Sanz y Forés 3, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
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Sun T, Liu Z, Qin L, Long R. Meat fatty acid and cholesterol level of free-range broilers fed on grasshoppers on alpine rangeland in the Tibetan Plateau. J Sci Food Agric 2012; 92:2239-2243. [PMID: 22318921 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.5609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Revised: 10/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/27/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meat safety and nutrition are major concerns of consumers. The development of distinctive poultry production methods based on locally available natural resources is important. Grasshoppers are rich in important nutrients and occur in dense concentrations in most rangelands of northern China. Foraging chickens could be used to suppress grasshopper infestations. However, knowledge of the fatty acid content of meat from free-range broilers reared on alpine rangeland is required. RESULTS Rearing conditions and diet did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect concentrations of saturated fatty acid (SFA), arachidonic acid, docosahexaenoic acid or the ratio of total n-6 to total n-3 fatty acids. Breast muscle of chickens that had consumed grasshoppers contained significantly (P < 0.05) less monounsaturated fatty acid, but the ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)/SFA and contents of total n-3, total n-6 and PUFA were significantly (P > 0.05) higher than intensively reared birds. Compared with meat from intensively reared birds, meat from free-range broilers had less cholesterol and higher concentrations of total lipid and phospholipids. CONCLUSION Chickens eating grasshoppers in rangeland produce superior quality meat and reduce the grasshopper populations that damage the pastures. This provides an economic system of enhanced poultry-meat production, which derives benefits from natural resources rather than artificial additives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Arid and Grassland Ecology, Ministry of Education, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Amwayi PW, Masiga DK, Govender P, Teal PEA, Torto B. Mass spectral determination of phenylacetonitrile (PAN) levels in body tissues of adult desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. J Insect Physiol 2012; 58:1037-1041. [PMID: 22609420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Wings and legs of the gregarious desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria have been shown to be release sites of phenylacetonitrile (PAN), the major adult male-produced pheromone. However, there is limited information on the distribution of PAN within the locust. Here we show, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), that PAN occurs in nearly all body parts of both adult males and females of the locust in varying amounts. PAN was 20-fold more concentrated in males than in females. In females, PAN was concentrated more in the tarsal segments. The greatest amounts of PAN were in 2- and 3-week old female and male body parts, respectively. No trace of PAN was found in similar ages and sexes of the solitarious phase desert locust. Our results show that PAN is distributed in the body matrix of both sexes of gregarious phase locusts and suggest that no specific tissue is responsible for biosynthesis of the pheromone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peris W Amwayi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, Nairobi, Kenya
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Affiliation(s)
- Dror Hawlena
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, 370 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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Zhang Z, Song X, Wang Q, Lu X. Cd and Pb contents in soil, plants, and grasshoppers along a pollution gradient in Huludao City, Northeast China. Biol Trace Elem Res 2012; 145:403-10. [PMID: 21947857 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-011-9199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Cd and Pb contents in soil, plants, and two grasshopper species (Locusta migratoria manilensis and Acrida chinensis) were examined to quantify the influence ranges of zinc smelting on heavy metal contamination. Samples were collected simultaneously from Huludao City, a chemical and nonferrous smelting base in Northeast China. Cd and Pb contamination in soil and plants were serious. Cd and Pb contents were 13.32 and 8.83 mg/kg in L. migratoria manilensis and 16.67 and 15.00 mg/kg in A. chinensis, respectively. Correlation analysis indicated the same metal source for Cd and Pb in soil, plants, and grasshoppers. Cd and Pb contents in soil, plants, and grasshoppers were all significantly related to distances far from the zinc smelter in good negative logarithm model. The fitting curves indicated that the influence radius of the smelter on heavy metal contamination was about 4,000 m for soil and plants and about 2,000 m for grasshoppers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongsheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Institute of Northeast Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Science, 130012 Changchun, Jilin Province, People's Republic of China.
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Woodman JD. Cold tolerance of first-instar nymphs of the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera. J Insect Physiol 2010; 56:376-379. [PMID: 19932699 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 11/10/2009] [Accepted: 11/12/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The cold tolerance of first-instar nymphs of the Australian plague locust, Chortoicetes terminifera, was examined using measures of total body water content, supercooling point and mortality for a range of sub-zero temperature exposure regimes. The supercooling points for starved and fed nymphs were -13.1+/-0.9 and -12.6+/-1.6 degrees C, and freezing caused complete mortality. Above these temperatures, nymphs were cold tolerant to different degrees based on whether they were starved or given access to food and water for 24h prior to exposure. The rate of cooling also had a significant effect on mortality. Very rapid cooling to -7 degrees C caused 84 and 87% mortality for starved and fed nymphs respectively, but this significantly decreased for starved nymphs if temperature declined by more ecologically realistic rates of 0.5 and 0.1 degrees C min(-1). These results are indicative of a rapid cold hardening response and are discussed in terms of the likely effects of cold nights and frost on first-instar nymphal survival in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Woodman
- Australian Plague Locust Commission, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, GPO Box 858, Canberra 2601, Australia.
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Zhang Z, Wang Q, Zheng D, Zheng N, Lu X. Mercury distribution and bioaccumulation up the soil-plant-grasshopper-spider food chain in Huludao City, China. J Environ Sci (China) 2010; 22:1179-1183. [PMID: 21179955 DOI: 10.1016/s1001-0742(09)60235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate total mercury (THg) distribution and its bioaccumulation up the soil-plant-grasshopper-spider in the Huludao City, which is polluted seriously by chlor-alkali and zinc smelting industry in Northeast of China. Results indicated that average THg concentrations in soil, plant leaves, grasshopper Locusta migratoria manilensis and Acrida chinensis, and spider were 0.151, 0.119, 0.167 and 0.134 mg/kg, respectively. THg spatial distribution suggested that most of mercury came from the chlor-alkali plant and the two zinc smelteries. The highest mercury concentration was found in the wings among different grasshoppers' organs. Although spiders are the predatory, THg concentrations in their bodies were not high, and only on the same level as in grasshoppers, which might be due to spiders' special living habits. In the light of the mercury transportation at every stage of the soil-plant-grasshopper-spider food chain, the bioaccumulation factors were 0.03, 0.79-1.11 and 0.80-1.13 respectively. It suggested that mercury biomagnification up terrestrial food chains was not so large and obvious as it was in the aquatic food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongsheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Institute of Northeast Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Science, Changchun 130012, China.
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Mathen C, Hardikar B. Cytotoxic compounds from Poecilocerus pictus feeding on Calotropis gigantea. J Exp Ther Oncol 2010; 8:177-185. [PMID: 20734917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Poecilocerus pictus, an aposematic insect, feeds on Calotropis gigantea (Asclepiadaceae) and sequesters cardiac glycosides which are used in chemical defense. The aim was to characterize the components of the methanolic extracts of P. pictus and C. gigantea and investigate preferential cytotoxicity of the insect extract, if any, on human cancer cell lines. Comparative chemical characterization by HPTLC, UV and IR studies revealed the presence of cardenolides in both the extracts and biotransformation of some of the ingested cardenolides in the insect extract. Cytotoxicity testing of the insect extract on human and murine normal and cancer cell lines indicated a time and dose dependent inhibition of A549 and COLO205 with a 48 hour IC50 of < 5 microg/ml, but no effect on normal cell line W138 or murine cell lines. Lymphotoxicity and genotoxicity experiments on human peripheral blood lymphocytes tested negative. DNA ploidy analysis on COLO205 indicated 36% apoptosis induction by 10 microg/ ml of insect extract. In brief, our studies established that the methanolic extract of P. pictus contained ingested cardenolides, of which some were biotransformed. Within a range of concentrations, P. pictus extract suppressed viability in A549 and COLO205 cells but not in normal cells, lymphocytes or murine cells. It induced apoptosis in COLO205. The insect extract discriminated human cancer from normal cells, inhibited cancer cell viability specifically and may represent a vital lead for a chemotherapeutic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Mathen
- The Kelkar Education Trust's Scientific Research Centre, VG. Vaze College Campus, Mithagar Road, Mulund East, Mumbai 400 081, India.
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Maeno K, Tanaka S. The trans-generational phase accumulation in the desert locust: morphometric changes and extra molting. J Insect Physiol 2009; 55:1013-1020. [PMID: 19631213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2009] [Revised: 07/09/2009] [Accepted: 07/10/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
To understand the underlying trans-generational phase accumulation, a classical morphometric characteristic, the F/C ratio (F, hind femur length; C, maximum head width), of adult desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) was monitored over eight consecutive generations. Adult F/C ratios, which are larger in solitarious locusts than in gregarious ones, were negatively correlated to the darkness of body color at hatching. Two successive generations were required for a complete shift from the gregarious (crowd-reared) to the solitarious (isolated-reared) phase and vice versa in the laboratory. That is (1) female adults needed to be exposed to crowded (or isolated) conditions so that their hatchlings would become large (or small) and dark (or green) in color, and (2) the hatchlings then needed to be exposed to crowded (or isolated) conditions for their entire nymphal stage. Solitarious locusts exhibited extra molting that influenced the F/C ratio in the adult stage, but did not exert significant influences on the trans-generational changes in this trait because the incidence was low. The incidence of extra molting was negatively correlated with nymphal survival rates. The morphometric trans-generational changes may be explained without assuming any accumulating internal factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koutaro Maeno
- Locust Research Laboratory, National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences at Ohwashi (NIASO), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Clynen E, Schoofs L. Peptidomic survey of the locust neuroendocrine system. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 39:491-507. [PMID: 19524670 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2007] [Revised: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are important controlling agents in animal physiology. In order to understand their role and the ways in which neuropeptides behave and interact with one another, information on their time and sites of expression is required. We here used a combination of MALDI-TOF and ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometry to make an inventory of the peptidome of different parts (ganglia and nerves) of the central nervous system from the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria and the African migratory locust Locusta migratoria. This way, we analysed the brain, suboesophageal ganglion, retrocerebral complex, stomatogastric nervous system, thoracic ganglia, abdominal ganglia and abdominal neurohemal organs. The result is an overview of the distribution of sixteen neuropeptide families, i.e. pyrokinins, pyrokinin-like peptides, periviscerokinins, tachykinins, allatotropin, accessory gland myotropin, FLRFamide, (short) neuropeptide F, allatostatins, insulin-related peptide co-peptide, ion-transport peptide co-peptide, corazonin, sulfakinin, orcokinin, hypertrehalosaemic hormone and adipokinetic hormones (joining peptides) throughout the locust neuroendocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Clynen
- Research Group Functional Genomics and Proteomics, K.U. Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Engel S, Lease HM, McDowell NG, Corbett AH, Wolf BO. The use of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy for rapid measurements of the delta13C of animal breath for physiological and ecological studies. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2009; 23:1281-1286. [PMID: 19306281 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In this study we introduce the use of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) as a technique for making measurements of the delta13C of animal 'breath' in near real time. The carbon isotope ratios (delta13C) of breath CO2 trace the carbon source of the materials being metabolized, which can provide insight into the use of specific food resources, e.g. those derived from plants using C3 versus C4 or CAM photosynthetic pathways. For physiological studies, labeled substrates and breath analyses provide direct evidence of specific physiological (e.g. fermentative digestion) or enzymatic (e.g. sucrase activity) processes. Although potentially very informative, this approach has rarely been taken in animal physiological or ecological research. In this study we quantify the utilization of different plant resources (photosynthetic types--C3 or C4) in arthropod herbivores by measuring the delta13C of their 'breath' and comparing it with bulk tissue values. We show that breath delta13C values are highly correlated with bulk tissues and for insect herbivores reflect their dietary guild, in our case C3-specialists, C4-specialists, or generalists. TDLAS has a number of advantages that will make it an important tool for physiologists, ecologists and behaviorists: it is non-invasive, fast, very sensitive, accurate, works on animals of a wide range of body sizes, per-sample costs are small, and it is potentially field-deployable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Engel
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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Anava S, Rand D, Zilberstein Y, Ayali A. Innexin genes and gap junction proteins in the locust frontal ganglion. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 39:224-233. [PMID: 19124078 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2008.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Revised: 11/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/01/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) belong to one of the most conserved cellular structures in multicellular organisms. They probably serve similar functions in all Metazoa, providing one of the most common forms of intercellular communication. GJs are widely distributed in embryonic cells and tissues and have been attributed an important role in development, modulating cell growth and differentiation. These channels have been also implicated in mediating electrical synaptic signaling; Coupling through GJs is now accepted as a major pathway that supports network behavior and contributes to physiological rhythms. Here we focus on the physiology and molecular biology of GJs in a recently established model for the study of rhythm-generating networks and their role in behavior: the frontal ganglion (FG) of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Four novel genes of the invertebrate GJs (innexin) gene family were found to be expressed in the FG: Sg-inx1, Sg-inx2, Sg-inx3 and Sg-inx4. Immunohistochemistry revealed that some of the neurons in the FG express at least one innexin protein, INX1. We also established the presence of functional gap junction proteins in the FG and demonstrated functional electrical coupling between the neurons in the FG. This study forms the basis for further investigation of the role of GJs in network development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Anava
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Loreto V, Cabrero J, López-León MD, Camacho JPM, de Souza MJ. Comparative analysis of rDNA location in five Neotropical gomphocerine grasshopper species. Genetica 2007; 132:95-101. [PMID: 17486415 DOI: 10.1007/s10709-007-9152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2006] [Accepted: 01/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We report here, for the first time, the chromosome complement, number and location of the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) revealed by silver staining (AgNO(3)) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) in five Neotropical gomphocerine species: Rhammatocerus brasiliensis, R. brunneri, R. palustris, R. pictus and Amblytropidia sp. The objective of this study was to summarize available data and propose a model of chromosome evolution in Neotropical gomphocerines. All five species studied showed chromosome numbers consisting of 2n = 23,X0 in males and 2n = 24,XX in females. Amblytropidia sp. was the only species showing a bivalent (M(8)) with megameric behavior during meiosis. The rDNA sites were restricted to autosomal pairs, i.e. the pericentromeric region of the S(9) chromosome, the consensus NOR location in all five species. R. brasiliensis was the only species showing additional NORs on M(4) and M(6) pairs which, likewise the S(9) NOR, were active in all cells analyzed. Comparison of these results with those reported previously in Palearctic gomphocerine species suggests higher resemblance of Neotropical species with the Old World species also possessing 23/24 chromosomes. Evolutionary mechanisms responsible for the observed interspecific variation in NOR location in this group are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vilma Loreto
- Departamento de Genética, CCB, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Brasil.
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Yu Y, Cui X, Jiang Q, Jin X, Guo Z, Zhao X, Bi Y, Zhang L. New isoforms of odorant-binding proteins and potential semiochemicals of locusts. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 2007; 65:39-49. [PMID: 17427931 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
To obtain more information on the elements of chemical communication in the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), we have searched for additional odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and for volatiles in the feces that could represent potential semiochemicals for this species. A two-dimensional electrophoretic (2DE) analysis of an antennal extract showed only three closely positioned spots that were recognized by the antiserum against locust OBP. Three genes were also identified using PCR and 5'RACE-PCR approaches, encoding isoforms differing from each other for a single amino acid substitution. The gas-chromatographic-electroantennogram (GC-EAD) headspace analysis of a feces sample revealed the presence of several compounds that elicited dose-dependent electrophysiological responses in the antennae of both sexes. Most of these compounds are different from those identified in the feces of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) and reported to be behaviorally active. Ligand-binding experiments performed with such volatiles and recombinant OBP did not show affinity, thus indicating that the binding pocket of OBP requires larger molecules than those so far identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxue Yu
- Key Lab for Biocontrol of Pests, Ministry of Agriculture, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Handley MA, Hall C, Sanford E, Diaz E, Gonzalez-Mendez E, Drace K, Wilson R, Villalobos M, Croughan M. Globalization, binational communities, and imported food risks: results of an outbreak investigation of lead poisoning in Monterey County, California. Am J Public Health 2007; 97:900-6. [PMID: 17395841 PMCID: PMC1854874 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2005.074138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the burden of lead poisoning has decreased across developed countries, it remains the most prevalent environmental poison worldwide. Our objective was to investigate the sources of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Monterey County, California. METHODS An investigation in 3 county health department clinics in Monterey County, California, was conducted between 2001 and 2003 to identify risk factors for elevated blood lead levels (> or = 10 microg/dL) among children and pregnant women. RESULTS The prevalence of elevated blood lead levels was significantly higher in 1 of the 3 clinics (6% among screened children and 13% among prenatal patients). Risk factors included eating imported foods (relative risk [RR]=3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.2, 9.5) and having originated from the Zimatlan area of Oaxaca, Mexico, compared with other areas of Oaxaca (RR=4.0; 95% CI=1.7, 9.5). Home-prepared dried grasshoppers (chapulines) sent from Oaxaca were found to contain significant amounts of lead. CONCLUSIONS Consumption of foods imported from Oaxaca was identified as a risk factor for elevated blood lead levels in Monterey County, California. Lead-contaminated imported chapulines were identified as 1 source of lead poisoning, although other sources may also contribute to the observed findings. Food transport between binational communities presents a unique risk for the importation of environmental hazards [corrected]
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Handley
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94110, USA.
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Ogunlabi OO, Agboola FK. A soluble beta-cyanoalanine synthase from the gut of the variegated grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.). Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2007; 37:72-9. [PMID: 17175447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2006.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2006] [Revised: 10/15/2006] [Accepted: 10/23/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Beta-cyanoalanine synthase (beta-cyano-l-alanine synthase; l-cysteine: hydrogen sulphide lyase (adding hydrogen cyanide (HCN)); EC 4. 4.1.9) was purified from the cytosolic fraction of the gut of grasshopper Zonocerus variegatus (L.) by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-Cellulose and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 columns. The crude enzyme had a specific activity of 2.16nmol H2S/min/mg. A purified enzyme with a specific activity, which was seventeen times higher than that of the crude extract, was obtained. A molecular weight of about 55.23+/-1.00Kd was estimated from its elution volume on Sephadex G-100. The fraction when subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide elel electrophoresis revealed the presence of a protein band with Mr of 23.25+/-0.25Kd. The enzyme exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics having Km of 0.38mM for l-cysteine and Km of 6.25mM for cyanide. The optimum temperature and pH for activity were determined to be at 30 degrees C and pH 9.0, respectively. This enzyme might be responsible for the ability to detoxify cyanide in this insect pest and hence its tolerance of the cyanogenic cassava plant. Biophysical, biochemical and kinetic properties of this enzyme, which will reveal how this ability can possibly be compromised by enzyme inhibition, may lead, in the long term, to the potential use of this enzyme as drug target for pest control.
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Brillard-Bourdet M, Hamdaoui A, Hajjar E, Boudier C, Reuter N, Ehret-Sabatier L, Bieth J, Gauthier F. A novel locust (Schistocerca gregaria) serine protease inhibitor with a high affinity for neutrophil elastase. Biochem J 2006; 400:467-76. [PMID: 16839309 PMCID: PMC1698593 DOI: 10.1042/bj20060437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We have purified to homogeneity two forms of a new serine protease inhibitor specific for elastase/chymotrypsin from the ovary gland of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. This protein, greglin, has 83 amino acid residues and bears putative phosphorylation sites. Amino acid sequence alignments revealed no homology with pacifastin insect inhibitors and only a distant relationship with Kazal-type inhibitors. This was confirmed by computer-based structural studies. The most closely related homologue is a putative gene product from Ciona intestinalis with which it shares 38% sequence homology. Greglin is a fast-acting and tight binding inhibitor of human neutrophil elastase (k(ass)=1.2x10(7) M(-1) x s(-1), K(i)=3.6 nM) and subtilisin. It also binds neutrophil cathepsin G, pancreatic elastase and chymotrypsin with a lower affinity (26 nM< or =K(i)< or =153 nM), but does not inhibit neutrophil protease 3 or pancreatic trypsin. The capacity of greglin to inhibit neutrophil elastase was not significantly affected by exposure to acetonitrile, high temperature (90 degrees C), low or high pH (2.5-11.0), N-chlorosuccinimide-mediated oxidation or the proteolytic enzymes trypsin, papain and pseudolysin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Greglin efficiently inhibits the neutrophil elastase activity of sputum supernatants from cystic fibrosis patients. Its biological function in the locust ovary gland is currently unknown, but its physicochemical properties suggest that it can be used as a template to design a new generation of highly resistant elastase inhibitors for treating inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed Hamdaoui
- ‡Université Cadi Ayyad, Faculté des Sciences Semlalia, Marrakech, Morocco
- §INSERM U392, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg I, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Eric Hajjar
- ∥Computational Biology Unit, BCCS, University of Bergen, N-5008 Bergen, Norway
| | - Christian Boudier
- ¶CNRS UMR 7175, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg I, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Nathalie Reuter
- ∥Computational Biology Unit, BCCS, University of Bergen, N-5008 Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Joseph G. Bieth
- §INSERM U392, Université Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg I, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Francis Gauthier
- *INSERM U618, F-37000 Tours, France
- †Université François Rabelais, F-37000 Tours, France
- To whom correspondence should be addressed, at INSERM U618 ‘Protéases et Vectorisation Pulmonaires’, Université François Rabelais, 10 Bd Tonnellé, 37032 Tours Cedex, France (email )
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Tomaselli S, Crescenzi O, Sanfelice D, Ab E, Wechselberger R, Angeli S, Scaloni A, Boelens R, Tancredi T, Pelosi P, Picone D. Solution structure of a chemosensory protein from the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. Biochemistry 2006; 45:10606-13. [PMID: 16939212 DOI: 10.1021/bi060998w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chemical stimuli, generally constituted by small volatile organic molecules, are extremely important for the survival of different insect species. In the course of evolution, insects have developed very sophisticated biochemical systems for the binding and the delivery of specific semiochemicals to their cognate membrane-bound receptors. Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are a class of small soluble proteins present at high concentration in insect chemosensory organs; they are supposed to be involved in carrying the chemical messages from the environment to the chemosensory receptors. In this paper, we report on the solution structure of CSPsg4, a chemosensory protein from the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria, which is expressed in the antennae and other chemosensory organs. The 3D NMR structure revealed an overall fold consisting of six alpha-helices, spanning residues 13-18, 20-31, 40-54, 62-78, 80-90, and 97-103, connected by loops which in some cases show dihedral angles typical of beta-turns. As in the only other chemosensory protein whose structure has been solved so far, namely, CSP from the moth Mamestra brassicae, four helices are arranged to form a V-shaped motif; another helix runs across the two V's, and the last one is packed against the external face. Analysis of the tertiary structure evidenced multiple hydrophobic cavities which could be involved in ligand binding. In fact, incubation of the protein with a natural ligand, namely, oleamide, produced substantial changes to the NMR spectra, suggesting extensive conformational transitions upon ligand binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Tomaselli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80126 Napoli, Italy
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Clark L, Agricola HJ, Lange AB. Proctolin-like immunoreactivity in the central and peripheral nervous systems of the locust, Locusta migratoria. Peptides 2006; 27:549-58. [PMID: 16309787 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2005.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2005] [Accepted: 06/30/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Proctolin-like immunoreactivity (PLI) was widely distributed in the locust, Locusta migratoria, within the central, peripheral and stomatogastric nervous systems, as well as the digestive system and retrocerebral complex. Proctolin-like immunoreactivity was observed in cells and processes of the brain and all ganglia of the ventral nerve cord. Of interest, PLI was found in the lateral neurosecretory cells, which send axons within the paired nervi corporis cardiaci II (NCC II) to the corpus cardiacum (CC). The CC contained extensive processes displaying PLI, which continued on within the paired nervi corporis allata (NCA) to the paired corpora allata (CA) where the axons entered and branched therein. The frontal and hypocerebral ganglia of the stomatogastric nervous system contained PLI within processes, resulting in a brightly staining neuropile. Each region of the gut contained PLI in axons and processes of varying patterns and densities. The paired ingluvial ganglia contained PLI, including an extensively stained neuropile and immunoreactive axons projecting through the nerves to the foregut. The hindgut contained PLI within longitudinal tracts, with lateral projections originating from the 8th abdominal ganglion via the proctodeal nerve. The midgut contained PLI in a regular latticework pattern with many varicosities and blebs. No difference in PLI in cells and processes of the central nervous system (CNS) was found between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Clark
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga, Ont., Canada L5L 1C6
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Tawfik AI, Kellner R, Hoffmann KH, Lorenz MW. Purification, characterisation and titre of the haemolymph juvenile hormone binding proteins from Schistocerca gregaria and Gryllus bimaculatus. J Insect Physiol 2006; 52:255-68. [PMID: 16384579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2005.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2005] [Revised: 11/14/2005] [Accepted: 11/14/2005] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormone binding proteins (JHBPs) were extracted from the haemolymph of adult desert locusts, Schistocerca gregaria, and Mediterranean field crickets, Gryllus bimaculatus. The JHBPs were purified by polyethyleneglycol precipitation, filtration through molecular weight cut off filters and chromatography on a HiTrap heparin column. The juvenile hormone (JH) binding activity of the extracts was measured using a hydroxyapatite assay and the purification progress was monitored by native gel chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The haemolymph JHBPs of both insects are hexamers composed of seemingly identical subunits. The JHBP of the locust has a native Mr of 480 kDa with subunits of 77 kDa, whereas the JHBP of the cricket has a Mr of 510 kDa with subunits of 81 kDa. The locust JHBP binds JH III with moderate affinity (KD = 19 nM). Competition for binding of JH II and JH I was about 2 and 5 times less, respectively. The cricket JHBP also has a moderate affinity for JH III (KD = 28 nM), but surprisingly, competition for binding of JH II was equal to that of JH III and JH I competed about 3 times higher. No sequence information was obtained for the locust JHBP, but the N-terminal sequence of the cricket JHBP shows ca. 56% sequence homology with a hexamerin from Calliphora vicina. Antisera raised against the purified JHBPs were used to measure age- and sex-dependent changes in haemolymph JHBP titres and to confirm that the JHBPs of both species are immunologically different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer I Tawfik
- Department of Zoology/Entomology, Faculty of Science, Assiut University, Assiut 71516, Egypt
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Abstract
In this paper, ACE inhibitory activity in insect protein hydrolyzed by various enzymes (gastrointestinal proteases, alcalase, and thermolysin) is reported for the first time. Four insects of different insect orders were tested: Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera), Bombyx mori (Lepidoptera), Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera), and Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera). ACE inhibitory activity was measured by two different methods: a spectrophotometric method using FAPGG (2-furanacryloyl-phenylalanyl-glycyl-glycine) as substrate, and an HPLC method using dansyltriglycine (DTG) as substrate. Hydrolysis of the insect protein resulted in an increased ACE inhibitory activity. Overall, the highest ACE inhibitory activity was obtained after gastrointestinal digestion. These results suggest a role for insect protein as antihypertensive component in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Furthermore, the ACE inhibitory activity differed according to the method used. As a consequence, there is a need to standardize methodologies to evaluate ACE inhibitory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieselot Vercruysse
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Crop Protection, and Laboratory of Food Science, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium.
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40
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Zhao Y, Meredith J, Brock HW, Phillips JE. Mutational analysis of the N-terminus in Schistocerca gregaria ion-transport peptide expressed in Drosophila Kc1 cells. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 2005; 58:27-38. [PMID: 15599935 DOI: 10.1002/arch.20028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The functions of the 6-7 amino acid N-terminal domain conserved in insect and crustacean members of the hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) family were assayed by site-directed mutagenesis of Schistocerca gregaria ion-transport peptide (SchgrITP). Mutant peptides were expressed in Drosophila Kc1 cells and tested in a biological assay measuring stimulation of active Cl(-) transport across the locust ileum. We exchanged the N-terminal domain of SchgrITP with that of the shrimp Penaeus japonicus hyperglycemic hormone leaving the remainder of SchgrITP intact. The chimeric peptide was completely inactive in the ileal bioassay, showing that the N-terminus of SchgrITP is essential and that the 2 amino acids (phenylalanine-3 and aspartate-4) conserved in the shrimp and locust peptides are not sufficient for function. We made all possible alanine substitutions in the SchgrITP N-terminal domain. Only phenylalanines 2 and 3 were essential for function in the locust ileal bioassay. All N-terminal mutations were cleaved correctly from the prepropeptide, and expressed in similar concentrations as wild-type ITP suggesting the specific amino acids are not essential for these functions. Post-translational modification may explain a minor ITP isomorph observed in Drosophila Kc1 cell expression. Alanine substitution at position 2 produced a weak ITP antagonist. These structure-function studies, the first for any member of the CHH family, show that both conserved and unconserved amino acids contribute to SchgrITP ion-transport function and that the conserved aspartate in position 4 is required for a yet uncharacterized function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhao
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. V6T1Z4, Canada
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41
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Szenthe B, Gáspári Z, Nagy A, Perczel A, Gráf L. Same fold with different mobility: backbone dynamics of small protease inhibitors from the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Biochemistry 2004; 43:3376-84. [PMID: 15035609 DOI: 10.1021/bi035689+] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
SGCI (Schistocerca gregaria chymotrypsin inhibitor) and SGTI (Sch. gregaria trypsin inhibitor) are small, 35-residue serine protease inhibitors with intriguing taxon specificity: SGTI is specific for arthropod proteases while SGCI is an excellent inhibitor on both mammalian and arthropodal enzymes. Here we report the cloning, expression, and (15)N backbone dynamics investigations of these peptides. Successful expression could be achieved by a "dimeric" construct similar to the natural precursor of the inhibitors. An engineered methionine residue between the two modules served as a unique cyanogen bromide cleavage site to cleave the precursor and physically separate SGCI and SGTI. The overall correlation time of the precursor (5.29 ns) as well as the resulted SGCI (3.14 ns) and SGTI (2.96 ns) are as expected for proteins of this size. General order parameters (S(2)) for the inhibitors are lower than those characteristic of well-folded proteins. Values in the binding loop region are even lower. Interestingly, the distribution of residues for which a chemical exchange (R(ex)) term should be considered is strikingly different in SGCI and SGTI. Together with H-D exchange studies, this indicates that the internal dynamics of the two closely related molecules differ. We suggest that the dynamic properties of these inhibitors is one of the factors that determine their specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borbála Szenthe
- Department of Biochemistry, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Pázmány Street 1/C, Budapest, Hungary
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42
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Tiago PV, Fungaro MHP, de Faria MR, Furlaneto MC. Effects of double-stranded RNA inMetarhizium anisopliaevar.acridumandPaecilomyces fumosoroseuson protease activities, conidia production, and virulence. Can J Microbiol 2004; 50:335-9. [PMID: 15213741 DOI: 10.1139/w04-023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Isogenic strains (with and without dsRNA) of the entomogenous fungi Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus were investigated for correlation between the presence of dsRNA and the production of cuticle-degrading proteases that play an important role in host parasitism, total secreted protein, and conidia production. Similar levels of cuticle-degrading subtilisin-like (Pr1) protease were observed for isogenic strains of M. anisopliae var. acridum after growth in medium supplemented with the cuticle of the grasshopper Rhammatocerus schistocercoides. Similarly, no statistical differences were observed for protease production, detected using the chromogenic substrate azocasein. For P. fumosoroseus isogenic strains, no significant differences in protease activity were observed after growth in the presence of either Euschistus heros or Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) cuticle. Similarly, no statistical differences were observed in virulence against E. heros. A comparison of mean conidia production showed a significantly higher production in the dsRNA-free isogenic strains of M. anisopliae var. acridum. Although, for most of the fungal phenotypes analysed, no overt effects were associated with the presence of these dsRNA infections, the reduction in conidia production by the isogenic strains of M. anisopliae var. acridum with dsRNA suggested that it may not be entirely accurate to describe these infections as latent.Key words: Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum, Paecilomyces fumosoroseus, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), proteases, conidia production, virulence.
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43
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Andersen SO. Regional differences in degree of resilin cross-linking in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2004; 34:459-466. [PMID: 15110867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2004.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2003] [Revised: 02/18/2004] [Accepted: 02/19/2004] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Various cuticular regions from the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, were quantitatively analyzed for two cross-linking amino acids, dityrosine and trityrosine, characteristic constituents of the rubberlike cuticular protein, resilin. These amino acids were found in all regions of cuticle investigated, but in widely varying amounts. In fully mature adult locusts the largest amounts of di- and trityrosine were obtained from the prealar arms and wing-hinges, structures possessing long-range elasticity and being involved in energy storage in the flight system. In structures where deformations tend to occur more slowly, such as the clypeo-labral springs and tracheae, di- and trityrosine are less abundant. In sclerotized cuticle from femur and tibia, as well as in cornea and in the highly stretchable intersegmental membranes of mature females, they are only found in trace amounts and are probably unrelated to elasticity. The trityrosine-to-dityrosine ratio in the various cuticular regions vary from nearly equal amounts of the two amino acids to about ten times more dityrosine than trityrosine, indicating that the regions differ in degree of cross-linking; the tracheal wall is the material with the highest trityrosine-to-dityrosine ratio. In some cuticular regions the ratio increases during maturation from newly moulted (teneral) adults to reproductively active locusts; the most pronounced increase was observed for the wing-hinges, and only a small increase was observed for the abdominal tergal plates. In most cuticular regions in fifth instar locust nymphs the contents of di- and trityrosine corresponded to the contents measured for the adult cuticular regions, but only trace amounts of the two amino acids were obtained from the region of the nymphal wing base which corresponds to the wing-hinge containing cuticular region in adult locusts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svend Olav Andersen
- August Krogh Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 13, DK-2100 Copenhagen O, Denmark.
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44
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Abstract
Gut tissues of 2-week post-ecdysis female Locusta migratoria L. were assayed for FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity (FLI) during various feeding states using both radioimmunoassay and immunohistochemistry. The feeding states investigated were: (a) 48- and 24-h starved; (b) 5-, 30-, or 60-min post-feeding initiation; and (c) a diet of wheat grass, carrots, or apples. We determined: (1) the feeding state of a locust influences FLI in all gut tissues; (2) variations in diet appear to influence FLI in all gut tissues; (3) more than one FMRFamide-related peptide (FaRP) responds to differences in diet and state of starvation in the gut tissues; and (4) the protein poor diets (carrot and apple), in conjunction with the assertion that protein to carbohydrate ratio in the diet is the key component for nutrient balancing, suggests that FaRPs may play a role in maintaining balanced nutrient content in the locust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon R Hill
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Mississauga, Ont., Canada L5L 1C6.
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45
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Abstract
In drug discovery, it is common to have measured activity data for a set of compounds acting upon a particular protein but not to have knowledge of the three-dimensional structure of the protein active site. In the absence of such three-dimensional information, one can attempt to build a hypothetical model of the receptor site that can provide insight about receptor site characteristics. Such a model is known as a comparative receptor surface analysis (CoRSA) model, which provides compact and quantitative descriptors which capture three-dimensional information about a putative receptor site. The quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) of a set of 20 antagonists for octopamine (OA) receptor 3 in locust nervous tissue, was analyzed using CoRSA. Three-dimensional energetics descriptors were calculated from receptor surface model (RSM)-ligand interaction and these three-dimensional descriptors were used in QSAR analysis. The predictive character of the QSAR was further assessed using 24 agonists for OA receptor as test molecules. An RSM was generated using some subset of the most active structures and the results provided useful information in the characterization and differentiation of OA receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinori Hirashima
- Department of Applied Genetics and Pest Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Graduate School, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan.
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46
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Abstract
PMP-D2 and HI, two peptides from Locusta migratoria, were shown to belong to the family of tight-binding protease inhibitors. However, they interact weakly with bovine trypsin (K(i) around 100 nM) despite a trypsin-specific Arg at the primary specificity site P1. Here we demonstrate that they are potent inhibitors of midgut trypsins isolated from the same insect and of a fungal trypsin from Fusarium oxysporum (K(i) <or= 0.02 nM). Therefore, they display a selectivity not existing for the parent chymotrypsin inhibitor PMP-C. By NMR, we demonstrate that HI possesses a highly rigid structure similar to the crystal structure of a variant of PMP-D2 in complex with bovine alpha-chymotrypsin. The main difference with PMP-C is located in the region from residues 20 to 24 (positions P6-P10) that interacts with the loop containing Gly173 in chymotrypsin. The corresponding residue in mammalian trypsins is always a proline that may generate a steric clash with the inhibitor. The residues thought to confer selectivity were mutated with PMP-C as a model. The resulting analogue PMP-D2(K10W,P21A,W25A) loses some activity toward insect and fungal trypsins but is a more potent inhibitor of mammalian trypsins, corresponding to a decrease of selectivity. This work represents a first attempt in tuning the selectivity of natural peptidic serine protease inhibitors by mutating residues out of the reactive loop (P3-P'3).
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Affiliation(s)
- C Kellenberger
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, UMR 145, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, Case 906, 13009 Marseille, France.
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47
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Goldsworthy GJ, Chung JS, Simmonds MSJ, Tatari M, Varouni S, Poulos CP. The synthesis of an analogue of the locust CRF-like diuretic peptide, and the biological activities of this and some C-terminal fragments. Peptides 2003; 24:1607-13. [PMID: 14706540 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2003.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis is described of an analogue of the locust CRF-like diuretic peptide in which methionine in positions 1,3, and 13 is replaced by isosteric methyl-homoserine residues. This analogue has been tested for biological activity on Malpighian tubules in vitro, and feeding behavior in vivo. It is highly active in stimulating fluid secretion and accumulation of cAMP in tubules, and on increasing the latency to feed and reducing meal duration. A 15 residue fragment from the C-terminus of the CRF-like peptide, Locmi-DP(32-46), is fully active in the feeding assay, but has only weak ability to stimulate the accumulation of cAMP in tubules. Two smaller fragments, Locmi-DP(32-37) and Locmi-DP(41-46), were tested but neither had consistent biological activity in any of the assays used here. None of the peptides tested have any substantive activity in increasing cGMP in tubules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graham J Goldsworthy
- Department of Biology, Birkbeck College, University of London, Malet Street, WC1E 7HX, London, UK.
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48
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Abstract
The gut tissues and associated nervous system of the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, were found to contain FMRFamide-like immunoreactive (FLI) material throughout the five larval instars and 2 weeks into the adult stage in both males and females. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity associated with the locust gut was described using camera lucida techniques. FMRFamide-like immunoreactivity is observed in the frontal connectives, recurrent nerve, and oesophageal nerves; projections from the ingluvial ganglion onto the anterior midgut, and from the proctodeal nerve onto the hindgut and posterior midgut; in the neuropils of the frontal ganglion, hypocerebral ganglion and ingluvial ganglia; 30 cell bodies in the frontal ganglion; multipolar sensory cells on the foregut; and endocrine-like cells in the gastric caecae and midgut. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to determine the quantities of FLI material in foreguts, gastric caecae, anterior and posterior midguts, and hindgut of first-fifth instar larvae, 1-3- and 14-17-day male and female adult locusts. As expected, as the tissue size (assessed by total protein content) increases, so does the amount of FLI material in each tissue. Normalizing for tissue size reveals significant differences in FLI content among the stages for each tissue tested. Reversed phase-high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) followed by RIA has identified four groups of FLI fractions present in the gut, and different members of these groups are present in the various gut tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon R Hill
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road North, Ont., L5L 1C6, Mississauga, Canada.
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49
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Johard HAD, Coast GM, Mordue W, Nässel DR. Diuretic action of the peptide locustatachykinin I: cellular localisation and effects on fluid secretion in Malpighian tubules of locusts. Peptides 2003; 24:1571-9. [PMID: 14706536 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2003.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In insects primary urine is produced by the Malpighian tubules under hormonal control. Here we have analysed the effects of the peptide locustatachykinin I (Lom-TK-I) on secretion in isolated Malphigian tubules. We also mapped the distribution of Lom-TK immunoreactivity in the gut in comparison with Locusta diuretic hormone (Lom-DH) and serotonin, two other factors that are active on locust tubules. Lom-TK-I produces an immediate, potent and long-lasting stimulation of fluid secretion. Furthermore, we show that Lom-TK-I acts synergistically with Lom-DH on fluid secretion and demonstrate that Lom-TKs are co-localised with Lom-DH in endocrine cells of the midgut ampullae. Thus, the two peptides might be released together to act synergistically on fluid secretion. Also serotonin and Lom-DH act synergistically and we can demonstrate a plexus of serotonin-containing axon processes over the midgut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena A D Johard
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 14, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
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50
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Abstract
The peptidomes of the corpora allata of Locusta migratoria and Schistocerca gregaria were investigated by both matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and nanoscale liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC-Q-TOF MSMS). The pyrokinin (-FXPRLamide) family seems to be predominant. In addition to the known pyrokinins, we de novo sequenced four pyrokinins in L. migratoria and five in S. gregaria. In addition, one pyrokinin-like peptide (-PRLamide) was identified in S. gregaria. Besides the -(FX)PRLamides, FLRFamide-1, the allatostatins (A family) and numerous as yet unidentified peptides are also present in the corpora allata.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Clynen
- Laboratory for Developmental Physiology, Genomics and Proteomics, K.U. Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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