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Marchal E, Palard-Novello X, Lhomme F, Meyer ME, Manson G, Devillers A, Marolleau JP, Houot R, Girard A. Baseline [ 18F]FDG PET features are associated with survival and toxicity in patients treated with CAR T cells for large B cell lymphoma. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:481-489. [PMID: 37721580 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06427-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have established themselves as an effective treatment for refractory or relapsed large B cell lymphoma (LBCL). Recently, the sDmax, which corresponds to the distance separating the two farthest lesions standardized by the patient's body surface area, has appeared as a prognostic factor in LBCL. This study aimed to identify [18F]FDG-PET biomarkers associated with prognosis and predictive of adverse events in patients treated with CAR T cells. METHODS Patients were retrospectively included from two different university hospitals. They were being treated with CAR T cells for LBCL and underwent [18F]FDG-PET just before CAR T cell infusion. Lesions were segmented semi-automatically with a threshold of 41% of the maximal uptake. In addition to clinico-biological features, sDmax, total metabolic tumor volume (TMTV), SUVmax, and uptake intensity of healthy lymphoid organs and liver were collected. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The occurrence of adverse events, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), was reported. RESULTS Fifty-six patients were included. The median follow-up was 9.7 months. Multivariate analysis showed that TMTV (cut-off of 36 mL) was an independent prognostic factor for PFS (p < 0.001) and that sDmax (cut-off of 0.15 m-1) was an independent prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.008). Concerning the occurrence of adverse events, a C-reactive protein level > 35 mg/L (p = 0.006) and a liver SUVmean > 2.5 (p = 0.027) before CAR T cells were associated with grade 2 to 4 CRS and a spleen SUVmean > 1.9 with grade 2 to 4 ICANS. CONCLUSION TMTV and sDmax had independent prognostic values, respectively, on PFS and OS. Regarding adverse events, the mean liver and spleen uptakes were associated with the occurrence of grade 2 to 4 CRS and ICANS, respectively. Integrating these biomarkers into the clinical workflow could be useful for early adaptation of patients management.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Marchal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France.
| | - X Palard-Novello
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Rennes, CLCC Eugène Marquis, INSERM, LTSI-UMR 1099, Rennes, France
| | - F Lhomme
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - M E Meyer
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - G Manson
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - A Devillers
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, CLCC Eugène Marquis, Rennes, France
| | - J P Marolleau
- Department of Hematology, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
| | - R Houot
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - A Girard
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
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Fouks B, Harrison MC, Mikhailova AA, Marchal E, English S, Carruthers M, Jennings EC, Chiamaka EL, Frigard RA, Pippel M, Attardo GM, Benoit JB, Bornberg-Bauer E, Tobe SS. Live-bearing cockroach genome reveals convergent evolutionary mechanisms linked to viviparity in insects and beyond. iScience 2023; 26:107832. [PMID: 37829199 PMCID: PMC10565785 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Live birth (viviparity) has arisen repeatedly and independently among animals. We sequenced the genome and transcriptome of the viviparous Pacific beetle-mimic cockroach and performed comparative analyses with two other viviparous insect lineages, tsetse flies and aphids, to unravel the basis underlying the transition to viviparity in insects. We identified pathways undergoing adaptive evolution for insects, involved in urogenital remodeling, tracheal system, heart development, and nutrient metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis of cockroach and tsetse flies revealed that uterine remodeling and nutrient production are increased and the immune response is altered during pregnancy, facilitating structural and physiological changes to accommodate and nourish the progeny. These patterns of convergent evolution of viviparity among insects, together with similar adaptive mechanisms identified among vertebrates, highlight that the transition to viviparity requires changes in urogenital remodeling, enhanced tracheal and heart development (corresponding to angiogenesis in vertebrates), altered nutrient metabolism, and shifted immunity in animal systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertrand Fouks
- University of Münster, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Mark C. Harrison
- University of Münster, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Alina A. Mikhailova
- University of Münster, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59-Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sinead English
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TQ, UK
| | | | - Emily C. Jennings
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Ezemuoka L. Chiamaka
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Ronja A. Frigard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Martin Pippel
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstrasse 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Geoffrey M. Attardo
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Joshua B. Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA
| | - Erich Bornberg-Bauer
- University of Münster, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, Molecular Evolution and Bioinformatics, Hüfferstrasse 1, 48149 Münster, Germany
- Department of Protein Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Biology, Max-Planck-Ring 5, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephen S. Tobe
- Department of Biology, Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Lab., Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Naamsestraat 59-Box 2465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Raymenants J, Duthoo W, Stakenborg T, Verbruggen B, Verplanken J, Feys J, Van Duppen J, Hanifa R, Marchal E, Lambrechts A, Maes P, André E, Van den Wijngaert N, Peumans P. Exhaled breath SARS-CoV-2 shedding patterns across variants of concern. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 123:25-33. [PMID: 35932968 PMCID: PMC9349369 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We performed exhaled breath (EB) and nasopharyngeal (NP) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and NP rapid antigen testing (NP RAT) of SARS-CoV-2 infections with different variants. METHODS We included immuno-naïve alpha-infected (n = 11) and partly boosted omicron-infected patients (n = 8) as high-risk contacts. We compared peak NP and EB qPCR cycle time (ct) values between cohorts (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test). Test positivity was compared for three infection phases using Cochran Q test. RESULTS Peak median NP ct was 11.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 10.1-12.1) for alpha and 12.2 (IQR 11.1-15.3) for omicron infections. Peak median EB ct was 25.2 (IQR 24.5-26.9) and 28.3 (IQR 26.4-30.8) for alpha and omicron infections, respectively. Distributions did not differ between cohorts for NP (P = 0.19) or EB (P = 0.09). SARS-CoV-2 shedding peaked on day 1 in EB (confidence interval [CI] 0.0 - 4.5) and day 3 in NP (CI 1.5 - 6.0). EB qPCR positivity equaled NP qPCR positivity on D0-D1 (P = 0.44) and D2-D6 (P = 1.0). It superseded NP RAT positivity on D0-D1 (P = 0.003) and D2-D6 (P = 0.008). It was inferior to both on D7-D10 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Peak EB and nasopharynx shedding were comparable across variants. EB qPCR positivity matched NP qPCR and superseded NP RAT in the first week of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joren Raymenants
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of general internal medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Wout Duthoo
- Imec Solutions department, imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Stakenborg
- Life Science Technologies department, imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Julien Verplanken
- Enabling Digital Transformations department, imec, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jos Feys
- Department of Clinical and Epidemiological Virology (Rega Institute), 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost Van Duppen
- Life Science Technologies department, imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rabea Hanifa
- Life Science Technologies department, imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Emmanuel André
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium; Department of laboratory medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Peter Peumans
- Life Science Technologies department, imec, 3001, Leuven, Belgium
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Ragionieri L, Verdonck R, Verlinden H, Marchal E, Vanden Broeck J, Predel R. Schistocerca neuropeptides - An update. J Insect Physiol 2022; 136:104326. [PMID: 34767790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2021.104326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We compiled a comprehensive list of 67 precursor genes encoding neuropeptides and neuropeptide-like peptides using the Schistocerca gregaria genome and several transcriptome datasets. 11 of these 67 precursor genes have alternative transcripts, bringing the total number of S. gregaria precursors identified in this study to 81. Based on this precursor information, we used different mass spectrometry approaches to identify the putative mature, bioactive peptides processed in the nervous system of S. gregaria. The thereby generated dataset for S. gregaria confirms significant conservation of the entire neuropeptidergic gene set typical of insects and also contains precursors typical of Polyneoptera only. This is in striking contrast to the substantial losses of peptidergic systems in some holometabolous species. The neuropeptidome of S. gregaria, apart from species-specific sequences within the known range of variation, is quite similar to that of Locusta migratoria and even to that of less closely related Polyneoptera. With the S. gregaria peptidomics data presented here, we have thus generated a very useful source of information that could also be relevant for the study of other polyneopteran species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lapo Ragionieri
- University of Cologne, Department of Biology, Institute for Zoology, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
| | - Rik Verdonck
- Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Environmental Sciences, Environmental Biology, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Reinhard Predel
- University of Cologne, Department of Biology, Institute for Zoology, Zülpicher Str. 47b, 50674 Cologne, Germany.
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Delbarre M, Girardon F, Blanc-Durand P, Hubaut M, Roquette L, Hachulla E, Semah F, Huglo D, Marchal E, El Esper I, Kharoubi M, Tribouilloy C, Lamblin N, Duhaut P, Itti E, Schmidt J, Damy T. Détection automatique des amyloses cardiaques en scintigraphie osseuse à l’aide du machine learning. Rev Med Interne 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2021.10.314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Timmerman N, Galyfos G, Sigala F, Thanopoulou K, de Borst GJ, Davidovic L, Eckstein HH, Filipovic N, Grugni R, Kallmayer M, de Kleijn DPV, Koncar I, Mantzaris MD, Marchal E, Matsagkas M, Mutavdzic P, Palombo D, Pasterkamp G, Potsika VT, Andreakos E, Fotiadis DI. The TAXINOMISIS Project: A multidisciplinary approach for the development of a new risk stratification model for patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13411. [PMID: 32954520 PMCID: PMC7757200 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACAS) may cause future stroke and therefore patients with ACAS require best medical treatment. Patients at high risk for stroke may opt for additional revascularization (either surgery or stenting) but the future stroke risk should outweigh the risk for peri/post-operative stroke/death. Current risk stratification for patients with ACAS is largely based on outdated randomized-controlled trials that lack the integration of improved medical therapies and risk factor control. Furthermore, recent circulating and imaging biomarkers for stroke have never been included in a risk stratification model. The TAXINOMISIS Project aims to develop a new risk stratification model for cerebrovascular complications in patients with ACAS and this will be tested through a prospective observational multicentre clinical trial performed in six major European vascular surgery centres. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The risk stratification model will compromise clinical, circulating, plaque and imaging biomarkers. The prospective multicentre observational study will include 300 patients with 50%-99% ACAS. The primary endpoint is the three-year incidence of cerebrovascular complications. Biomarkers will be retrieved from plasma samples, brain MRI, carotid MRA and duplex ultrasound. The TAXINOMISIS Project will serve as a platform for the development of new computer tools that assess plaque progression based on radiology images and a lab-on-chip with genetic variants that could predict medication response in individual patients. CONCLUSION Results from the TAXINOMISIS study could potentially improve future risk stratification in patients with ACAS to assist personalized evidence-based treatment decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Timmerman
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - George Galyfos
- First Propedeutic Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Fragiska Sigala
- First Propedeutic Department of Surgery, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Thanopoulou
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gert J de Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lazar Davidovic
- Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Serbian Clinical Center, Belgrade, Serbia.,School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Hans-Henning Eckstein
- Clinic and Policlinik for vascular and endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nenad Filipovic
- BioIRC, Research and Development Center for Bioengieering, Kragujevac, Serbia.,Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | | | - Michael Kallmayer
- Clinic and Policlinik for vascular and endovascular Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominique P V de Kleijn
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Division of Surgical Specialties, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Igor Koncar
- Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Serbian Clinical Center, Belgrade, Serbia.,School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Michalis D Mantzaris
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Unit of Medical Technology and Intelligent Information Systems, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | | | - Miltiadis Matsagkas
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Perica Mutavdzic
- Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Serbian Clinical Center, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Domenico Palombo
- Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genoa - Italian Cardiovascular Network, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gerard Pasterkamp
- Division Laboratories and Pharmacy, Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vassiliki T Potsika
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Unit of Medical Technology and Intelligent Information Systems, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangelos Andreakos
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios I Fotiadis
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Unit of Medical Technology and Intelligent Information Systems, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Ioannina, Greece
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Gijbels M, Marchal E, Verdonckt TW, Bruyninckx E, Vanden Broeck J. RNAi-Mediated Knockdown of Transcription Factor E93 in Nymphs of the Desert Locust ( Schistocerca gregaria) Inhibits Adult Morphogenesis and Results in Supernumerary Juvenile Stages. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7518. [PMID: 33053862 PMCID: PMC7590052 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Postembryonic development of insects is coordinated by juvenile hormone (JH) together with ecdysteroids. Whereas the JH early response gene krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) plays a crucial role in the maintenance of juvenile characteristics during consecutive larval stages, the ecdysteroid-inducible early gene E93 appears to be a key factor promoting metamorphosis and adult morphogenesis. Here, we report on the developmental and molecular consequences of an RNAi-mediated knockdown of SgE93 in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, a hemimetabolan species. Our experimental data show that injection of gregarious locust nymphs with a double-stranded RNA construct targeting the SgE93 transcript inhibited the process of metamorphosis and instead led to supernumerary nymphal stages. These supernumerary nymphal instars still displayed juvenile morphological features, such as a nymphal color scheme and body shape, while they reached the physical body size of the adult locusts, or even surpassed it after the next supernumerary molt. Interestingly, when compared to control locusts, the total duration of the fifth and normally final nymphal (N5) stage was shorter than normal. This appeared to correspond with temporal and quantitative changes in hemolymph ecdysteroid levels, as well as with altered expression of the rate-limiting Halloween gene, Spook (SgSpo). In addition, the levels of the ecdysone receptor (SgEcR) and retinoïd X receptor (SgRXR) transcripts were altered, indicating that silencing SgE93 affects both ecdysteroid synthesis and signaling. Upon knockdown of SgE93, a very potent upregulation of the SgKr-h1 transcript levels was observed in both head and fat body, while no significant changes were detected in the transcript levels of SgJHAMT and SgCYP15A1, the enzymes that catalyze the two final steps in JH biosynthesis. Moreover, the process of molting was disturbed in these supernumerary nymphs. While attempting ecdysis to the next stage, 50% of the N6 and all N7 nymphal instars eventually died. S. gregaria is a very harmful, swarm-forming pest species that destroys crops and threatens food security in many of the world's poorest countries. We believe that a better knowledge of the mechanisms of postembryonic development may contribute to the discovery of novel, more selective and sustainable strategies for controlling gregarious locust populations. In this context, identification of molecular target candidates that are capable of significantly reducing the fitness of this devastating swarming pest will be of crucial importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Gijbels
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
- Life Science Technologies, Imec, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Wolf Verdonckt
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
| | - Evert Bruyninckx
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (E.M.); (T.W.V.); (E.B.)
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Abdulganiyyu IA, Kaczmarek K, Zabrocki J, Nachman RJ, Marchal E, Schellens S, Verlinden H, Broeck JV, Marco H, Jackson GE. Conformational analysis of a cyclic AKH neuropeptide analog that elicits selective activity on locust versus honeybee receptor. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 125:103362. [PMID: 32730893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides belonging to the adipokinetic hormone (AKH) family elicit metabolic effects as their main function in insects, by mobilizing trehalose, diacylgycerol, or proline, which are released from the fat body into the hemolymph as energy sources for muscle contraction required for energy-intensive processes, such as locomotion. One of the AKHs produced in locusts is a decapeptide, Locmi-AKH-I (pELNFTPNWGT-NH2). A head-to-tail cyclic, octapeptide analog of Locmi-AKH-I, cycloAKH (cyclo[LNFTPNWG]) was synthesized to severely restrict the conformational freedom of the AKH structure. In vitro, cycloAKH selectively retains full efficacy on a pest insect (desert locust) AKH receptor, while showing little or no activation of the AKH receptor of a beneficial insect (honeybee). Molecular dynamic analysis incorporating NMR data indicate that cycloAKH preferentially adopts a type II β-turn under micelle conditions, whereas its linear counterpart and natural AKH adopts a type VI β-turn under similar conditions. CycloAKH, linear LNFTPNWG-NH2, and Locmi-AKH-I feature the same binding site during docking simulations with the desert locust AKH receptor (Schgr-AKHR), but differ in the details of the ligand/receptor interactions. However, cycloAKH failed to enter the binding pocket of the honeybee receptor 3D model during docking simulations. Since the locust AKH receptor has a greater tolerance than the honeybee receptor for the cyclic conformational constraint in vitro receptor assays, it could suggest a greater tolerance for a shift in the direction of the type II β turn exhibited by cycloAKH from the type VI β turn of the linear octapeptide and the native locust decapeptide AKH. Selectivity in biostable mimetic analogs could potentially be enhanced by incorporating conformational constraints that emphasize this shift. Biostable mimetic analogs of AKH offer the potential of selectively disrupting AKH-regulated processes, leading to novel, environmentally benign control strategies for pest insect populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A Abdulganiyyu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
| | - Krzysztof Kaczmarek
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2881 F/B Road, College Station, TX 77845, USA; Lodz University of Technology, 90-924, Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Zabrocki
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2881 F/B Road, College Station, TX 77845, USA; Lodz University of Technology, 90-924, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ronald J Nachman
- Insect Control and Cotton Disease Research Unit, Southern Plains Agricultural Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2881 F/B Road, College Station, TX 77845, USA.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Schellens
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heather Marco
- Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa
| | - Graham E Jackson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7701, South Africa.
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Gijbels M, Schellens S, Schellekens T, Bruyninckx E, Marchal E, Vanden Broeck J. Precocious Downregulation of Krüppel-Homolog 1 in the Migratory Locust, Locusta migratoria, Gives Rise to An Adultoid Phenotype with Accelerated Ovarian Development but Disturbed Mating and Oviposition. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176058. [PMID: 32842716 PMCID: PMC7503607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Krüppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1) is a zinc finger transcription factor maintaining the status quo in immature insect stages and promoting reproduction in adult insects through the transduction of the Juvenile Hormone (JH) signal. Knockdown studies have shown that precocious silencing of Kr-h1 in the immature stages results in the premature development of adult features. However, the molecular characteristics and reproductive potential of these premature adult insect stages are still poorly understood. Here we report on an adult-like or ‘adultoid’ phenotype of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, obtained after a premature metamorphosis induced by the silencing of LmKr-h1 in the penultimate instar. The freshly molted adultoid shows precocious development of adult features, corresponding with increased transcript levels of the adult specifier gene LmE93. Furthermore, accelerated ovarian maturation and vitellogenesis were observed in female adultoids, coinciding with elevated expression of LmCYP15A1 in corpora allata (CA) and LmKr-h1 and vitellogenin genes (LmVg) in fat body, whereas LmE93 and Methoprene-tolerant (LmMet) transcript levels decreased in fat body. In adultoid ovaries, expression of the Halloween genes, Spook (LmSpo) and Phantom (LmPhm), was elevated as well. In addition, the processes of mating and oviposition were severely disturbed in these females. L. migratoria is a well-known, swarm-forming pest insect that can destroy crops and harvests in some of the world’s poorest countries. As such, a better understanding of factors that are capable of significantly reducing the reproductive potential of this pest may be of crucial importance for the development of novel locust control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Gijbels
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Sam Schellens
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Tine Schellekens
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Evert Bruyninckx
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
- Life Science Technologies, Imec, Kapeldreef 75, B- 3001 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (J.V.B.)
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.G.); (S.S.); (T.S.); (E.B.)
- Correspondence: (E.M.); (J.V.B.)
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10
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Lismont E, Verbakel L, Vogel E, Corbisier J, Degroot GN, Verdonck R, Verlinden H, Marchal E, Springael JY, Vanden Broeck J. Can BRET-based biosensors be used to characterize G-protein mediated signaling pathways of an insect GPCR, the Schistocerca gregaria CRF-related diuretic hormone receptor? Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 122:103392. [PMID: 32387240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2020.103392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane-bound receptors that are considered prime candidates for the development of novel insect pest management strategies. However, the molecular signaling properties of insect GPCRs remain poorly understood. In fact, most studies on insect GPCR signaling are limited to analysis of fluctuations in the secondary messenger molecules calcium (Ca2+) and/or cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In the current study, we characterized a corticotropin-releasing factor-related diuretic hormone (CRF-DH) receptor of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. This Schgr-CRF-DHR is mainly expressed in the nervous system and in brain-associated endocrine organs. The neuropeptide Schgr-CRF-DH induced Ca2+-dependent aequorin-based bioluminescent responses in CHO cells co-expressing this receptor with the promiscuous Gα16 protein. Furthermore, when co-expressed with the cAMP-dependent bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET)-based CAMYEL biosensor in HEK293T cells, this receptor elicited dose-dependent agonist-induced responses with an EC50 in the nanomolar range (4.02 nM). In addition, we tested if vertebrate BRET-based G protein biosensors, can also be used to detect direct Gα protein subunit activation by an insect GPCR. Therefore, we analyzed ten different human BRET-based G protein biosensors, representing members of all four Gα protein subfamilies; Gαs, Gαi/o, Gαq/11 and Gα12/13. Our data demonstrate that stimulation of Schgr-CRF-DHR by Schgr-CRF-DH can dose-dependently activate Gαi/o and Gαs biosensors, while no significant effects were observed with the Gαq/11 and Gα12/13 biosensors. Our study paves the way for future biosensor-based studies to analyze the signaling properties of insect GPCRs in both fundamental science and applied research contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Lismont
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lina Verbakel
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elise Vogel
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | - Rik Verdonck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; Imec, Kapeldreef 75, B-3001, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Yves Springael
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM) Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Campus Erasme, 808 Route de Lennik, B-1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Gijbels M, Lenaerts C, Vanden Broeck J, Marchal E. Juvenile Hormone receptor Met is essential for ovarian maturation in the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10797. [PMID: 31346226 PMCID: PMC6658565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47253-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Juvenile hormones (JH) are key endocrine regulators produced by the corpora allata (CA) of insects. Together with ecdysteroids, as well as nutritional cues, JH coordinates different aspects of insect postembryonic development and reproduction. The function of the recently characterized JH receptor, Methoprene-tolerant (Met), appears to be conserved in different processes regulated by JH. However, its functional interactions with other hormonal signalling pathways seem highly dependent on the feeding habits and on the developmental and reproductive strategies employed by the insect species investigated. Here we report on the effects of RNA interference (RNAi) mediated SgMet knockdown during the first gonadotrophic cycle in female desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria). This voracious, phytophagous pest species can form migrating swarms that devastate field crops and harvests in several of the world’s poorest countries. A better knowledge of the JH signalling pathway may contribute to the development of novel, more target-specific insecticides to combat this very harmful swarming pest. Using RNAi, we show that the JH receptor Met is essential for ovarian maturation, vitellogenesis and associated ecdysteroid biosynthesis in adult female S. gregaria. Interestingly, knockdown of SgMet also resulted in a significant decrease of insulin-related peptide (SgIRP) and increase of neuroparsin (SgNP) 3 and 4 transcript levels in the fat body, illustrating the existence of an intricate regulatory interplay between different hormonal factors. In addition, SgMet knockdown in females resulted in delayed display of copulation behaviour with virgin males, when compared with dsGFP injected control animals. Moreover, we observed an incapacity of adult dsSgMet injected female locusts to oviposit during the time of the experimental setup. As such, SgMet is an essential gene playing crucial roles in the endocrine communication necessary for successful reproduction of the desert locust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke Gijbels
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cynthia Lenaerts
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Research group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Zoological Institute, Naamsestraat 59 box 2465, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Imec, Kapeldreef 75, B- 3001, Leuven, Belgium.
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12
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Marchal E, Piulachs MD. Editorial Overview: Insect Oogenesis Elisabeth Marchal and Maria-Dolors Piulachs. Curr Opin Insect Sci 2019; 31:vii-ix. [PMID: 31109683 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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13
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Lenaerts C, Marchal E, Peeters P, Vanden Broeck J. The ecdysone receptor complex is essential for the reproductive success in the female desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15. [PMID: 30626886 PMCID: PMC6327042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36763-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ecdysteroid hormones influence the development and reproduction of arthropods by binding a heterodimeric complex of nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and the retinoid-X-receptor/ultraspiracle (RXR/USP). Here, we report on the in vivo role(s) of the ecdysone receptor complex, SchgrEcR/SchgrRXR, in the female reproductive physiology of a major phytophagous pest insect, i.e. the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Tissue and temporal distribution profiles were analysed during the first gonadotrophic cycle of adult female locusts. RNA interference was used as a reverse genetics tool to investigate the in vivo role of the ecdysone receptor complex in ovarian maturation, oogenesis, fertility and fecundity. We discovered that silencing the ecdysone receptor complex in S. gregaria resulted in impaired ovulation and oviposition, indicative for a crucial role of this complex in chorion formation. We also found evidence for a feedback of SchgrEcR/SchgrRXR on juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata. Furthermore, we observed a tissue-dependent effect of the SchgrEcR/SchgrRXR knockdown on the transcript levels of the insulin receptor and neuroparsin 3 and 4. The insulin receptor transcript levels were upregulated in the brain, but not the fat body and gonads. Neuroparsins 3 and 4 transcript levels were down regulated in the brain and fat body, but not in the gonads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Lenaerts
- Molecular and Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular and Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Molecular and Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular and Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction research group, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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14
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Marchal E, Schellens S, Monjon E, Bruyninckx E, Marco HG, Gäde G, Vanden Broeck J, Verlinden H. Analysis of Peptide Ligand Specificity of Different Insect Adipokinetic Hormone Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020542. [PMID: 29439466 PMCID: PMC5855764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [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: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipokinetic hormone (AKH) is a highly researched insect neuropeptide that induces the mobilization of carbohydrates and lipids from the fat body at times of high physical activity, such as flight and locomotion. As a naturally occurring ligand, AKH has undergone quite a number of amino acid changes throughout evolution, and in some insect species multiple AKHs are present. AKH acts by binding to a rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor, which is related to the vertebrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors. In the current study, we have cloned AKH receptors (AKHRs) from seven different species, covering a wide phylogenetic range of insect orders: the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (Diptera); the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, and the large pine weevil, Hylobius abietis (Coleoptera); the honeybee, Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera); the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera); and the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria (Orthoptera). The agonistic activity of different insect AKHs, including the respective endogenous AKHs, at these receptors was tested with a bioluminescence-based assay in Chinese hamster ovary cells. All receptors were activated by their endogenous ligand in the nanomolar range. Based on our data, we can refute the previously formulated hypothesis that a functional AKH signaling system is absent in the beneficial species, Apis mellifera. Furthermore, our data also suggest that some of the investigated AKH receptors, such as the mosquito AKHR, are more selective for the endogenous (conspecific) ligand, while others, such as the locust AKHR, are more promiscuous and can be activated by AKHs from many other insects. This information will be of high importance when further analyzing the potential use of AKHRs as targets for developing novel pest control agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sam Schellens
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Emilie Monjon
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Evert Bruyninckx
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Heather G Marco
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch ZA-7700, South Africa.
| | - Gerd Gäde
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Private Bag, Rondebosch ZA-7700, South Africa.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Lenaerts C, Van Wielendaele P, Peeters P, Vanden Broeck J, Marchal E. Ecdysteroid signalling components in metamorphosis and development of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 75:10-23. [PMID: 27180725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The arthropod-specific hormone family of ecdysteroids plays an important role in regulating diverse physiological processes, such as moulting and metamorphosis, reproduction, diapause and innate immunity. Ecdysteroids mediate their response by binding to a heterodimeric complex of two nuclear receptors, the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and the retinoid-X-receptor/ultraspiracle (RXR/USP). In this study we investigated the role of EcR and RXR in metamorphosis and development of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. The desert locust is a voracious, phytophagous, swarming pest that can ruin crops and harvests in some of the world's poorest countries. A profound knowledge of the ecdysteroid signalling pathway can be used in the development of more target-specific insecticides to combat this harmful plague insect. Here we report an in-depth profiling study of the transcript levels of EcR and RXR, as well as its downstream response genes, in different tissues isolated throughout the last larval stage of a hemimetabolous insect, showing a clear correlation with circulating ecdysteroid titres. Using RNA interference (RNAi), the role of SgEcR/SgRXR in moulting and development was investigated. We have proven the importance of the receptor components for successful moulting of locust nymphs into the adult stage. Some SgEcR/SgRXR knockdown females were arrested in the last larval stage, and 65 % of them initiated vitellogenesis and oocyte maturation, which normally only occurs in adults. Furthermore, our results clearly indicate that at the peak of ecdysteroid synthesis, on day six of the last larval stage, knockdown of SgEcR/SgRXR is affecting the transcript levels of the Halloween genes, Spook, Shadow and Shade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Lenaerts
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Wielendaele
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paulien Peeters
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, P.O. Box 02465, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
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16
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Verlinden H, Gijbels M, Lismont E, Lenaerts C, Vanden Broeck J, Marchal E. The pleiotropic allatoregulatory neuropeptides and their receptors: A mini-review. J Insect Physiol 2015; 80:2-14. [PMID: 25982521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Juvenile hormones (JH) are highly pleiotropic insect hormones essential for post-embryonic development. The circulating JH titer in the hemolymph of insects is influenced by enzymatic degradation, binding to JH carrier proteins, uptake and storage in target organs, but evidently also by rates of production at its site of synthesis, the corpora allata (CA). The multiple processes in which JH is involved alongside the critical significance of JH in insect development emphasize the importance for elucidating the control of JH production. Production of JH in CA cells is regulated by different factors: by neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate, but also by allatoregulatory neuropeptides originating from the brain and axonally transported to the CA where they bind to their G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Different classes of allatoregulatory peptides exist which have other functions aside from acting as influencers of JH production. These pleiotropic neuropeptides regulate different processes in different insect orders. In this mini-review, we will give an overview of allatotropins and allatostatins, and their recently characterized GPCRs with a view to better understand their modes of action and different action sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Verlinden
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Marijke Gijbels
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Els Lismont
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Cynthia Lenaerts
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Research Group of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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17
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Hult EF, Huang J, Marchal E, Lam J, Tobe SS. RXR/USP and EcR are critical for the regulation of reproduction and the control of JH biosynthesis in Diploptera punctata. J Insect Physiol 2015; 80:48-60. [PMID: 25917982 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/29/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
During development and reproduction the response to ecdysteroids is mediated by a heterodimeric receptor complex comprising the retinoid X receptor/ultraspiracle (RXR/USP) and the ecdysone receptor (EcR). Here, the role of these receptors in the endocrine control of reproduction is examined in the cockroach Diploptera punctata. We report the sequence of four DpRXR and three DpEcR splice variants, including the first description of a Drosophila EcRB2-like isoform in a hemimetabolous insect. DpRXR and DpEcR are broadly expressed in the tissues of adult females, with relatively high transcript levels in the corpora allata (CA), nervous tissue and ovary. Developmental profiling revealed an inverse correlation between DpRXR and DpEcR expression and the activity of the CA. RNAi-mediated depletion of DpRXR and DpEcR did not affect oocyte growth, but inhibited oviposition and impaired chorion formation. Retained oocytes exhibited a degenerating follicular epithelium and were slowly resorbed. Treated animals showed significantly higher rates of JH biosynthesis and a decrease in ecdysteroid titers at the end of vitellogenesis. Reduction of DpRXR and DpEcR expression resulted in an upregulation of genes involved in JH production and a downregulation of allatostatin receptor mRNA in the CA. Treatment with dsRNA also affected the expression of genes downstream of JH in target tissues including vitellogenin and Krüppel-homolog 1 as well as Broad-Complex, an early ecdysone response gene. Overall, results suggest that DpRXR and DpEcR are not required early in the reproductive cycle when events are JH-dependent, but do mediate critical ecdysteroid feedback to the CA late in the gonadotropic cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina F Hult
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jennifer Lam
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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18
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De Loof A, Vandersmissen T, Marchal E, Schoofs L. Initiation of metamorphosis and control of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in insects: The interplay of absence of Juvenile hormone, PTTH, and Ca(2+)-homeostasis. Peptides 2015; 68:120-9. [PMID: 25102449 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 05/23/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The paradigm saying that release of the brain neuropeptide big prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) initiates metamorphosis by activating the Torso-receptor/ERK pathway in larval prothoracic glands (PGs) is widely accepted nowadays. Upon ligand-receptor interaction Ca(2+) enters the PG cells and acts as a secondary messenger. Ecdysteroidogenesis results, later followed by apoptosis. Yet, some data do not fit in this model. In some species decapitated animals can still molt, even repeatedly, and metamorphose. PTTH does not universally occur in all insect species. PGs may also have other functions; PGs as counterpart of the vertebrate thymus? There are also small PTTHs. Finally, PTTH remains abundantly present in adults and plays a role in control of ecdysteroidogenesis (=sex steroid production) in gonads. This is currently documented only in males. This urges a rethinking of the PTTH-PG paradigm. The key question is: Why does PTTH-induced Ca(2+) entry only result in ecdysteroidogenesis and apoptosis in specific cells/tissues, namely the PGs and gonads? Indeed, numerous other neuropeptides also use Ca(2+) as secondary messenger. The recent rediscovery that in both invertebrates and vertebrates at least some isoforms of Ca(2+)-ATPase need the presence of an endogenous farnesol/juvenile hormone(JH)-like sesquiterpenoid for keeping cytosolic [Ca(2+)]i below the limit of apoptosis-induction, triggered the idea that it is not primarily PTTH, but rather the drop to zero of the JH titer that acts as the primordial initiator of metamorphosis by increasing [Ca(2+)]i. PTTH likely potentiates this effect but only in cells expressing Torso. PTTH: an evolutionarily ancient gonadotropin?
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold De Loof
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Tim Vandersmissen
- Department of Teacher Education, Leuven University College, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven-University of Leuven, Belgium.
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Huang J, Hult EF, Marchal E, Tobe SS. Identification and characterization of the NMDA receptor and its role in regulating reproduction in the cockroach Diploptera punctata. J Exp Biol 2015; 218:983-90. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.115154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) plays important roles in excitatory neurotransmission and in the regulation of reproduction in mammals. NMDAR in insects comprises two subunits, NR1 and NR2. In this study, we identified two NR1 paralogs and eleven NR2 alternatively spliced variants in the cockroach Diploptera punctata. This is the first report of NR1 paralogs in insects. The tissue distributions and expression profiles of DpNR1A, DpNR1B and DpNR2 in different tissues were also investigated. Previous studies have demonstrated NMDA-stimulated biosynthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) in the corpora allata through the influx of extracellular Ca2+ in Diploptera punctata. However, our data show that the transcript levels of DpNR1A, DpNR1B and DpNR2 were low in the corpora allata. MK-801, a high-affinity antagonist of NMDAR, did not show any effect on JH biosynthesis in vitro. In addition, neither partial knockdown of DpNR2 nor in vivo treatment with a physiologically relevant dose of MK-801 resulted in any significant change in JH biosynthesis or basal oocyte growth. Injection of animals with a high dose of MK-801 (30 µg per animal per injection), which paralyzed the animals for 4–5 h, resulted in a significant decrease in JH biosynthesis on days 4 and 5. However, the reproductive events during the first gonadotrophic cycle in female D. punctata were unaffected. Thus, NMDAR does not appear to play important roles in the regulation of JH biosynthesis or mediate reproduction of female D. punctata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Huang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 3G5
| | - Ekaterina F. Hult
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 3G5
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 3G5
- Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Stephen S. Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada M5S 3G5
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Lismont E, Vleugels R, Marchal E, Badisco L, Van Wielendaele P, Lenaerts C, Zels S, Tobe SS, Vanden Broeck J, Verlinden H. Molecular cloning and characterization of the allatotropin precursor and receptor in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:84. [PMID: 25814925 PMCID: PMC4357254 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Allatotropins (ATs) are pleiotropic neuropeptides initially isolated from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. In 2008, the first receptor for AT-like peptides (ATR) was characterized in Bombyx mori. Since then, ATRs have also been characterized in M. sexta, Tribolium castaneum, Aedes aegypti and Bombus terrestris. These receptors show sequence similarity to vertebrate orexin (ORX) receptors. When generating an EST-database of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) central nervous system, we found cDNA sequences encoding the Schgr-AT precursor and a fragment of its putative receptor. This receptor cDNA has now been completed and functionally expressed in mammalian cell lines. Activation of this receptor, designated as Schgr-ATR, by Schgr-AT caused an increase in intracellular calcium ions, as well as cyclic AMP (cAMP), with an EC50 value in the nanomolar range. In addition, the transcript distribution of both the Schgr-AT precursor and Schgr-ATR was investigated by means of quantitative real-time PCR. Moreover, we found more evidence for the myotropic and allatostimulatory actions of Schgr-AT in the desert locust. These data are discussed and situated in a broader context by comparison with literature data on AT and ATR in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Els Lismont
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rut Vleugels
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium ; Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Liesbeth Badisco
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Cynthia Lenaerts
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sven Zels
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
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Huang J, Marchal E, Hult EF, Zels S, Vanden Broeck J, Tobe SS. Mode of action of allatostatins in the regulation of juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the cockroach, Diploptera punctata. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 54:61-68. [PMID: 25218044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 07/24/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The FGLamide allatostatins (FGL/ASTs) are a family of neuropeptides with pleiotropic functions, including the inhibition of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis, vitellogenesis and muscle contraction. In the cockroach, Diploptera punctata, thirteen FGLa/ASTs and one allatostatin receptor (AstR) have been identified. However, the mode of action of ASTs in regulation of JH biosynthesis remains unclear. Here, we determined the tissue distribution of Dippu-AstR. And we expressed Dippu-AstR in vertebrate cell lines, and activated the receptor with the Dippu-ASTs. Our results show that all thirteen ASTs activated Dippu-AstR in a dose dependent manner, albeit with different potencies. Functional analysis of AstR in multiple cell lines demonstrated that activation of the AstR receptor resulted in elevated levels of Ca(2+) and cAMP, which suggests that Dippu-AstR can act through the Gαq and Gαs protein pathways. The study on the target of AST action reveals that FGL/AST affects JH biosynthesis prior to the entry of acetyl-CoA into the JH biosynthetic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Huang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ekaterina F Hult
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sven Zels
- Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Department of Biology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephen S Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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Marchal E, Hult EF, Huang J, Pang Z, Stay B, Tobe SS. Methoprene-tolerant (Met) knockdown in the adult female cockroach, Diploptera punctata completely inhibits ovarian development. PLoS One 2014; 9:e106737. [PMID: 25197795 PMCID: PMC4157775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0106737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [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: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Independent of the design of the life cycle of any insect, their growth and reproduction are highly choreographed through the action of two versatile hormones: ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones (JH). However, the means by which JH can target tissues and exert its pleiotropic physiological effects is currently still not completely elucidated. Although the identity of the one JH receptor is currently still elusive, recent evidence seems to point to the product of the Methoprene-tolerant gene (Met) as the most likely contender in transducing the action of JH. Studies on the role of this transcription factor have mostly been focused on immature insect stages. In this study we used the viviparous cockroach Diploptera punctata, a favorite model in studying JH endocrinology, to examine the role of Met during reproduction. A tissue distribution and developmental profile of transcript levels was determined for Met and its downstream partners during the first gonadotropic cycle of this cockroach. Using RNA interference, our study shows that silencing Met results in an arrest of basal oocyte development; vitellogenin is no longer transcribed in the fat body and no longer taken up by the ovary. Patency is not induced in these animals which fail to produce the characteristic profile of JH biosynthesis typical of the first gonadotropic cycle. Moreover, the ultrastructure of the follicle cells showed conspicuous whorls of rough endoplasmic reticulum and a failure to form chorion. Our study describes the role of Met on a cellular and physiological level during insect reproduction, and confirms the role of Met as a key factor in the JH signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ekaterina F. Hult
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Juan Huang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Zhenguo Pang
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Barbara Stay
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Stephen S. Tobe
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- * E-mail:
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De Loof A, Marchal E, Rivera-Perez C, Noriega FG, Schoofs L. Farnesol-like endogenous sesquiterpenoids in vertebrates: the probable but overlooked functional "inbrome" anti-aging counterpart of juvenile hormone of insects? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:222. [PMID: 25610425 PMCID: PMC4285131 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Literature on the question whether the juvenile stage of vertebrates is hormonally regulated is scarce. It seems to be intuitively assumed that this stage of development is automated, and does not require any specific hormone(s). Such reasoning mimics the state of affairs in insects until it was shown that surgical removal of a tiny pair of glands in the head, the corpora allata, ended larval life and initiated metamorphosis. Decades later, the responsible hormone was found and named "juvenile hormone" (JH) because when present, it makes a larva molt into another larval stage. JH is a simple ester of farnesol, a sesquiterpenoid present in all eukaryotes. Whereas vertebrates do not have an anatomical counterpart of the corpora allata, their tissues do contain farnesol-like sesquiterpenoids (FLS). Some display typical JH activity when tested in appropriate insect bioassays. Some FLS are intermediates in the biosynthetic pathway of cholesterol, a compound that insects and nematodes (=Ecdysozoa) cannot synthesize by themselves. They ingest it as a vitamin. Until a recent (2014) reexamination of the basic principle underlying insect metamorphosis, it had been completely overlooked that the Ca(2+)-pump (SERCA) blocker thapsigargin is a sesquiterpenoid that mimics the absence of JH in inducing apoptosis. In our opinion, being in the juvenile state is primarily controlled by endogenous FLS that participate in controlling the activity of Ca(2+)-ATPases in the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum (SERCAs), not only in insects but in all eukaryotes. Understanding the control mechanisms of being in the juvenile state may boost research not only in developmental biology in general, but also in diseases that develop after the juvenile stage, e.g., Alzheimer's disease. It may also help to better understand some of the causes of obesity, a syndrome that holometabolous last larval insects severely suffer from, and for which they found a very drastic but efficient solution, namely metamorphosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold De Loof
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Arnold De Loof, Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Leuven 3000, Belgium e-mail:
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Fernando G. Noriega
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Functional Genomics and Proteomics Group, Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Marchal E, Hult EF, Huang J, Stay B, Tobe SS. Diploptera punctata as a model for studying the endocrinology of arthropod reproduction and development. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013; 188:85-93. [PMID: 23644152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2013.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Pacific beetle cockroach, Diploptera punctata, has proven to be a valuable model insect in the study of the dynamics regulating juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis and metabolism, particularly during late nymphal development and reproduction. This stems in part from its unusual mode of reproduction, adenotrophic viviparity, in which females give birth to live young that have been nourished throughout embryonic development by a protein-rich 'milk' secreted by the wall of the brood sac or uterus. In this animal, as in most insects, JH regulates both vitellogenin production and its uptake by developing oocytes. However, JH has an antagonistic effect on embryonic development and following oviposition of the fertilized oocytes into the brood sac, JH production halts, in part through the action of a peptide family, the FGLa allatostatins. JH production remains at a low level throughout pregnancy and is only reinstated at the end of gestation, at which time, the next wave of oocytes begins to develop and enter vitellogenesis. Thus, JH production in this species is precisely regulated, since the appearance of JH at inappropriate times would result in abortion of the embryos. Numerous factors are responsible for the regulation of JH biosynthesis, including peptides, biogenic amines, neurotransmitters, ecdysteroids and second messenger effectors. In this review, we discuss these factors and highlight potentially fruitful areas of future research. Although several of the enzymes of the biosynthetic pathway have been cloned, the precise points of rate limitation remain uncertain. The dissection of the biosynthetic pathway and its control awaits the completion of the genome and transcriptome of this important model insect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada.
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Marchal E, Hult EF, Huang J, Tobe SS. Sequencing and validation of housekeeping genes for quantitative real-time PCR during the gonadotrophic cycle of Diploptera punctata. BMC Res Notes 2013; 6:237. [PMID: 23777660 PMCID: PMC3750588 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quantitative RT-PCR (q-RT-PCR) is a powerful tool that allows for the large scale analysis of small changes in gene expression. Accurate and reliable results depend on the use of stable reference genes for normalization. However, the expression of some widely used housekeeping genes can vary under different experimental setups. To our knowledge, no validation studies have been reported for reference genes in cockroaches. The aim of the current study is the identification and validation of a set of eight housekeeping genes during the first gonadotrophic cycle of the cockroach, Diploptera punctata. This study made use of two different algorithms (geNorm and Normfinder) to evaluate the stability of gene expression. Results Candidate housekeeping genes were sequenced: β-actin (Actin), elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1a), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), armadillo (Arm), ribosomal protein L32 (RpL32), succinate dehydrogenase (SDHa), annexin IX (AnnIX) and α-tubulin (Tub). The expression of these eight genes was analyzed in corpora allata (CA) and ovaries of adult female D. punctata. Both geNorm, as well as Normfinder characterized SDHa, EF1a and Arm as being the most stably expressed in the corpora allata. In the ovary, the geNorm calculation showed Tub, EF1a and RpL32 to be most stable, whereas Normfinder identified Tub, EF1a and Arm as the best. In ovary, the least stable gene was Actin, challenging its usefulness in normalization. As a proof of principle, the expression of follicle cell protein 3c and CYP15A1 was monitored during the first gonadotrophic cycle. Conclusion Arm and EF1a form the most stably expressed combination of two reference genes out of the eight candidates that were tested in the corpora allata. Our results show that the combined use of Tub, EF1a and RpL32 ensures an accurate normalization of gene expression levels in ovary of D. punctata. Our study has indicated that neither Actin nor AnnIX should be used for normalization of transcript levels when studying the first gonadotrophic cycle in CA or ovary of D. punctata. The results stress the necessity for validation of reference genes in q-RT-PCR studies in cockroaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Canada
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Van Wielendaele P, Wynant N, Dillen S, Badisco L, Marchal E, Vanden Broeck J. In vivo effect of Neuropeptide F on ecdysteroidogenesis in adult female desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria). J Insect Physiol 2013; 59:624-630. [PMID: 23524065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are important regulatory factors that mediate key life processes, both in vertebrates and invertebrates. Many insect neuropeptides display pleiotropic activities, which means that they can influence multiple aspects of insect physiology. In the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, Neuropeptide F (NPF) mediates diverse physiological processes, such as learning, stress responses, feeding and male courtship behavior. In locusts, only a truncated form of the predicted "full-length" NPF, the nonapeptide "trNPF", has been isolated. This nonapeptide previously proved to be biologically active, since it was shown to influence food intake and weight increase, as well as oocyte growth in adult female desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria [Forskål]). In the present study, we have further analyzed the effect of trNPF on female reproductive physiology in S. gregaria. We confirmed that daily trNPF injections in adult females elicit an increase of oocyte size. In addition, an RNAi-mediated knockdown of the Schgr-NPF precursor transcript in adult female locusts resulted in the opposite effect, i.e. significantly smaller oocytes. Moreover, we discovered that daily injections of trNPF in adult female S. gregaria, caused higher ecdysteroid titers in the ovaries and accelerated the appearance of ecdysteroid peaks in the hemolymph of these animals. The RNAi-based knockdown of the Schgr-NPF precursor transcript clearly resulted in reduction of both hemolymph and ovarian ecdysteroid concentrations, confirming the stimulatory effects of trNPF injections on adult female ecdysteroid levels. The observed results are discussed in relation to previous reports on NPF activities in locusts and other insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter Van Wielendaele
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, K.U. Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Marchal E, Uddin MI, Smithen DA, Hawco CLA, Lanteigne M, Overy DP, Kerr RG, Thompson A. Antimicrobial activity of non-natural prodigiosenes. RSC Adv 2013. [DOI: 10.1039/c3ra45479g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Marchal E, Verlinden H, Badisco L, Van Wielendaele P, Vanden Broeck J. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Shade negatively affects ecdysone-20-hydroxylation in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. J Insect Physiol 2012; 58:890-896. [PMID: 22465741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2012.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A major breakthrough in elucidating the ecdysteroid biosynthetic pathway in insects was realized with the molecular identification and further functional characterization of the 'Halloween' genes. These genes were found to encode cytochrome P450 enzymes catalysing the final steps of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the dipteran, Drosophila melanogaster, and in the Lepidoptera, Manduca sexta and Bombyx mori. A recent report focused on the identification of Halloween orthologs in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, a member of the hemimetabolous insect order of the Orthoptera. In the present study, an additional Halloween gene Shade, is identified in the desert locust. In Diptera and Lepidoptera, this gene encodes a 20-hydroxylase, catalysing the conversion of ecdysone (E) to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). However, this enzymatic function has previously been suggested for CYP6H1 in another locust species, the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria. Using q-RT-PCR, the spatial and temporal transcript profiles of S. gregaria orthologs for Shade as well as CYP6H1 were analysed in last larval stage desert locusts. An RNA interference (RNAi)-based approach was employed to study whether these genes could possibly encode a functional 20-hydroxylase in the desert locust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marchal
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, K.U. Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Badisco L, Ott SR, Rogers SM, Matheson T, Knapen D, Vergauwen L, Verlinden H, Marchal E, Sheehy MRJ, Burrows M, Broeck JV. Microarray-based transcriptomic analysis of differences between long-term gregarious and solitarious desert locusts. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28110. [PMID: 22132225 PMCID: PMC3223224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) show an extreme form of phenotypic plasticity and can transform between a cryptic solitarious phase and a swarming gregarious phase. The two phases differ extensively in behavior, morphology and physiology but very little is known about the molecular basis of these differences. We used our recently generated Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) database derived from S. gregaria central nervous system (CNS) to design oligonucleotide microarrays and compare the expression of thousands of genes in the CNS of long-term gregarious and solitarious adult desert locusts. This identified 214 differentially expressed genes, of which 40% have been annotated to date. These include genes encoding proteins that are associated with CNS development and modeling, sensory perception, stress response and resistance, and fundamental cellular processes. Our microarray analysis has identified genes whose altered expression may enable locusts of either phase to deal with the different challenges they face. Genes for heat shock proteins and proteins which confer protection from infection were upregulated in gregarious locusts, which may allow them to respond to acute physiological challenges. By contrast the longer-lived solitarious locusts appear to be more strongly protected from the slowly accumulating effects of ageing by an upregulation of genes related to anti-oxidant systems, detoxification and anabolic renewal. Gregarious locusts also had a greater abundance of transcripts for proteins involved in sensory processing and in nervous system development and plasticity. Gregarious locusts live in a more complex sensory environment than solitarious locusts and may require a greater turnover of proteins involved in sensory transduction, and possibly greater neuronal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Badisco
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Swidbert R. Ott
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen M. Rogers
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Matheson
- Department of Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Dries Knapen
- Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Lucia Vergauwen
- Department of Biology, Universiteit Antwerpen, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Matt R. J. Sheehy
- Department of Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm Burrows
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Marchal E, Badisco L, Verlinden H, Vandersmissen T, Van Soest S, Van Wielendaele P, Vanden Broeck J. Role of the Halloween genes, Spook and Phantom in ecdysteroidogenesis in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. J Insect Physiol 2011; 57:1240-1248. [PMID: 21708158 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2011] [Revised: 05/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The functional characterization of the Halloween genes represented a major breakthrough in the elucidation of the ecdysteroid biosynthetic pathway. These genes encode cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyzing the final steps of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in the dipteran Drosophila melanogaster and the Lepidoptera Manduca sexta and Bombyx mori. This is the first report on the identification of two Halloween genes, spook (spo) and phantom (phm), from a hemimetabolous orthopteran insect, the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. Using q-RT-PCR, their spatial and temporal transcript profiles were analyzed in both final larval stage and adult locusts. The circulating ecdysteroid titers in the hemolymph were measured and found to correlate well with changes in the temporal transcript profiles of spo and phm. Moreover, an RNA interference (RNAi)-based approach was employed to study knockdown effects upon silencing of both transcripts in the fifth larval stage. Circulating ecdysteroid levels were found to be significantly reduced upon dsRNA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, K.U. Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, Leuven, Belgium
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Boerjan B, Sas F, Ernst UR, Tobback J, Lemière F, Vandegehuchte MB, Janssen CR, Badisco L, Marchal E, Verlinden H, Schoofs L, De Loof A. Locust phase polyphenism: Does epigenetic precede endocrine regulation? Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 173:120-8. [PMID: 21624368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/31/2011] [Revised: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 05/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The morphological, physiological and behavioural differences between solitarious and gregarious desert locusts are so pronounced that one could easily mistake the two phases as belonging to different species, if one has no knowledge of the phenomenon of phenotypic plasticity. A number of phase-specific features are hormonally controlled. Juvenile hormone promotes several solitarious features, the green cuticular colour being the most obvious one. The neuropeptide corazonin elicits the dark cuticular colour that is typical for the gregarious phase, as well as particular gregarious behavioural characteristics. However, it had to be concluded, for multiple reasons, that the endocrine system is not the primary phase-determining system. Our observation that longevity gets imprinted in very early life by crowding of the young hatchlings, and that it cannot be changed thereafter, made us consider the possibility that, perhaps, epigenetic control of gene expression might be, if not the missing, a primary phase-determining mechanism. Imprinting is likely to involve DNA methylation and histone modification. Analysis of a Schistocerca EST database of nervous tissue identified the presence of several candidate genes that may be involved in epigenetic control, including two DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts). Dnmt1 and Dnmt2 are phase-specifically expressed in certain tissues. In the metathoracic ganglion, important in the serotonin pathway for sensing mechanostimulation, their expression is clearly affected by crowding. Our data urge for reconsidering the role of the endocrine system as being sandwiched in between genetics and epigenetics, involving complementary modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Boerjan
- Research Group of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Biology Department, Leuven, Belgium.
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Marchal E, Zhang J, Badisco L, Verlinden H, Hult EF, Van Wielendaele P, Yagi KJ, Tobe SS, Vanden Broeck J. Final steps in juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 41:219-227. [PMID: 21195178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/23/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Two genes coding for enzymes previously reported to be involved in the final steps of juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthesis in different insect species, were characterised in the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT) was previously described to catalyse the conversion of farnesoic acid (FA) and JH acid to their methyl esters, methyl farnesoate (MF) and JH respectively. A second gene, CYP15A1 was reported to encode a cytochrome P450 enzyme responsible for the epoxidation of MF to JH. Additionally, a third gene, FAMeT (originally reported to encode a farnesoic acid methyltransferase) was included in this study. Using q-RT-PCR, all three genes (JHAMT, CYP15A1 and FAMeT) were found to be primarily expressed in the CA of the desert locust, the main biosynthetic tissue of JH. An RNA interference approach was used to verify the orthologous function of these genes in S. gregaria. Knockdown of the three genes in adult animals followed by the radiochemical assay (RCA) for JH biosynthesis and release showed that SgJHAMT and SgCYP15A1 are responsible for synthesis of MF and JH respectively. Our experiments did not show any involvement of SgFAMeT in JH biosynthesis in the desert locust. Effective and selective inhibitors of SgJHAMT and SgCYP15A1 would likely represent selective biorational locust control agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, K.U. Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Badisco L, Huybrechts J, Simonet G, Verlinden H, Marchal E, Huybrechts R, Schoofs L, De Loof A, Vanden Broeck J. Transcriptome analysis of the desert locust central nervous system: production and annotation of a Schistocerca gregaria EST database. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17274. [PMID: 21445293 PMCID: PMC3061863 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [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: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) displays a fascinating type of phenotypic plasticity, designated as 'phase polyphenism'. Depending on environmental conditions, one genome can be translated into two highly divergent phenotypes, termed the solitarious and gregarious (swarming) phase. Although many of the underlying molecular events remain elusive, the central nervous system (CNS) is expected to play a crucial role in the phase transition process. Locusts have also proven to be interesting model organisms in a physiological and neurobiological research context. However, molecular studies in locusts are hampered by the fact that genome/transcriptome sequence information available for this branch of insects is still limited. METHODOLOGY We have generated 34,672 raw expressed sequence tags (EST) from the CNS of desert locusts in both phases. These ESTs were assembled in 12,709 unique transcript sequences and nearly 4,000 sequences were functionally annotated. Moreover, the obtained S. gregaria EST information is highly complementary to the existing orthopteran transcriptomic data. Since many novel transcripts encode neuronal signaling and signal transduction components, this paper includes an overview of these sequences. Furthermore, several transcripts being differentially represented in solitarious and gregarious locusts were retrieved from this EST database. The findings highlight the involvement of the CNS in the phase transition process and indicate that this novel annotated database may also add to the emerging knowledge of concomitant neuronal signaling and neuroplasticity events. CONCLUSIONS In summary, we met the need for novel sequence data from desert locust CNS. To our knowledge, we hereby also present the first insect EST database that is derived from the complete CNS. The obtained S. gregaria EST data constitute an important new source of information that will be instrumental in further unraveling the molecular principles of phase polyphenism, in further establishing locusts as valuable research model organisms and in molecular evolutionary and comparative entomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Badisco
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jurgen Huybrechts
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gert Simonet
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Heleen Verlinden
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roger Huybrechts
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liliane Schoofs
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arnold De Loof
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jozef Vanden Broeck
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Badisco L, Marchal E, Van Wielendaele P, Verlinden H, Vleugels R, Vanden Broeck J. RNA interference of insulin-related peptide and neuroparsins affects vitellogenesis in the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria. Peptides 2011; 32:573-80. [PMID: 21093511 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 10/15/2010] [Revised: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The 'classic' insect hormones, juvenile hormone and 20-hydroxyecdysone, can stimulate vitellogenesis and/or ovarian development in adult females of several insect species. Accumulating evidence also indicates a crucial role in female reproductive physiology for peptide hormones, such as insulin-related peptides (IRPs) and neuroparsins (NPs). Especially in dipteran species, IRP signaling has been shown to regulate female reproductive events. The first NP was originally identified from the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) as an antigonadotropic factor that delayed vitellogenesis. Moreover, NP family members display sequence similarities with the N-terminal domain of vertebrate insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs). In the current study, RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to investigate the possible involvement of IRP and NPs in the control of the female desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) reproductive system. The cDNAs encoding an IRP (Scg-IRP) and four NPs (Scg-NPs) had previously been cloned from S. gregaria. An RNAi-mediated knock-down of either Scg-NP or Scg-IRP transcript levels was induced in adult female desert locusts and the subsequent effects were analyzed. Knock-down of the Scg-NPs or Scg-IRP affected vitellogenin transcript levels and oocyte growth in a positive and negative way, respectively. The current findings are indicative for a role of Scg-NPs and Scg-IRP in the control of vitellogenin synthesis. A plausible hypothesis is that Scg-IRP may act as a sensor of the nutritional and metabolic status that determines whether vitellogenesis can occur. That the same processes were affected in opposite ways in both RNAi experiments offers an extra argument for antagonizing roles of Scg-NPs and Scg-IRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Badisco
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, K.U. Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, PO-box 02465, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Verlinden H, Vleugels R, Marchal E, Badisco L, Pflüger HJ, Blenau W, Broeck JV. The role of octopamine in locusts and other arthropods. J Insect Physiol 2010; 56:854-867. [PMID: 20621695 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Revised: 05/19/2010] [Accepted: 05/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The biogenic amine octopamine and its biological precursor tyramine are thought to be the invertebrate functional homologues of the vertebrate adrenergic transmitters. Octopamine functions as a neuromodulator, neurotransmitter and neurohormone in insect nervous systems and prompts the whole organism to "dynamic action". A growing number of studies suggest a prominent role for octopamine in modulating multiple physiological and behavioural processes in invertebrates, as for example the phase transition in Schistocerca gregaria. Both octopamine and tyramine exert their effects by binding to specific receptor proteins that belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors. Since these receptors do not appear to be present in vertebrates, they may present very suitable and specific insecticide and acaricide targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Verlinden H, Vleugels R, Marchal E, Badisco L, Tobback J, Pflüger HJ, Blenau W, Vanden Broeck J. The cloning, phylogenetic relationship and distribution pattern of two new putative GPCR-type octopamine receptors in the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria). J Insect Physiol 2010; 56:868-875. [PMID: 20223248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 02/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The biogenic amine octopamine functions as a neuromodulator, neurotransmitter and neurohormone in insect nervous systems. It plays a prominent role in modulating multiple physiological and behavioural processes in invertebrates. Octopamine exerts its effects by binding to specific receptor proteins that belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors. We found two partial sequences of putative octopamine receptors in the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (SgOctalphaR and SgOctbetaR) and investigated their transcript levels in males and females of both phases and during the transition between long-term solitarious and gregarious locusts. The transcript levels of SgOctalphaR are the highest in the central nervous system, whereas those of SgOctbetaR are the highest in the flight muscles, followed by the central nervous system. Both SgOctalphaR and SgOctbetaR show higher transcript levels in long-term gregarious locusts as compared to solitarious ones. The rise of SgOctbetaR transcript levels already appears during the first 4h of gregarisation, during which also the behavioural changes take place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Verlinden
- Molecular Developmental Physiology and Signal Transduction, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Marchal E, Vandersmissen HP, Badisco L, Van de Velde S, Verlinden H, Iga M, Van Wielendaele P, Huybrechts R, Simonet G, Smagghe G, Vanden Broeck J. Control of ecdysteroidogenesis in prothoracic glands of insects: a review. Peptides 2010; 31:506-19. [PMID: 19723550 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 07/17/2009] [Revised: 08/21/2009] [Accepted: 08/21/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The very first step in the study of the endocrine control of insect molting was taken in 1922. Stefan Kopec characterized a factor in the brain of the gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar which appeared to be essential for metamorphosis. This factor was later identified as the neuropeptide prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), the first discovery of a series of factors involved in the regulation of ecdysteroid biosynthesis in insects. It is now accepted that PTTH is the most important regulator of prothoracic gland (PG) ecdysteroidogenesis. The periodic increases in ecdysteroid titer necessary for insect development can basically be explained by the episodic activation of the PGs by PTTH. However, since the characterization of the prothoracicostatic hormone (PTSH), it has become clear that in addition to 'tropic factors', also 'static factors', which are responsible for the 'fine-tuning' of the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer, are at play. Many of these regulatory factors are peptides originating from the brain, but also other, extracerebral factors both of peptidic and non-peptidic nature are able to affect PG ecdysteroidogenesis, such as the 'classic' insect hormones, juvenile hormone (JH) and the molting hormone (20E) itself. The complex secretory pattern of ecdysteroids as observed in vivo is the result of the delicate balance and interplay between these ecdysiotropic and ecdysiostatic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Marchal
- Department of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, K.U. Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Verlinden H, Badisco L, Marchal E, Van Wielendaele P, Vanden Broeck J. Endocrinology of reproduction and phase transition in locusts. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 162:79-92. [PMID: 19084019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2008.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 04/01/2008] [Revised: 10/10/2008] [Accepted: 11/18/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, important progress has been made in the experimental analysis of the endocrine mechanisms controlling reproduction and phase transition in locusts. Phase transition is a very fascinating, but complex, phenomenon of phenotypic plasticity that is triggered by changes in population density and can lead to the formation of extremely devastating hopper bands and adult gregarious locust swarms. While some phase characteristics change within hours, others appear more gradually in the next stage(s), or even in the next generation(s). In adults, the phase status also has a major influence on the process of reproduction. A better understanding of how solitarious locusts become gregarious and how this switch affects reproductive physiology may result in novel strategies to fight locust plagues. In this paper, we will review the current knowledge concerning this close interaction between locust phase polyphenism and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heleen Verlinden
- Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, K.U.Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium
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Marchal E, Dufour C. Etude des moments dipolaires et des temps de relaxation du poly-l-glutamate de benzyle et de la poly-dl-phenylalanine en chaine en solution diluee. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/polc.5070300109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Gupta AK, Marchal E, Burchard W. Effect of Temperature on the Flexibility of Cellulose Tricarbanilate in Dioxane and Ethyl Acetate by Dielectric Measurements. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma60048a028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Coles HJ, Gupta AK, Marchal E. Aggregation of Poly(n-Hexyl isocyanate) in Toluene. A Dielectric and Electric Birefringence Study. Macromolecules 2002. [DOI: 10.1021/ma60055a037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
Histochemical studies of mammary gland sections obtained from healthy lactating Prim' Holstein cows contained numerous corpora amylacea, mainly located in active alveoli. Observations by electron microscopy revealed a cauliflower shape, with a fibrillar or multilayered organization. Mineral studies confirmed the presence of high calcium levels (12.3% of dry matter) and phosphorus (7.4%) in the corpora amylacea composition. These bodies stained positive to Von Kossa silver nitrate and to Periodic acid-Schiff. However, depending on the gland of origin, corpora amylacea stained positive or negative to Congo red. Histochemical studies seemed, therefore, insufficient to determine the presence or absence of amyloid. The amount of total protein varied by approximately 25%. Immunoblotting and analysis of the amino acid sequence of a peptidic fragment obtained from corpora amylacea gave clear evidence of the occurrence of caseins, beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. However, the comparison between the amino acid composition of corpora amylacea and those of the main milk proteins indicated the presence of other proteins. Electrophoretic analysis also gave evidence of the presence of several other proteins, i.e. glycoproteins. Therefore, it is probable that corpora amylacea composition is much more complex than previously reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Claudon
- Laboratoire des Sciences Animales, Vandoeuvre, France.
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Abstract
A microparticle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay was developed for plasminogen quantitation in human plasma. It is based on the nephelometric measurement of the light scattered by microparticle clusters formed during a sandwich reaction between plasminogen, microparticle--anti-plasminogen conjugate, and the free antibodies of anti-plasminogen rabbit antiserum. This immunoassay was sensitive (detection limit in reaction mixture, 34 micrograms/L) and could be performed in 500-fold diluted human plasma, excluding any interference or sample pretreatment. It allowed the quantitation of plasminogen on a large range of concentrations (17-550 mg/L), with a security in antigen excess reaching 1,100 mg/L, with accuracy (linear recovery in dilution-overloading assay and correlation with conventional immunonephelometry), and precision (within- and between-run coefficients of variation lower than 8%). A normal reference range from 54 to 148 mg/L (mean +/- 2 SD) was calculated from plasminogen concentration in plasma from 130 adults. Easy to perform (no washing or phase separation) and rapid (two steps of 30 minutes then 1 hour of incubation at room temperature), this microparticle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay could be an interesting alternative method for human plasminogen quantitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Marchal
- Immunology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Nancy, France
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Montagne P, Cuillière ML, Marchal E, El Bari N, Montagne M, Benali M, Faure G, Duheille J, Humbert G, Linden G, Heurtaux N, Blesche JL, Gosselin D, Desmares A, Delahaye D. Application des dosages par immunonéphélémétrie microparticulaire des caséines α, β et Κ à l'évaluation de la qualité du lait, de sa production à sa valorisation fromagère. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1995. [DOI: 10.1051/lait:1995315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Marchal E, Haïssat S, Montagne P, Cuilliere ML, Bene MC, Faure G, Humbert G, Linden G. Microparticle‐enhanced nephelometric immunoassay of plasminogen in bovine milk. FOOD AGR IMMUNOL 1995. [DOI: 10.1080/09540109509354892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Roussy G, Thiebaut J, Souiri M, Marchal E, Kiennemann A, Maire G. Controlled oxidation of methane doped catalysts irradiated by microwaves. Catal Today 1994. [DOI: 10.1016/0920-5861(94)80156-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Haïssat S, Marchal E, Montagne P, Humbert G, Béné MC, Faure G, Linden G. Quantitative characterization of bovine plasminogen binding to caseins. Anal Biochem 1994; 222:472-8. [PMID: 7864375 DOI: 10.1006/abio.1994.1519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The binding of bovine plasminogen to whole casein, alpha s-casein, beta-casein, and kappa-casein is responsible for the progressive proteolysis of milk and dairy products. A sensitive and accurate microparticle-enhanced nephelometric immunoassay was developed to measure free plasminogen after interaction between bovine plasminogen and caseins and the quantitative parameters of plasminogen/casein binding were established. Two classes of binding sites for plasminogen were found in this study on each of the investigated caseins. Their dissociation constants (Kd) were determined by varying the plasminogen concentration at pH 6.6 and performing Scatchard analysis. The two binding sites appeared to be one of high affinity (Kd = 32 nM) and the other of lower affinity (Kd > 370 nM). The number of both binding sites per casein monomer was low (0.04 to 0.53). The great propensity of casein monomers to self-associate in homopolymers where plasminogen binding sites could be hidden and in copolymers present in bovine milk in the form of whole casein micelles accounts for calculated binding sites < 1 per monomer.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Haïssat
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
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Collard-Bovy C, Marchal E, Humbert G, Linden G, Montagne P, El Bari N, Duheille J, Varcin P. Microparticle-Enhanced Nephelometric Immunoassay. 1. Measurement of αs-Casein and κ-Casein. J Dairy Sci 1991. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(91)78559-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Humbert G, Collard-Bovy C, Marchal E, Linden G, Montagne P, Duheille J, Varcin P. Microparticle-Enhanced Nephelometric Immunoassay. 3. Application to Milk and Dairy Products. J Dairy Sci 1991. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(91)78561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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