Funmilayo Egunjobi, Felipe Andreazza, Boris S Zhorov, Ke Dong
{"title":"A Unique Mechanism of Transfluthrin Action Revealed by Mapping Its Binding Sites in the Mosquito Sodium Channel.","authors":"Funmilayo Egunjobi, Felipe Andreazza, Boris S Zhorov, Ke Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pyrethroid insecticides exert their toxic action by prolonging the opening of insect voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in the characteristic tail current during membrane repolarization in voltage clamp experiments. Permethrin (PMT) and deltamethrin (DMT), representative type I and type II pyrethroids, respectively, are predicted to bind to two lipid-exposed pyrethroid receptor sites, PyR1 and PyR2, at the lipid-exposed interfaces of repeats II/III and I/II, respectively. Transfluthrin (TF), a volatile type I pyrethroid and mosquito repellent, has received increased attention in the global combat of vector-borne human diseases. However, the electrophysiological and molecular bases of TF action on insect sodium channels remain unexplored. In this study we discovered that, unlike DMT and PMT, TF barely induces the characteristic tail current of the Aedes aegypti mosquito sodium channel (AaNa<sub>v</sub>1-1) expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Instead, TF induces a unique persistent current. We docked TF into the AlphaFold2 model of AaNa<sub>v</sub>1-1 and found that the tetrafluorophenyl ring of TF binds to alpha helices S5, P1, and S6, but not to the linker helices S4-S5 within either PyR1 or PyR2. In agreement with the model, functional examination of 15 AaNa<sub>v</sub>1-1 mutants demonstrated that substitutions of DMT/PMT-sensing residues in helices S5, P1, and S6, but not in the linker- helices S4-S5, altered channel sensitivity to TF. These results revealed the unique action of TF on channel gating and suggest a distinct subtype of type I pyrethroids with a previously uncharacterized pattern of interactions with residues at the dual pyrethroid receptor sites.</p>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":" ","pages":"104214"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142680151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Identification of a vital transcription factor of the alanine aminotransferase in the brown planthopper and its upstream regulatory pathways.","authors":"Shi-Hui Li, Li-Qun Wang, Wen-Qing Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104212","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens) is an important insect pest of rice, and can rapidly adapt to insect-resistant rice varieties. In our previous studies, alanine aminotransferase in N. lugens (NlALT) was found to play an important role in the adaptation of the brown planthopper to resistant rice IR36. Here, we further identified CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (NlC/EBP) as a vital transcription factor of NlALT. Nlp38b in the MAPKs pathway regulated the expression of NlALT by influencing the phosphorylation level of NlC/EBP. In addition, we found that NlGRL101, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), was significantly higher expressed in the N. lugens population adapted to IR36 (P-IR36). After knockdown of NlGRL101 through RNAi in P-IR36 population, lower expressions of Nlp38b and NlC/EBP, along with reduced phosphorylation levels of Nlp38b and NlC/EBP were observed; moreover, NlALT activity and honeydew amount were decreased by 15.68% and 76.08%, respectively. These results indicated that insect-resistant rice IR36 induced expression of NlGRL101, which enhanced expression of NlALT through Nlp38b and NlC/EBP. These findings are helpful for better understanding of insect adaptation to resistant crop varieties.</p>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":" ","pages":"104212"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142638111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wenxu Yang, Chenxu Ye, Lu Wang, Jinjuan Nie, Xinyi Liu, Tiange Zhang, Wenxiu Zhang, Noor Us Saba, Lingfang Yin, Lianxi Xing, Xiaohong Su
{"title":"Binding properties of olfactory proteins to host volatiles, free fatty acids and cuticular hydrocarbons in the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis.","authors":"Wenxu Yang, Chenxu Ye, Lu Wang, Jinjuan Nie, Xinyi Liu, Tiange Zhang, Wenxiu Zhang, Noor Us Saba, Lingfang Yin, Lianxi Xing, Xiaohong Su","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104211","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104211","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As eusocial insects prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, termites are characterized by highly organized behaviors and exceptional adaptability, rooted in caste differentiation and chemical communication. These traits make them excellent models for studying insect social structures and ecological interactions. Investigating how termites use chemical signals to perceive and respond to their environment provides insights into their coordination and adaptation within complex ecosystems. This study delved into the chemosensory mechanisms of Reticulitermes aculabialis, examining the interactions of four olfactory proteins with 70 ligands, including host volatiles, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), and free fatty acids (FFAs). Molecular docking simulations revealed varied affinities of the olfactory proteins for long-chain hydrocarbons (n-C<sub>23</sub> to n-C<sub>28</sub>), suggesting a nuanced chemical communication system through specific hydrocarbon detection. RacuCSP1 and RacuCSP2 exhibited specific binding to linoleic acid and undecanoic acid, respectively, highlighting the significance of FFAs in the physiological and behavioral processes of termites. The four olfactory proteins showed a strong affinity for longifolene in fluorescence competitive binding experiments. Notably, RacuOBPs specifically exhibited unique affinities for terpenoid volatiles such as β-lonone and neocembrene, while RacuCSPs specifically bound with terpenoids like 3-carene, myrtenol, α-pinene oxide and β-pinene indicating their critical roles in host detection. Behavioral observations following gene silencing revealed that RacuOBP5 was essential for recognizing longifolene and α-lonone recognition, while RacuCSP1 was key for detecting α-pinene in termites. These findings enhance our understanding of the termite chemosensory system and offer insights for developing precise pest management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":" ","pages":"104211"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142610931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ioannis Eleftherianos , Wei Zhang , Gianluca Tettamanti , Lillia Daley , Amr Mohamed , David Stanley
{"title":"Nutrition influences immunity: Diet and host-parasite interactions","authors":"Ioannis Eleftherianos , Wei Zhang , Gianluca Tettamanti , Lillia Daley , Amr Mohamed , David Stanley","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104210","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104210","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nutrition plays a major role in host immune responses and in pathogen resistance. Understanding the network that modulates the relationship between nutrition and immunity remains a challenge. Several pathways govern the direct effects of nutrition on host immunity and the indirect effects mediated by pathogen populations. We note host microbiota also influence the intricate relationships between nutrition and immunity. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent findings from nutritional research in relation to insect immunology. We outline the relationship between diet, immunity, disease, and microbiota in insects and emphasize the significance of utilizing an integrative, multifaceted approach to grasping the influence of nutrition on immunity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 104210"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142610932","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ju Li , Xiaoyan Lv , Xin Zhang , Xiumei Zhao , Yuxuan Meng , Sidi Liu , Simiao Fu , Jinsheng Sun
{"title":"Notch signaling regulates limb regeneration through Hes1 and HeyL in the Chinese mitten crab","authors":"Ju Li , Xiaoyan Lv , Xin Zhang , Xiumei Zhao , Yuxuan Meng , Sidi Liu , Simiao Fu , Jinsheng Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104209","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104209","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tissue regeneration is an efficient strategy developed by animals to compensate for damaged tissues, involving various types of progenitor cells. Deciphering the signal network that modulates the activity of these progenitors during regeneration is crucial for understanding the differences in regenerative capacities across species. In this study, we evaluated the expression profile and phenotypic function of Notch signaling during limb regeneration in arthropod Chinese mitten crabs. The expression of key components of the Notch signaling pathway was upregulated at 7-day post-autotomy (7 DPA), and declined later at 18-day post-autotomy (18 DPA). To assess the role of Notch, we injected dsRNA targeting the Notch gene into the automized area and evaluated the regeneration efficiency. Our results indicated that blocking Notch signaling led to regenerative defects, manifested by delays in the wound closure and blastema emergence processes. Furthermore, the expression of Notch target genes, <em>Hes1</em> and <em>HeyL</em>, was significantly reduced following Notch knockdown by dsRNA. Knockdown of <em>Hes1</em> specifically impaired the proliferation and expression of neural progenitor cell markers, without affecting myogenic cells. In contrast, blockage of <em>HeyL</em> inhibited the proliferation and expression of markers in both activated neurogenic and myogenic progenitor cells, while up-regulating markers of quiescent neural progenitor cells. These findings suggest that Notch signaling plays an important role in limb regeneration of <em>E. sinensis</em> by activating downstream effectors Hes1 and HeyL, regulating neurogenesis and myogenesis through distinct mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 104209"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142563592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ensi Shao , Can Wang , Wenhui Zheng , Yige Ma , Shanshan Wang , Li Sha , Xiong Guan , Zhipeng Huang
{"title":"Knockout of two uridine diphosphate-glycosyltransferase genes increases the susceptibility of Spodoptera litura to Bacillus thuringiensis toxins","authors":"Ensi Shao , Can Wang , Wenhui Zheng , Yige Ma , Shanshan Wang , Li Sha , Xiong Guan , Zhipeng Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104208","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104208","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Uridine diphosphate-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) catalyze sugar conjugation of endogenous and exogenous molecules in insects. In this study, 45 putative UGT genes in 11 families were identified from the genome of <em>S. litura</em>. Exposure to Bt toxins in 5th-instar larvae of the WT strain led to a significant upregulation of midgut UGT40 expression, particularly of SlUGT40D20, SlUGT40D22, and SlUGT40F25. This upregulation was not observed following exposure to chemical pesticides. Knockout of the UGT genes <em>SlUGT40D20</em> and <em>SlUGT40D22</em> in <em>S. litura</em> (mutant strains SlUGT40D20-KO and SlUGT40D22-KO) via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis increased susceptibility of <em>S. litura</em> to <em>Bacillus thuringiensis</em> (Bt) insecticidal proteins. However, in comparison with the wild-type (WT) strain, the mutants did not change susceptibility to chemical pesticides. Observations of 5th-instar larval midgut by electron microscopy revealed severe damage to the midgut epithelium caused by Cry1Ac toxin at 10 μg/g in the SlUGT40D20-KO strain compared to the WT. SDS-PAGE and LC MS/MS analyses identified a specific protein band corresponding to putative proteoglycans in the peritrophic matrix of the WT strain, which was absent in the SlUGT40D20-KO strain. Our study suggests an inverse correlation between expression of some UGTs and the susceptibility of <em>S. litura</em> larvae to some Bt toxins.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 104208"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142542520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shengli Jing , Jingang Xu , Bingbing Yu , Feifei Wang , Aobo Ren , Fang Zheng , Ruixian Chen , Bin Yu , Hengmin Tang , Qingsong Liu
{"title":"Male-specific lethal-3 gene is critical for survival and fecundity in rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens","authors":"Shengli Jing , Jingang Xu , Bingbing Yu , Feifei Wang , Aobo Ren , Fang Zheng , Ruixian Chen , Bin Yu , Hengmin Tang , Qingsong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104207","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104207","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Male-specific lethal-3 (MSL3) is a component of the dosage compensation complex in <em>Drosophila melanogaster</em>, where its mutation leads to male-specific lethality. However, the function of <em>MSL3</em> in hemipteran insects remains unclear. This study investigated the role of the MSL3 homolog in a major rice pest, the brown planthopper (<em>Nilaparvata lugens</em>). We cloned and characterized the gene <em>NlMSL3</em> from <em>N. lugens</em>, which is 1467-bp long and encodes a protein of 488 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MSL3 is conserved across various insect orders, with high conservation in the chromo-barrel domain. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated differential expression levels of <em>NlMSL3</em> between male and female insects during development, with the highest expression in the testes. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of <em>NlMSL3</em> in <em>N. lugens</em> resulted in significant mortality in later instar nymphs and adults compared with the control group. In females, <em>NlMSL3</em> knockdown impaired feeding behavior, leading to decreased body weight, notably reduced honeydew excretion, flat abdomens, decreased vitellogenin expression, and defective ovarian development. When ds<em>NlMSL3-</em>treated males were mated with control females, the number of eggs laid was similar to that laid by the females mated with control males; however, none of the eggs laid by the former hatched into nymphs. These results highlight the crucial role of <em>NlMSL3</em> in the development and fecundity of <em>N. lugens</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 104207"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142538331","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jiangjie Li, Yan Shi, Qi Xue, Guy Smagghe, Kristof De Schutter, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
{"title":"Identification and functional analysis of gut dsRNases in the beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua","authors":"Jiangjie Li, Yan Shi, Qi Xue, Guy Smagghe, Kristof De Schutter, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104206","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104206","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>RNA interference (RNAi)-based products have the potential to significantly contribute to insect pest control. However, RNAi efficiency varies widely among different insect orders, particularly in Lepidoptera, where it is often low. One key factor affecting RNAi efficiency is the presence of double-stranded ribonuclease (dsRNase) in the digestive tract, which can degrade dsRNA prior to uptake by gut cells. In this study, four dsRNases were identified in the beet armyworm, <em>Spdoptera exigua</em>, of which two were highly expressed gut dsRNases, <em>SedsRNase1</em> and <em>SedsRNase2</em>. To assess their effect on dsRNA degradation activity via the oral route, CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing was employed to knock out these gut dsRNases. The results indicate that all mutant strains, including <em>SeKO1</em> (knockout <em>SedsRNase1</em>), <em>SeKO2</em> (knockout <em>SedsRNase2</em>), and <em>SeKO1KO2</em> (knockout <em>SedsRNase1</em> and <em>SedsRNase2</em>), showed significantly decreased dsRNA degradation activity, particularly in the <em>SeKO1KO2</em> mutant strain, where the weakest degradation occurred in both the gut and whole body. Additionally, we noticed that the lack of gut <em>SedsRNases</em> led to a slight extended developmental period and reduced reproductive capacity in <em>S. exigua</em>. Collectively, these findings deepen our understanding of gut <em>SedsRNases</em> and how they can impact the biology of the beet armyworm and can support the exploration dsRNA-based approaches for pest control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 104206"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142492001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The fate of a Solanum steroidal alkaloid toxin in the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni)","authors":"Tobias Ziemke, Ping Wang, Christophe Duplais","doi":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104205","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ibmb.2024.104205","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plants produce complex chemical defenses against herbivores, resulting in the emergence of detoxification strategies in phytophagous insects. While enzymatic detoxification and target site mutagenesis are well-documented, the quantitative contribution of excretion remains less studied. We focus on the cabbage looper (<em>Trichoplusia ni</em>), a generalist herbivore, to elucidate the detoxification of a steroidal alkaloid, solanidine, produced in potato (<em>Solanum tuberosum</em>). Through larval feeding experiments and chemical analysis of metabolites using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we identify solanidine 3-O-β-glucopyranoside and solanidine 3-phosphate as major metabolization products of solanidine. Glycosylation and phosphorylation reactions have not previously been observed in cabbage looper. Modified solanidine derivatives exhibit reduced lipophilicity, preventing passive transport as predicted by physicochemical analyses, and only solanidine was detected in body tissue. In addition, the metabolism of solanidine in a <em>T. ni</em> mutant strain with midgut cadherin protein knocked out was also investigated to examine the potential role of the cadherin, an important receptor for Bt toxins, in steroidal alkaloid detoxification. <em>T. ni</em> cadherin-knockout strain showed lower solanidine conversion (33.9% ± 2.2) and uptake (27.41 ± 0.49 nmol/g) compared to the wild-type strain (51.3% ± 4.1, 33.66 ± 2.48 nmol/g) but similar excretion kinetics. Although solanidine negatively impacted the feeding performance of both strains the cadherin-knockout does not affect the feeding performance. Our study expands the metabolization enzyme repertoire in cabbage loopers, emphasizing the complexity of detoxification mechanisms in generalist herbivores.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":330,"journal":{"name":"Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology","volume":"175 ","pages":"Article 104205"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142492002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}