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IScience Feb 2024Energy reserves, primarily stored in the insect's fat body, are essential for physiological processes such as reproduction and cocoon formation. However, whether these...
Energy reserves, primarily stored in the insect's fat body, are essential for physiological processes such as reproduction and cocoon formation. However, whether these processes are mutually constraining is unknown. Here, we showed that cocoon-free silkworms accumulate amino acid constituents of silk proteins in the hemolymph and maintain lipid and sugar reserves in the pupal fat body by repressing the expression of sericin and fibroin genes in the middle and posterior silk glands, respectively, via butterfly pierisin-1A catalytic domain expression. This, in turn, upregulates insulin/insulin-like signaling and target of rapamycin (IIS/TOR) signaling, which enhances vitellogenesis and accelerates ovarian development, thus contributing to increased fecundity. The impacts of semi-starvation on fecundity and egg hatchability were also less pronounced in cocoon-free silkworms compared with wildtype silkworms. These data uncover the resource allocation trade-off between cocoon formation and fecundity and demonstrate that nutritional signaling plays a role in regulating silkworm reproduction.
PubMed: 38303707
DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108853 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jan 2024The red king crab, , was introduced into the Barents Sea where, after a period of 30 years of adaptation, it has established a new population. This population has been...
The red king crab, , was introduced into the Barents Sea where, after a period of 30 years of adaptation, it has established a new population. This population has been commercially exploited over the past two decades, supporting profitable fisheries in both Russia and Norway. Biochemical studies aimed at assessing fatty acid profiles have been conducted, focusing primarily on the edible parts of red king crabs. Only recently have by-products been included in this research. Capture of female red king crabs is prohibited in Russia but is allowed in Norway. The fatty acids of the egg masses carried by these females have not yet been studied. To fill this knowledge gap, we assayed the fatty acid composition of eggs using gas-liquid chromatography. Our results showed a predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the concentrations of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were similar. Multivariate comparisons showed no significant differences in fatty acid profiles in terms of egg developmental stage (nauplius vs. metanauplius), habitat conditions (soft vs. hard bottoms), female size class, or number of autotomized limbs. However, individual comparisons showed some differences in fatty acids, the most important being the lower content of docosahexaenoic acid in eggs at the metanauplius stage compared to eggs at the nauplius stage, which is likely due to its essential role in the development of red king crab embryos. The total fatty acid content (53.94 mg g) was 2-87 times higher in eggs than in other red king crab tissues, confirming the critical role that fatty acids play in maintaining physiological processes during vitellogenesis. The high content of essential fatty acids and an optimal omega-3-to-omega-6 ratio (4.9) suggest that red king crab eggs are a good product for a healthy diet and a valuable source for extracting essential fatty acids.
PubMed: 38275807
DOI: 10.3390/ani14020348 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jan 2024Vitellogenin () is a precursor of yolk proteins in egg-laying vertebrates and invertebrates and plays an important role in vitellogenesis and embryonic development....
Vitellogenin () is a precursor of yolk proteins in egg-laying vertebrates and invertebrates and plays an important role in vitellogenesis and embryonic development. However, the family remains poorly characterized in , a major commercial mariculture species found along the coasts of the Yellow and Bohai Seas. In this study, 10 genes from the genomes of were identified and characterized. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the genes in crustaceans could be classified into four groups: Astacidea, Brachyra, Penaeidae, and Palaemonidae. genes were unevenly distributed on the chromosomes of , and a molecular evolutionary analysis showed that the genes were primarily constrained by purifying selection during evolution. All putative proteins were characterized by the presence of three conserved functional domains: a lipoprotein N-terminal domain (LPD_N), a domain of unknown function (DUF1943), and a von Willebrand factor type D domain (vWD). All genes exhibited higher expression in the female hepatopancreas than in other tissues, and gene expression during ovarian development suggested that the hepatopancreas is the main synthesis site in . , , and play major roles in exogenous vitellogenesis, and also plays a major role in endogenous vitellogenesis. Bilateral ablation of the eyestalk significantly upregulates mRNA expression in the female hepatopancreas, indicating that the X-organ/sinus gland complex plays an important role in ovarian development, mostly by inducing synthesis. These results could improve our understanding of the function of multiple genes in crustaceans and aid future studies on the function of genes during ovarian development in .
Topics: Animals; Female; Vitellogenins; Palaemonidae; Phylogeny; Embryonic Development; Evolution, Molecular
PubMed: 38256163
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021089 -
PloS One 2024In some laboratories, mosquitoes' direct blood-feeding on live animals has been replaced with various membrane blood-feeding systems. The selection of blood meal sources...
A scoping review on the use of different blood sources and components in the artificial membrane feeding system and its effects on blood-feeding and fecundity rate of Aedes aegypti.
In some laboratories, mosquitoes' direct blood-feeding on live animals has been replaced with various membrane blood-feeding systems. The selection of blood meal sources used in membrane feeding is crucial in vector mass rearing as it influences the mosquitoes' development and reproductive fitness. Therefore, this scoping review aimed to evaluate the existing literature on the use of different blood sources and components in artificial membrane feeding systems and their effects on blood-feeding and the fecundity rate of Ae. aegypti. A literature review search was conducted by using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-ScR). The EndNote version 20 software was used to import all searched articles. Relevant information was retrieved for analysis into a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet. A total of 104 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility criteria, whereby the articles should include the comparison between different types of blood source by using the membrane feeding systems. Only 16 articles were finally included in the analysis. Several studies had reported that human blood was superior in blood-feeding Ae. aegypti as compared to sheep blood which resulted in lower fecundity due to accumulation of free fatty acids (FFA) in the cuticles. In contrast, cattle whole blood and pig whole blood showed no significant differences in the blood-feeding and fecundity rate as compared to human blood. This review also indicated that bovine whole blood and pig whole blood enhanced Ae. aegypti's vitellogenesis and egg production as compared to plasma and blood cells. In addition, human blood of up to 10 days after the expiration date could still be used to establish Ae. aegypti colonies with good blood-feeding rates and number of eggs produced. Thus, future studies must consider the importance of selecting suitable blood sources and components for membrane blood feeding especially in mosquito colonisation and control measure studies.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Humans; Aedes; Fertility; Membranes, Artificial; Mosquito Vectors; Sheep; Swine
PubMed: 38252615
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295961 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor involved in the function of two enzymes: cytosolic methionine synthase and mitochondrial methylmalonic-CoA mutase. In our previous...
Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor involved in the function of two enzymes: cytosolic methionine synthase and mitochondrial methylmalonic-CoA mutase. In our previous studies, caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), the most popular bioactivator, was shown to reduce yolk protein (vitellogenin) and fertility in a model. Based on the previous finding that methionine supplementation increases vitellogenesis in , we investigated the role of vitamin B12 in methionine-mediated vitellogenesis during oogenesis in caffeine-ingested animals (CIA). Vitamin B12 supplementation improved vitellogenesis and reduced oxidative stress by decreasing mitochondrial function in CIA. Furthermore, the decreased number of developing oocytes and high levels of reactive oxygen species in oocytes from CIA were recovered with vitamin B12 supplementation through a reduction in mitochondrial stress, which increased vitellogenesis. Taken together, vitamin B12 supplementation can reverse the negative effects of caffeine intake by enhancing methionine-mediated vitellogenesis and oocyte development by reducing mitochondrial stress.
PubMed: 38247478
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010053 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2024Vitellogenesis is the most important process in animal reproduction, in which yolk proteins play a vital role. Among multiple yolk protein precursors, vitellogenin (Vtg)...
Vitellogenesis is the most important process in animal reproduction, in which yolk proteins play a vital role. Among multiple yolk protein precursors, vitellogenin (Vtg) is a well-known major yolk protein (MYP) in most oviparous animals. However, the nature of MYP in the freshwater gastropod snail Biomphalaria glabrata remains elusive. In the current study, we applied bioinformatics, tissue-specific transcriptomics, ovotestis-targeted proteomics, and phylogenetics to investigate the large lipid transfer protein (LLTP) superfamily and ferritin-like family in B. glabrata. Four members of LLTP superfamily (BgVtg1, BgVtg2, BgApo1, and BgApo2), one yolk ferritin (Bg yolk ferritin), and four soma ferritins (Bg ferritin 1, 2, 3, and 4) were identified in B. glabrata genome. The proteomic analysis demonstrated that, among the putative yolk proteins, BgVtg1 was the yolk protein appearing in the highest amount in the ovotestis, followed by Bg yolk ferritin. RNAseq profile showed that the leading synthesis sites of BgVtg1 and Bg yolk ferritin are in the ovotestis (presumably follicle cells) and digestive gland, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that BgVtg1 is well clustered with Vtgs of other vertebrates and invertebrates. We conclude that, vitellogenin (BgVtg1), not yolk ferritin (Bg yolk ferritin), is the major yolk protein precursor in the schistosomiasis vector snail B. glabrata.
Topics: Animals; Biomphalaria; Vitellogenins; Multiomics; Phylogeny; Proteomics; Egg Proteins; Schistosomiasis; Ferritins; Schistosoma mansoni
PubMed: 38245605
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52392-x -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2023Methyl farnesoate (MF), a crucial sesquiterpenoid hormone, plays a pivotal role in the reproduction of female crustaceans, particularly in the vitellogenesis process....
Methyl farnesoate (MF), a crucial sesquiterpenoid hormone, plays a pivotal role in the reproduction of female crustaceans, particularly in the vitellogenesis process. Despite extensive research on its functions, the molecular mechanisms that regulate MF levels during the vitellogenic phase remain largely elusive. This study investigates the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs), significant post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression, in controlling MF levels in the swimming crab . Through bioinformatic analysis, four miRNAs were identified as potential regulators targeting two genes encoding Carboxylesterases (CXEs), which are key enzymes in MF degradation. Dual luciferase reporter assays revealed that and suppress and expression by directly binding to their 3' UTRs. In vivo overexpression of and significantly diminished and levels, consequently elevating hemolymph MF and enhancing expression. Spatiotemporal expression profile analysis showed that these two miRNAs and their targets exhibited generally opposite patterns during ovarian development. These findings demonstrate that and collaboratively modulate MF levels by targeting , thus influencing vitellogenesis in . Additionally, we found that the expression of and were suppressed by MF, constituting a regulatory loop for the regulation of MF levels. The findings contribute novel insights into miRNA-mediated ovarian development regulation in crustaceans and offer valuable information for developing innovative reproduction manipulation techniques for .
Topics: Animals; Female; 3' Untranslated Regions; Brachyura; Carboxylic Ester Hydrolases; Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; MicroRNAs; Vitellogenesis
PubMed: 38203450
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010279 -
Physiological Research Dec 2023Insect vitellogenins are an intriguing class of complex proteins. They primarily serve as a source of energy for the developing embryo in insect eggs. Vitellogenesis is... (Review)
Review
Insect vitellogenins are an intriguing class of complex proteins. They primarily serve as a source of energy for the developing embryo in insect eggs. Vitellogenesis is a complex hormonally and neurally controlled process that command synthesis of vitellogenin molecules and ensures their transport from the female fat bodies or ovarial cells into eggs. The representatives of all insect hormones such as juvenile hormones, ecdysteroids, and neurohormones participate in vitellogenesis, but juvenile hormones (most insect species) and ecdysteroids (mostly Diptera) play the most important roles in the process. Strikingly, not only insect females, but also males have been reported to synthesize vitellogenins indicating their further utility in the insect body. Indeed, it has recently been found that vitellogenins perform a variety of biological functions in the insect body. They participate in defense reactions against entomopathogens such as nematodes, fungi, and bacteria, as well as against venoms such as the honeybee Apis mellifera venom. Interestingly, vitellogenins are also present in the venom of the honeybee itself, albeit their exact role is unknown; they most likely increase the efficacy of the venom in the victim's body. Within the bee's body vitellogenins contribute to the lifespan regulation as anti-aging factor acting under tight social interactions and hormonal control. The current minireview covers all of these functions of vitellogenins and portrays them as biologically active substances that play a variety of significant roles in both insect females and males, and not only acting as passive energy sources for developing embryo.
Topics: Male; Female; Animals; Vitellogenins; Ecdysteroids; Juvenile Hormones; Ovary; Insecta
PubMed: 38165752
DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935221 -
Heliyon Dec 2023The purpose of this study is to determine how photo biomodulation therapy utilizing infrared diode laser irradiation (975.2 nm) affects the gonadal maturity level (GML)...
The purpose of this study is to determine how photo biomodulation therapy utilizing infrared diode laser irradiation (975.2 nm) affects the gonadal maturity level (GML) of male Siamese catfish (Pan-gasianodon hypothalamus). The interest in applying laser therapy in medicine and dentistry has remarkably increased in the last decade. Different types of lasers are available, and their usage is well-defined by different parameters, such as wavelength, energy density, power output, duration of radiation, power density and radiation mode. Infrared diode laser irradiation is used at the reproductive point (governor's vessel), situated 2/3 of the way between the anus and the pectoral fin. This study examined the metrics GML, gonads somatic index, and hepatosomatic index. The treatments were Control+ (ovaprim), Control- (without the treatment), P1 (0.2 J/cm), P2 (0.4 J/cm), P3 (0.6 J/cm), and P4 (0.8 J/cm). Therapy with infrared diode laser irradiation can modify gonad maturity (GML), gonadosomal index, and hepatosomatic index in male Siamese catfish. The photobiomodulation effect of an infrared laser stimulated the gonadal maturation of Siamese catfish. This is based on the values of wavelength (nm), power (mW), beam area (cm), time (s), radiation mode (rad) and energy dose (J/cm) in Control- (no treatment), control+ (ovaprim), P1, P2, P3, and P4. The increase in the observed parameter values is due to the vitellogenesis process. The fish gonads at the GML IV had the highest GML at P2 (dose 0.4 J/cm), with a GSI value of 1.02% and an HSI value of 1.46%. According to the study's findings, photo biomodulation therapy with infrared diode laser exposure at a dose of 0.4 J/cm is the best way to increase the gonad maturity of male Siamese catfish.
PubMed: 38149202
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23253 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Nov 2023Mosquitoes such as must consume a blood meal for the nutrients necessary for egg production. Several transcriptome and proteome changes occur post blood meal that...
Mosquitoes such as must consume a blood meal for the nutrients necessary for egg production. Several transcriptome and proteome changes occur post blood meal that likely corresponds with codon usage alterations. Transfer RNA (tRNA) is the adapter molecule that reads messenger RNA (mRNA) codons to add the appropriate amino acid during protein synthesis. Chemical modifications to tRNA enhance codons' decoding, improving the accuracy and efficiency of protein synthesis. Here, we examined tRNA modifications and transcripts associated with the blood meal and subsequent periods of vitellogenesis in . More specifically, we assessed tRNA transcript abundance and modification levels in the fat body at critical times post blood-feeding. Based on a combination of alternative codon usage and identification of particular modifications, we identified that increased transcription of tyrosine tRNAs is likely critical during the synthesis of egg yolk proteins in the fat body following a blood meal. Altogether, changes in both the abundance and modification of tRNA are essential factors in the process of vitellogenin production after blood-feeding in mosquitoes.
PubMed: 38076852
DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569187