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MBio Apr 2024The natural microbiota isolates MYb11 and MYb115 protect the host against pathogens through distinct mechanisms. While produces an antimicrobial compound and...
The natural microbiota isolates MYb11 and MYb115 protect the host against pathogens through distinct mechanisms. While produces an antimicrobial compound and directly inhibits pathogen growth, MYb115 protects the host without affecting pathogen growth. It is unknown how these two protective microbes affect host biological processes. We used a proteomics approach to elucidate the response to MYb11 and MYb115. We found that both isolates increase vitellogenin protein production in young adults, which confirms previous findings on the effect of microbiota on reproductive timing. Moreover, the responses to MYb11 and MYb115 exhibit common signatures with the response to other vitamin B-producing bacteria, emphasizing the importance of vitamin B in -microbe metabolic interactions. We further analyzed signatures in the response specific to MYb11 or MYb115. We provide evidence for distinct modifications in lipid metabolism by both symbiotic microbes. We could identify the activation of host-pathogen defense responses as an MYb11-specific proteome signature and provide evidence that the intermediate filament protein IFB-2 is required for MYb115-mediated protection. These results indicate that MYb11 not only produces an antimicrobial compound but also activates host antimicrobial defenses, which together might increase resistance to infection. In contrast, MYb115 affects host processes such as lipid metabolism and cytoskeleton dynamics, which might increase host tolerance to infection. Overall, this study pinpoints proteins of interest that form the basis for additional exploration into the mechanisms underlying microbiota-mediated protection from pathogen infection and other microbiota-mediated traits.IMPORTANCESymbiotic bacteria can defend their host against pathogen infection. While some protective symbionts directly interact with pathogenic bacteria, other protective symbionts elicit a response in the host that improves its own pathogen defenses. To better understand how a host responds to protective symbionts, we examined which host proteins are affected by two protective bacteria in the model nematode . We found that the response to its protective symbionts is manifold, which was reflected in changes in proteins that are involved in metabolism, the immune system, and cell structure. This study provides a foundation for exploring the contribution of the host response to symbiont-mediated protection from pathogen infection.
Topics: Animals; Caenorhabditis elegans; Proteome; Pseudomonas; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins; Anti-Infective Agents; Vitamins
PubMed: 38411078
DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03463-23 -
Trends in Genetics : TIG Jun 2024Genetic adaptations of organisms living in extreme environments are fundamental to our understanding of where life can evolve. Water is the single limiting parameter in... (Review)
Review
Genetic adaptations of organisms living in extreme environments are fundamental to our understanding of where life can evolve. Water is the single limiting parameter in this regard, yet when released in the oceans, the single-celled eggs of marine bony fishes (teleosts) have no means of acquiring it. They are strongly hyposmotic to seawater and lack osmoregulatory systems. Paradoxically, modern teleosts successfully release vast quantities of eggs in the extreme saline environment and recorded the most explosive radiation in vertebrate history. Here, we highlight key genetic adaptations that evolved to solve this paradox by filling the pre-ovulated eggs with water. The degree of water acquisition is uniquely prevalent to marine teleosts, permitting the survival and oceanic dispersal of their eggs.
Topics: Animals; Fishes; Adaptation, Physiological; Ovum; Oceans and Seas; Seawater; Biological Evolution; Osmoregulation
PubMed: 38395683
DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2024.01.004 -
Insects Feb 2024This study identified and characterized the gene encoding recep tor-type guanylate cyclase-22-like (GCY-22; ) from the pirate bug , an important biological control...
This study identified and characterized the gene encoding recep tor-type guanylate cyclase-22-like (GCY-22; ) from the pirate bug , an important biological control agent. The full-length cDNA of the of was obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE); it had a total length of 4888 base pairs (bp), of which the open reading frame (ORF) was 3750 bp, encoding a polypeptide of 1249 amino acid residues. The physicochemical properties of were predicted and analyzed by using relevant ExPASy software, revealing a molecular formula of C6502H10122N1698O1869S57, molecular weight of ~143,811.57 kDa, isoelectric point of 6.55, and fat index of 90.04. The resulting protein was also shown to have a signal peptide, two transmembrane regions, and a conserved tyrosine kinase (tyrkc). Silencing by RNA interference significantly inhibited ovarian development and decreased fertility in female in the treated versus the control group. Additionally, silencing significantly decreased the expression levels of other and genes. Thus, these results clarify the structure and biological function of , which has an important role in insect fecundity. The results also provide a reference for agricultural pest control and future large-scale breeding of biological control agents.
PubMed: 38392529
DOI: 10.3390/insects15020110 -
Insects Feb 2024The nutritional quality of a colony significantly affects its health and strength, particularly because it is required for population growth in the early spring. We...
The nutritional quality of a colony significantly affects its health and strength, particularly because it is required for population growth in the early spring. We investigated the impact of various artificial pollen substitute diets on colony performance in the Republic of Korea during early spring, a critical period for colony health and growth. The colonies were provided with different diets, including the commercial product Megabee (positive control), our developed diet Test A, and four upgraded versions (Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3, and Diet 4) of Test A. The negative control group received no supplementary feed. Over 63 days, we observed 24 experimental colonies and assessed various parameters at the colony and individual levels. The results revealed that Diet 2 had the highest consumption and had the most positive impact on population growth, the capped brood area, colony weight, honey bees' weight, and levels. These findings suggested that Diet 2 is most attractive to honey bees and thus holds great promise for improving colony maintenance and development during the crucial early spring period.
PubMed: 38392520
DOI: 10.3390/insects15020101 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology Feb 2024Bumblebees () play a crucial role as highly efficient biological agents in commercial pollination. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing their adaptation to...
Bumblebees () play a crucial role as highly efficient biological agents in commercial pollination. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing their adaptation to diverse seasonal environments may pave the way for effective management strategies in the future. With the burgeoning advancement in post-genetic studies focusing on , there is a critical need to normalize quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) data using suitable reference genes. To address this necessity, we employed RefFinder, a software-based tool, to assess the suitability of several candidate endogenous control genes, including actin (), arginine kinase (), elongation factor 1 alpha (), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (), phospholipase (), and ribosomal proteins (, ). These genes were evaluated for their efficacy as biological endogenous controls by examining their expression patterns across various environmental conditions corresponding to different seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) and tissues (ovary, fat body, thorax, head) in bumblebees. Moreover, the study investigated the significance of selecting appropriate reference genes for three key genes involved in the juvenile hormone (JH) signaling pathways: Krüppel homolog 1 (), methyl farnesoate epoxidase (), and Vitellogenin (). Our research identifies specific genes suitable for normalization in , thereby offering valuable insights into gene expression and functional metabolic genetics under varying seasonal conditions. This catalog of reference genes will serve as a valuable resource for future research endeavors.
PubMed: 38392203
DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020085 -
Journal of Xenobiotics Feb 2024Pyriproxyfen is an insecticide currently employed in numerous countries for the management of agricultural and indoor pests. Several studies indicate that this...
Pyriproxyfen is an insecticide currently employed in numerous countries for the management of agricultural and indoor pests. Several studies indicate that this insecticide has been detected in multiple rivers, with concentrations reaching as high as 99.59 ng/L in the Júcar River in Spain. Therefore, the determination of some biochemical and genetic effects of this insecticide on aquatic organisms could serve as an early warning mechanism to identify potential disruptions in various biomarkers. Based on this, organisms were exposed to pyriproxyfen sublethal concentrations for 21 days. Some biochemical parameters, including cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, lactate, and LDH activity, were determined. Additionally, some genetic biomarkers associated with oxidative stress, heat shock proteins, lipid metabolism, hemoglobin, metallothioneins, and vitellogenin synthesis were evaluated in daphnids exposed to the insecticide for 21 days. LDH activity increased significantly in those daphnids exposed to the highest insecticide concentration (14.02 µg/L), while cholesterol levels decreased significantly. In contrast, glucose, total proteins, and triglycerides remained unaffected in exposed to pyriproxyfen. On the other hand, exposure to the insecticide led to notable alterations in gene expression among individuals. Specifically, genes associated with lipid metabolism and reproduction exhibited a significant reduction in gene expression. F expression was decreased by approximately 20% in exposed daphnids, while expression was suppressed as much as 80% when compared to control values. Furthermore, it was observed that the and genes, associated with hemoglobin synthesis, exhibited significant overexpression. Notably, the dysfunction observed in both hemoglobin genes was linked to an increase in pigmentation in during the course of the experiment. These alterations in gene expression could serve as effective indicators of early contamination even at low pesticide concentrations.
PubMed: 38390993
DOI: 10.3390/jox14010013 -
Journal of Investigational Allergology... Feb 2024
Topics: Animals; Humans; Anaphylaxis; Ducks; Vitellogenins; Food Hypersensitivity; Ovum
PubMed: 38390780
DOI: 10.18176/jiaci.0925 -
Frontiers in Toxicology 2024Estrogenic chemicals in aquatic environments impact fish reproductive health, with vitellogenin protein levels serving as a crucial biomarker for xenoestrogen exposure....
Estrogenic chemicals in aquatic environments impact fish reproductive health, with vitellogenin protein levels serving as a crucial biomarker for xenoestrogen exposure. Limited knowledge exists on estrogenic effects in tropical environments, prompting an investigation into the influence of environmental estrogens on in Lagos and Epe lagoons. A total of 195 fish samples underwent analysis for vitellogenin protein, sex hormones (testosterone and 17 β-estradiol), and gonad pathology in effluent-receiving areas of the specified lagoons. Gonadal alterations were observed in male and female fish, including empty seminiferous tubules and distorted ovaries. Intersex occurred in 3.81% of Lagos and 3.33% of Epe. Testosterone levels were generally higher in females and males from both lagoons, while E2 levels were higher in females from both lagoons, with Lagos showing higher levels than Epe. Vtg levels were higher in males than females in Lagos samples but showed no significant difference in Epe samples. Contaminant analysis revealed similar trends in metals (Hg, As, Cr) and phthalates (DEHP, DBP, DEP) in both sexes in the Epe population. Multivariate depictions from the PCA showed sex-specific patterns of metal uptake (Cd) in male fishes at the Lagos Lagoon. The positive association between higher pH loadings and metal and DBP levels in sediment at the Lagos lagoon suggests the influence of higher alkalinity in lower bioavailability of contaminants. Endocrine disrupting effects were observed in male and female in Lagos and Epe lagoons populations, with notable differences in hormone and contaminant concentrations between the two lagoon systems. Identification of specific contaminants and their spatial and temporal trends can inform targeted management and remediation efforts to protect and restore these valuable aquatic ecosystems.
PubMed: 38380148
DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1336916 -
BMC Genomics Feb 2024The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica), a worldwide primary pest of stored grain, causes serious economic losses and threatens stored food safety. R. dominica can...
BACKGROUND
The lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica), a worldwide primary pest of stored grain, causes serious economic losses and threatens stored food safety. R. dominica can respond to changes in temperature, especially the adaptability to heat. In this study, transcriptome analysis of R. dominica exposed to different temperatures was performed to elucidate differences in gene expression and the underling molecular mechanism.
RESULTS
Isoform-sequencing generated 17,721,200 raw reads and yielded 20,416 full-length transcripts. A total of 18,880 (92.48%) transcripts were annotated. We extracted RNA from R. dominica reared at 5 °C (cold stress), 15 °C (cold stress), 27 °C (ambient temperature) and 40 °C (heat stress) for RNA-seq. Compared to those of control insects reared at 27 °C, 119, 342, and 875 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 5 °C, 15 °C, and 40 °C, respectively. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that pathways associated with "fatty acid metabolism", "fatty acid biosynthesis", "AMPK signaling pathway", "neuroactive ligand receptor interaction", and "longevity regulating pathway-multiple species" were significantly enriched. The functional annotation revealed that the genes encoding heat shock proteins (HSPs), fatty acid synthase (FAS), phospholipases (PLA), trehalose transporter (TPST), trehalose 6-phosphate synthase (TPS), and vitellogenin (Vg) were most likely involved in temperature regulation, which was also validated by RT-qPCR. Seven candidate genes (rdhsp1, rdfas1, rdpla1, rdtpst1, rdtps1, rdvg1, and rdP450) were silenced in the RNA interference (RNAi) assay. RNAi of each candidate gene suggested that inhibiting rdtps1 expression significantly decreased the trehalose level and survival rate of R. dominica at 40 °C.
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicated that trehalose contributes to the high temperature resistance of R. dominica. Our study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying heat tolerance and provides a potential target for the pest management in R. dominica.
Topics: Trehalose; Acclimatization; Fatty Acids; Phosphates; Coleoptera
PubMed: 38350857
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10028-4 -
Research in Veterinary Science Mar 2024Colony collapse disorder (CCD) has affected bees worldwide in recent decades, with southwestern Spain being no exception. This disorder is one of the main causes of Apis...
Colony collapse disorder (CCD) has affected bees worldwide in recent decades, with southwestern Spain being no exception. This disorder is one of the main causes of Apis mellifera mortality and is believed to be caused by environmental, social and sanitary conditions. Dietary supplementation can help to improve some parameters of the general status and sanitary condition of bees, such as infestation by certain recurrent pathogens, including Varroa destructor and Nosema ceranae, by enhancing immune and social response. Thus, the aim of this study was to test a liquid hydrolysed protein supplement on the health and general status of the hive in several apiaries with access to the same natural food and under similar climatic conditions. We selected two groups of ten hives (supplemented by either placebo or protein) from five apiaries where the number of adult bees, amount of brood (open and operculated), honey and pollen reserves, infestation by V. destructor, N. ceranae, deformed wing virus (DWV) and chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV) were measured. Additionally, we assess the expression of four immune system-related genes and a gene encoding vitellogenin. At the end of this work, treated hives showed a significant increase in open brood and a decrease in V. destructor infestation. Also, these hives showed a significant decrease in the mortality rate after the cold season. Therefore, supplementation with this product improved the health of the hive and could be a promising tool against bee colony loss.
Topics: Bees; Animals; Spain; Honey; Varroidae; Urticaria; Dietary Supplements; RNA Viruses
PubMed: 38335895
DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105173