ORCID Profile
0000-0003-4019-5140
Current Organisation
Murdoch University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Zoology | Invertebrate Biology | Structural Biology (incl. Macromolecular Modelling) | Crop and Pasture Protection (Pests, Diseases and Weeds)
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Control of Animal Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species in Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Environments | Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences |
Related Links
Publications
Mediterranean fruit fly genes exhibit different expression patterns between heat and cold treatments
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 09-09-2022
DOI: 10.1017/S000748532100078X
Abstract: Invasive Tephritid fruit flies are a global threat to both agriculture and horticulture industries. Biosecurity has played a critical role in reducing their damage but becomes more and more challenging after several key chemical pesticides were banned or withdrawn for health or environmental reasons. This has led to non-chemical approaches including heat and cold treatments being broadly utilized to get rid of fruit fly infestation. However, the molecular mechanisms to kill the flies underlying these stressors are not clear yet. This knowledge will certainly help refine current post-harvest treatment strategies and develop more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly approaches for fruit fly management. Previously, the molecular response of the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) to heat was examined thoroughly, in which 31 key genes were identified with significant changes in expression levels and their high-resolution expression timeline was constructed across 11 timepoints. However, whether these candidate genes respond to cold in the same way was unknown. Here, a temperature bioassay was conducted and the expression profiles of these genes were investigated across the same 11 timepoints using cold treatment. The results showed that most of candidate genes exhibited ergent expression profiles compared to heat treatment, suggesting that the fly molecular response to cold may be different from those to heat. This study provides new knowledge of Tephritid fruit fly response to cold at a molecular level, which could aid in improving current fruit fly management and facilitate the development of new strategies to control this serious horticultural insect pest.
Identification and characterization of olfactory genes in the parasitoid wasp Diadegma semiclausum (Hellén) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 03-09-2021
DOI: 10.1017/S0007485321000675
Abstract: Diadegma semiclausum is an important parasitoid wasp and widely used in the biological control of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella , one of the most destructive pests of cruciferous plants. Insect olfactory system is critical in guiding behaviors including feeding, mating, and oviposition, in which odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and odorant receptors (ORs) are two key components. However, limited attention has been paid to D. semiclausum olfactory genes. In this study, a transcriptome sequencing was performed on the RNA s les extracted from D. semiclausum male and female adult antennae. A total of 17 putative OBP and 67 OR genes were annotated and further compared to OBPs and ORs from P. xylostella , and other hemipteran parasitoid species. The expression patterns of D. semiclausum OBPs between male and female antennae were examined using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR. Six OBPs (DsemOBP 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 14) demonstrated significantly higher expression levels in females than in males, which may assist in female D. semiclausum host-seeking and oviposition behaviors. This study advances our understanding of the olfactory system of D. semiclausum at the molecular level and paves the way for future functional studies aiming at increasing the efficacy to control P. xylostella by using D. semiclausum .
Two subclasses of odorant‐binding proteins in S podoptera exigua display structural conservation and functional divergence
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-10-2014
DOI: 10.1111/IMB.12143
Abstract: Although many studies on lepidopteran pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs)/ general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) have been reported, the functional differentiation within and between the two odorant-binding protein (OBP) subclasses is still elusive. Here we conducted a comparative study on three SexiPBPs and two SexiGOBPs in Spodoptera exigua. Results showed that all five SexiPBP/GOBP genes have the same intron numbers and conserved exon/intron splice sites. Reverse transcription PCR results showed that these five SexiPBP/GOBPs were primarily expressed in antennae of both sexes and some were also detected in other tissues. Further, quantitative real-time PCR showed that five SexiPBP/GOBPs had different sex-biased expression patterns, with PBP1 being highly male-biased (5.96-fold difference) and PBP3 slightly female-biased (2.43-fold difference), while PBP2 and two GOBPs were approximately sex-equivalent (the absolute value<1.90-fold difference). Binding assays showed that all three SexiPBPs could bind all six sex pheromone components, but SexiPBP1 had much higher affinities [dissociation constant (Ki ) 1.20 μM). Very intriguingly, SexiGOBP2 displayed even stronger binding to five sex pheromone components (Ki <0.40 μM) than SexiPBP1. In contrast, SexiGOBP1 only exhibited weak binding to three alcohol-pheromone components. Similar results were obtained for tested pheromone analogues. In addition, each of SexiPBP/GOBPs selectively bound some plant odorants with considerable affinities (Ki <10.0 μM). Taken together, of the three SexiPBPs, SexiPBP1 may play the most important role in female sex pheromone reception, and additionally all three SexiPBPs can detect some plant odorants, while SexiGOBP2 may be involved in the detection of female sex pheromones in addition to plant odorants. The results strongly suggest functional differentiation within and between the two OBP sub-classes.
Chemosensory Proteins (CSPs) in the Cotton Bollworm Helicoverpa armigera
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 27-12-2021
Abstract: Chemosensory proteins (CSPs) are a family of small, soluble proteins that play a crucial role in transporting odorant and pheromone molecules in the insect chemosensory system. Recent studies reveal that they also function in development, nutrient metabolism and insecticide resistance. In-depth and systematic characterization of previously unknown CSPs will be valuable to investigate more detailed functionalities of this protein family. Here, we identified 27 CSP genes from the genome and transcriptome sequences of cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner). The expression patterns of these genes were studied by using transcriptomic data obtained from different tissues and stages. The results demonstrate that H. armigera CSP genes are not only highly expressed in chemosensory tissues, such as antennae, mouthparts, and tarsi, but also in the salivary glands, cuticle epidermis, and hind gut. HarmCSP6 and 22 were selected as candidate CSPs for expression in Escherichia coli and purification. A new method was developed that significantly increased the HarmCSP6 and 22 expression levels as soluble recombinant proteins for purification. This study advances our understanding of insect CSPs and provides a new approach to highly express recombinant CSPs in E. coli.
Expression of vip1/vip2 genes in Escherichia coli and Bacillus thuringiensis and the analysis of their signal peptides
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 10-2004
Molecular Response of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) to Heat
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-07-2020
DOI: 10.1093/JEE/TOAA147
Abstract: Tephritid fruit flies are highly successful invaders and some—such as the Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann)—are able to adapt to a large range of crops. Biosecurity controls require that shipments of produce are ensured to be pest-free, which is increasingly difficult due to the ban of key pesticides. Instead, stress-based strategies including controlled atmosphere, temperature, and irradiation can be used to eradicate flies inside products. However, unlike pesticide science, we do not yet have a robust scientific approach to measure cost-effectively whether a sufficiently lethal stress has been delivered and understand what this stress does to the biology of the pest. The latter is crucial as it would enable a combination of stresses targeting multiple molecular pathways and thus allow for lower doses of each to achieve higher lethality and reduce the development of resistance. Using heat as an ex le, this is the first study investigating the molecular stress response to heat in Tephritidae. Using a novel setup delivering measured doses of heat on C. capitata larvae and a high-density 11 timepoint gene expression experiment, we identified key components of lethal heat-stress response. While unraveling the complete molecular mechanism of fruit fly response to lethal stress would be a long-term project, this work curates and develops 31 potential biomarkers to assess whether sufficient lethal stress has been delivered. Further, as these protocols are straightforward and less expensive than other—omic approaches, our studies and approach will assist other researchers working on stress response.
Two genomes of highly polyphagous lepidopteran pests (Spodoptera frugiperda, Noctuidae) with different host-plant ranges
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-09-2017
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-017-10461-4
Abstract: Emergence of polyphagous herbivorous insects entails significant adaptation to recognize, detoxify and digest a variety of host-plants. Despite of its biological and practical importance - since insects eat 20% of crops - no exhaustive analysis of gene repertoires required for adaptations in generalist insect herbivores has previously been performed. The noctuid moth Spodoptera frugiperda ranks as one of the world’s worst agricultural pests. This insect is polyphagous while the majority of other lepidopteran herbivores are specialist. It consists of two morphologically indistinguishable strains (“C” and “R”) that have different host plant ranges. To describe the evolutionary mechanisms that both enable the emergence of polyphagous herbivory and lead to the shift in the host preference, we analyzed whole genome sequences from laboratory and natural populations of both strains. We observed huge expansions of genes associated with chemosensation and detoxification compared with specialist Lepidoptera. These expansions are largely due to tandem duplication, a possible adaptation mechanism enabling polyphagy. In iduals from natural C and R populations show significant genomic differentiation. We found signatures of positive selection in genes involved in chemoreception, detoxification and digestion, and copy number variation in the two latter gene families, suggesting an adaptive role for structural variation.
Odorant-Binding Proteins of the Malaria Mosquito Anopheles funestus sensu stricto
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 22-10-2010
A Sugar Gustatory Receptor Identified from the Foregut of Cotton Bollworm Helicoverpa armigera
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-2012
Development and reproduction of a native generalist predator, Coccinella transversalis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), on the tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, with a greenhouse assay of biocontrol potential
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Characterization of sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) in cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-07-2020
Abstract: Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) play a critical role in insect chemosensory system. Previously, three SNMPs were identified, characterized and functionally investigated in a lepidopteran model insect, Bombyx mori . However, whether these results are consistent across other lepidopteran species are unknown. Here genome and transcriptome data analysis, expression profiling, quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR) and the yeast hybridization system were utilized to examine snmp genes of Helicoverpa armigera , one of the most destructive lepidopteran pests in cropping areas. In silico expression and qRT‐PCR analyses showed that, just as the B. mori snmp genes, H. armigera snmp1 ( Harmsnmp1 ) is specifically expressed in adult antennae. Harmsnmp2 is broadly expressed in multiple tissues including adult antennae, tarsi, larval antennae and mouthparts. Harmsnmp3 is specifically expressed in larval midguts. Further RNAseq analysis suggested that the expression levels of Harmsnmp2 and Harmsnmp3 differed significantly depending on the plant species on which the larvae fed, indicating they may be involved in plant‐feeding behaviours. Yeast hybridization results revealed a protein–protein interaction between HarmSNMP1 and the sex pheromone receptor, HarmOR13. This study demonstrated that SNMPs may share same functions and mechanisms in different lepidopteran species, which improved our understanding of insect snmp genes and their functions in lepidopterans.
Functional characterization of sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs)
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 15-04-2018
DOI: 10.1101/262154
Abstract: Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) play a critical role in the insect olfactory system but there is a deficit of functional studies beyond Drosophila . Here, we provide functional characterisation of insect SNMPs through the use of bioinformatics, genome curation, transcriptome data analysis, phylogeny, expression profiling, and RNAi gene knockdown techniques. We curated 81 genes from 35 insect species and identified a novel lepidopteran SNMP gene family, SNMP3. Phylogenetic analysis shows that lepidopteran SNMP3, but not the previously annotated lepidopteran SNMP2, is the true homologue of the dipteran SNMP2. Digital expression, microarray and qPCR analyses show that the lepidopteran SNMP1 is specifically expressed in adult antennae. SNMP2 is widely expressed in multiple tissues while SNMP3 is specifically expressed in the larval midgut. Microarray analysis suggest SNMP3 may be involved in the silkworm immunity response to virus and bacterial infections. We functionally characterised SNMP1 in the silkworm using RNAi and behavioural assays. Our results suggested that Bombyx mori SNMP1 is a functional orthologue of the Drosophila melanogaster SNMP1 and plays a critical role in pheromone detection. Split-ubiquitin yeast hybridization study shows that BmorSNMP1 has a protein-protein interaction with the BmorOR1 pheromone receptor, and the BmorOrco co-receptor. Concluding, we propose a novel molecular model in which BmorOrco, BmorSNMP1 and BmorOR1 form a heteromer in the detection of the silkworm sex pheromone bombykol.
Cloning and Expression of cyt 2Ba7 Gene from a Soil-Isolated Bacillus thuringiensis
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2002
DOI: 10.1007/S00284-002-3757-Y
Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis ( Bt) cyt genes coding hemolytic and cytolytic toxins constitute a gene family, which are ided into two groups: cyt1 and cyt2. A novel cyt2 gene was detected from a soil-isolated Bt strain T301, which was highly homologous to cyt2Ba1 and finally designated cyt2Ba7. Until now, Cyt2Ba has not been expressed alone in Bt or other hosts. In this study, the cyt2Ba7 gene was cloned into the vector pQE30 and expressed as a fusion protein with 6xHistidine residues in Escherichia coli. Unlike cyt1A, cyt2Ba7 was freely expressed and formed cytoplasmic inclusions without the need for a "helper" protein. The 6xHis-tagged Cyt2Ba7 was purified in one step by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, examined cytolytic activity on Sf9 cells, and developed as an antigen to obtain the antiserum against Cyt2Ba by subcutaneous injection into rabbits. This gene was also cloned into the Bt-E. coli shuttle vector pHT3101 and expressed in Bt strain 4Q7. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that the antiserum was remarkably selective and specific to Cyt2Ba.
Identification and characterization of odorant binding proteins in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-07-2021
Abstract: Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are a group of soluble proteins functioning as odorant carriers in insect antennae, mouth parts and other chemosensory organs. However, multiple insect OBPs have been detected in other tissues and various functions have been proposed. Therefore, a detailed expression profile including stages, tissues and sexes where OBPs are expressed will assist in building the links to their potential functions, enhancing the functional studies of insect OBPs. Here, we identified 39 putative OBP genes from its genome and transcriptome sequences of diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella . The expression patterns of identified PxylOBPs were further investigated from eggs, larvae, pupae, virgin adults, mated adults, larval midgut, larval heads, adult antennae, adult heads and adult tarsi. Moreover, P. xylostella larvae and adults with and without host plants for 5 h were utilized to study the interactions between OBP expression and host plants. The results showed that most PxylOBPs were highly expressed in male and female adult antennae. The expression levels of certain PxyOBPs could be regulated by mating activities and feeding host plants. This study advances our knowledge of P. xylostella OBPs, which may help develop new strategies for more environmentally sustainable management of P. xylostella .
Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) Eggs and Larvae Responses to a Low-Oxygen/High-Nitrogen Atmosphere
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-11-2202
Abstract: The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), is one of the most damaging horticultural insect pests. This study used a low-oxygen/high-nitrogen bioassay to control C. capitata. Two low-oxygen treatments were applied (0.5% O2 + 99.5 N2 and 5% O2 + 95% N2) to C. capitata eggs and 1st, 2nd and 3rd instar larvae from 0 to nine days on a carrot diet at 25 °C 70—75% RH. The pupariation, adult emergence, and sex ratios of survived flies were examined. The results demonstrate that increased mortality of all tested life stages correlated with increased exposure times at both levels of low-oxygen treatments. Complete control of eggs was achieved after eight days and nine days for larvae using 0.5% O2 at 25 °C 70–75% RH. The 3rd instar was the most tolerant stage, while the egg was the most susceptible stage to the low-oxygen environment. There were no significant differences in sex ratios between emerged adults after low-oxygen and control treatments. The present work demonstrates and confirms the mortalities of C. capitata caused by low-oxygen treatment, which may help develop new postharvest strategies to control this destructive fruit fly pest.
Walking Responses of Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to Its Aggregation Pheromone and Odors of Wheat Infestations
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-03-2017
DOI: 10.1093/JEE/TOX051
Abstract: The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is a worldwide pest of stored grains. Using "Y"-tube olfactometry we studied the response of T. castaneum to odors from simulated wheat infestations containing conspecifics, and infestations containing the lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae), and the granary weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Tribolium castaneum larvae were significantly attracted to odors from all three test species. Tribolium castaneum adults were attracted to grains infested by R. dominica and flour infested by T. castaneum but repelled from grains infested by S. granarius. Further behavioral analysis with pheromones showed that T. castaneum were significantly attracted to their aggregation pheromone, dimethyldecanal (DMD), but not to the R. dominica aggregation pheromone, a mixture of dominicalure 1 and 2. Female T. castaneum adults were attracted to ∼50-fold less DMD than larvae and 100-fold less than male adults, suggesting they are more sensitive to DMD. This study improves our understanding of T. castaneum behaviors to infested grain volatile compounds and pheromones, and may help develop new control methods for grain pest species.
Cold Response of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Ceratitis capitata) on a Lab Diet
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-02-2019
Abstract: Cold treatment at 0.0 °C with different exposure durations (0–12 days) was applied to the Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) fed on a lab diet. The examined developmental stages were early eggs ( h), late eggs ( h), first instar, second instar and third instar larvae. Pupation, adult emergence and sex ratios of survived flies were investigated to study the C. capitata responses to this low temperature treatment. Our results showed that exposure time at low temperature has a clear effect on pupation and adult emergence. Based on pupation ratios, the first and third instar are the most cold tolerant stages, with LT99 = 7.3 for both of them. Cold tolerance at both stages are very close and no significant differences were detected. There were no significant differences on C. capitata sex ratios among different stages after treatment. This study improves our understanding of C. capitata responses to cold treatment, which may assist in the improvement of the current treatment strategies to control this destructive horticulture pest species.
Characterization of the ryanodine receptor gene in Encarsia formosa (Gahan) and its expression profile in response to diamide insecticides
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2021
A phylogenomics approach to characterizing sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) in Lepidoptera
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.IBMB.2020.103313
Abstract: Sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs) play a critical role in the insect olfactory system but there is a deficit of functional studies beyond Drosophila. Here, we use a combination of available genome sequences, manual curation, genome and transcriptome data, phylogenetics, expression profiling and gene knockdown to investigate SNMP superfamily in various insect species with a focus on Lepidoptera. We curated 81 genes from 36 insect species and identified a novel lepidopteran SNMP gene family, SNMP3. Phylogenetic analysis shows that lepidopteran SNMP3, but not the previously annotated lepidopteran SNMP2, is the true homologue of the dipteran SNMP2. Digital expression, microarray and qPCR analyses show that the lepidopteran SNMP1 is specifically expressed in adult antennae. SNMP2 is widely expressed in multiple tissues while SNMP3 is specifically expressed in the larval midgut. Microarray analysis suggest SNMP3 may be involved in the silkworm immunity response to virus and bacterial infections. We functionally characterized SNMP1 in the silkworm using RNA interference (RNAi) and behavioral assays. Our results suggested that Bombyx mori SNMP1 is a functional orthologue of the Drosophila melanogaster SNMP1 and plays a critical role in pheromone detection. Split-ubiquitin yeast hybridization study shows that BmorSNMP1 has a protein-protein interaction with the pheromone receptor (BmorOR1), and the co-receptor (BmorOrco). Concluding, we propose a novel molecular model in which BmorOrco, BmorSNMP1 and BmorOR1 form a heteromer in the detection of the silkworm sex pheromone bombykol.
Identification and characterization of three chemosensory receptor families in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-07-2014
Expression of the Full-Length and 3′-Spliced cry 1Ab Gene in the 135-kDa Crystal Protein Minus Derivative of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kyushuensis
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 08-2002
DOI: 10.1007/S00284-001-0092-7
Abstract: Bacillus thuringiensis produces a 130-135-kDa insecticidal protein in the form of bipyramidal crystal which is toxic to lepidopteran larvae. Part of the C-terminal region of the native Cry1Ab was replaced by a heterologous sequence of Cry11Aa C-terminus to get a 3'-spliced cry1Ab gene. The full-length cry1Ab and 3'-spliced cry1Ab, which were both cloned into the E. coli-B. thuringiensis shuttle expression vector pHZB1, were expressed in a 135-kDa crystal protein minus derivative of B. thuringiensis subsp. kyushuensis (4U1-Cry(-135)). The crystal shape of Cry1Ab proteins from both recombinants was regularly bipyramidal, while the crystal size of the intact Cry1Ab was approximately fivefold larger than the 3'-spliced Cry1Ab. In addition, these two kinds of Cry1Ab proteins had similar toxicity against Argyrogramma agnata larvae.
Molecular switches for pheromone release from a moth pheromone-binding protein
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.BBRC.2008.05.087
Abstract: Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are involved in the uptake of pheromones from pores on the antennae, transport through an aqueous environment surrounding the olfactory receptor neurons, and fast delivery to pheromone receptors. We tested the hypothesis that a C-terminal segment and a flexible loop are involved in the release of pheromones to membrane-bound receptors. We expressed in Escherichia coli 11 mutants of the PBP from the silkworm moth, BmorPBP, taking into consideration structural differences between the forms with high and low binding affinity. The N-terminus was truncated and His-69, His-70 and His-95 at the base of a flexible loop, and a cluster of acidic residues at the C-terminus were mutated. Binding assays and circular dichroism analyses support a mechanism involving protonation of acidic residues Asp-132 and Glu-141 at the C-terminus and histidines, His-70 and His-95, in the base of a loop covering the binding pocket. The former leads to the formation of a new alpha-helix, which competes with pheromone for the binding pocket, whereas positive charge repulsion of the histidines opens the opposite side of the binding pocket.
The Correlation between Volatile Compounds Emitted from Sitophilus granarius (L.) and Its Electrophysiological and Behavioral Responses
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-05-2022
Abstract: The granary weevil Sitophilus granarius (L.) is one of the most serious primary insect pests of stored products. When S. granarius present in grains, various volatile organic compounds are released as chemical signals which can be used to detect the insects. In this study, volatile chemical compounds released from S. granarius were analyzed using the headspace solid phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography (GC)–mass spectrometry (MS) techniques. Two key compounds, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone and 1-pentadecene, were identified from mixed gender of S. granarius adults at high density. Moreover, both male and female adults showed dose-dependent electroantennography (EAG) responses to 3-hydroxy-2-butanone. In behavioral assays, S. granarius was attracted to 3-hydroxy-2-butanone at 0.001 µg/10 µL but repelled at 10 µg/10 µL or higher. S. granarius was consistently repelled by 1-pentadecene at concentrations at 0.001 and 1000 µg/10 µL. 3-hydroxy-2-butanone and 1-pentadecene have considerable potential to offer in the development of new approaches for the monitoring and management of this destructive stored grain insect pest.
Resistance to dinotefuran in Bemisia tabaci in China: status and characteristics
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 04-11-2022
DOI: 10.1002/PS.7251
Abstract: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a serious agricultural pest worldwide. Neonicotinoids are the most important new class of synthetic insecticides used in the management of B. tabaci . However, B. tabaci populations have developed resistance to various active ingredients in neonicotinoids following long‐term and widespread application. Dinotefuran exhibited high toxicity against most B. tabaci field populations. One population (Din‐R) with a high level of resistance to dinotefuran (255.6‐fold) was first identified in the field. The Din‐R population exhibited medium to high levels of resistance to all the tested neonicotinoid insecticides and a high level of resistance to spinetoram. Genetic inheritance analysis revealed that resistance to dinotefuran was incompletely recessive and polygenic. The synergist piperonyl butoxide significantly increased the toxicity of dinotefuran to Din‐R. P450 activity in the Din‐R population was 2.19‐fold higher than in the susceptible population. RNA‐sequencing analysis showed that 12 P450 genes were significantly upregulated in the Din‐R population, of which CYP6DW5 , CYP6JM1 and CYP306A1 were found to exhibit more than 3.00‐fold higher expression in Din‐R when using a reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Expression of eight P450 genes was obviously induced by dinotefuran, and CYP6DW5 showed the highest expression level. After knockdown of CYP6DW5 in Din‐R, the toxicity of dinotefuran increased significantly. P450 had a crucial role in dinotefuran resistance in B. tabaci , and CYP6DW5 was involved in the resistance. These results provide important information for the management of resistance in B. tabaci and improve our understanding of the resistance mechanism of dinotefuran. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Absolute Quantification of Human Milk Caseins and the Whey/Casein Ratio during the First Year of Lactation
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-10-2017
DOI: 10.1021/ACS.JPROTEOME.7B00486
Abstract: Whey proteins and caseins in breast milk provide bioactivities and also have different amino acid composition. Accurate determination of these two major protein classes provides a better understanding of human milk composition and function, and further aids in developing improved infant formulas based on bovine whey proteins and caseins. In this study, we implemented a LC-MS/MS quantitative analysis based on iBAQ label-free quantitation, to estimate absolute concentrations of α-casein, β-casein, and κ-casein in human milk s les (n = 88) collected between day 1 and day 360 postpartum. Total protein concentration ranged from 2.03 to 17.52 with a mean of 9.37 ± 3.65 g/L. Casein subunits ranged from 0.04 to 1.68 g/L (α-), 0.04 to 4.42 g/L (β-), and 0.10 to 1.72 g/L (α-), with β-casein having the highest average concentration among the three subunits. Calculated whey/casein ratio ranged from 45:55 to 97:3. Linear regression analyses show significant decreases in total protein, β-casein, κ-casein, total casein, and a significant increase of whey/casein ratio during the course of lactation. Our study presents a novel and accurate quantitative analysis of human milk casein content, demonstrating a lower casein content than earlier believed, which has implications for improved infants formulas.
Exosomal MicroRNAs in Milk from Mothers Delivering Preterm Infants Survive in Vitro Digestion and Are Taken Up by Human Intestinal Cells
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-05-2018
Abstract: This study investigates the ability of preterm milk exosomes to survive gastric ancreatic digestion, internalization by intestinal epithelia, and the microRNAs (miRNAs) contents. At average infant age 1 week and 6 days, milk is collected from mothers who delivered preterm and term infants (n = 10). Milk is exposed to conditions simulating infant gut digestion. Exosomes are isolated and lysed, and the exposed miRNAs are sequenced. Preterm milk exosomes survive in vitro digestion, and can be taken up by intestinal epithelia. Three hundred and thirty miRNAs are identified as preterm milk exosome miRNAs, and in vitro digestion does not have a pronounced effect on their expression. The abundant miRNAs in preterm milk exosomes are similar to those from term milk. Twenty-one low abundance miRNAs are specifically expressed in preterm milk exosomes compared to early term milk in the current study and what previously is found in mature term milk. These results for the first time reveal the survivability of preterm milk exosomes following simulated gastric ancreatic digestion. The authors demonstrate the richness of the miRNAs content in these exosomes. The results improve the knowledge of preterm milk biology and the molecular basis by which exosome miRNAs may uniquely affect preterm infants during early development.
Identification and characterization of zero population growth (zpg) gene in Plutella xylostella
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-10-2021
DOI: 10.1111/PHEN.12372
Abstract: The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella , is one of the most destructive insect pests on cruciferous plants, which causes huge economic losses annually across the world. Due to its resistance to all classes of insecticides, new effective management approaches are urgently needed. The innexin genes encode gap junction proteins in invertebrates, which play critical roles in cell‐to‐cell interactions for electrical currents, small molecules and ions. Zero population growth (zpg), one germline‐specific innexin protein, is required for survival of differentiating early germ cells during gametogenesis in many insect species. In this study, nine innexin genes were identified from the P. xylostella genome, and named as Pxylinx1.1 , Pxylinx1.2 , Pxylinx2 , Pxylinx3 , Pxylinx4 , Pxylinx7.1 , Pxylinx7.2 , PxylshakB.1 and PxylshakB.2 . The expression profiles of P. xylostella innexin genes in different developmental stages and tissues were examined, revealing Pxylinx4 was specifically expressed in eggs and female ovaries, which is the candidate zpg gene in P. xylostella . RNA interference (RNAi) was utilized to investigate the functions of Pxylinx4 in egg‐laying and egg‐hatching. The results showed that RNAi treatment on Pxylinx4 in female P. xylostella , lead to the decrease of the egg‐laying but not the egg‐hatching. This study improves our understanding of P. xylostella innexin genes and provides a candidate molecular target ( Pxylinx4 ) for developing new approaches to control this economically important pest.
Genomic innovations, transcriptional plasticity and gene loss underlying the evolution and divergence of two highly polyphagous and invasive Helicoverpa pest species
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-07-2017
Pyrifluquinazon baseline susceptibility and inhibition of Tomato chlorosis virus transmission by Bemisia tabaci
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-05-2023
DOI: 10.1002/PS.7532
Abstract: Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is associated with tomato yellow leaf disorder diseases in more than 20 countries. ToCV can be transmitted in a semipersistent manner by whitefly vectors such as Bemisia tabaci . Controlling the vector pests by using chemical insecticides is an efficient and effective approach to reduce and interrupt the virus transmission. Pyrifluquinazon is a new pyridine azomethine derivative, showing insecticidal toxicity to sucking pests by disturbing their feeding behavior. However, limited attention has been paid to the performance of pyrifluquinazon against B. tabaci and ToCV transmission. This study showed the lethal concentration of 50% (LC 50 ) values of pyrifluquinazon to 22 B. tabaci field populations ranged from 0.54 to 2.44 mg L −1 , and the baseline susceptibility of B. tabaci to pyrifluquinazon was 1.24 mg L −1 with a 95% confidence limit of 0.35–1.85 mg L −1 . Pyrifluquinazon and afidopyropen did not show cross‐resistance to dinotefuran and pymetrozine in B. tabaci , which both inhibited the feeding activities of B. tabaci . The antifeedant concentration of 50% (AFC 50 ) values at 48 h were 0.70 mg L −1 for pyrifluquinazon and 2.13 mg L −1 for afidopyropen. Foliar application of pyrifluquinazon and afidopyropen reduced the ToCV transmission by 40.91% and 33.33%, respectively and significantly decreased the ToCV loads in tomato plants under laboratory conditions. These results provided new information about the effects of modulators of the vanilloid‐type transient receptor potential channel on the toxicity to B. tabaci and inhibition of ToCV transmission. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Genome-wide analysis of ionotropic receptor gene repertoire in Lepidoptera with an emphasis on its functions of Helicoverpa armigera
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.IBMB.2018.05.005
Abstract: The functions of the Ionotropic Receptor (IR) family have been well studied in Drosophila melanogaster, but only limited information is available in Lepidoptera. Here, we conducted a large-scale genome-wide analysis of the IR gene repertoire in 13 moths and 16 butterflies. Combining a homology-based approach and manual efforts, totally 996 IR candidates are identified including 31 pseudogenes and 825 full-length sequences, representing the most current comprehensive annotation in lepidopteran species. The phylogeny, expression and sequence characteristics classify Lepidoptera IRs into three sub-families: antennal IRs (A-IRs), ergent IRs (D-IRs) and Lepidoptera-specific IRs (LS-IRs), which is distinct from the case of Drosophila IRs. In comparison to LS-IRs and D-IRs, A-IRs members share a higher degree of protein identity and are distinguished into 16 orthologous groups in the phylogeny, showing conservation of gene structure. Analysis of selective forces on 27 orthologous groups reveals that these lepidopteran IRs have evolved under strong purifying selection (dN/dS≪1). Most notably, lineage-specific gene duplications that contribute primarily to gene number variations across Lepidoptera not only exist in D-IRs, but are present in the two other sub-families including members of IR41a, 76b, 87a, 100a and 100b. Expression profiling analysis reveals that over 80% (21/26) of Helicoverpa armigera A-IRs are expressed more highly in antennae of adults or larvae than other tissues, consistent with its proposed function in olfaction. However, some are also detected in taste organs like proboscises and legs. These results suggest that some A-IRs in H. armigera likely bear a dual function with their involvement in olfaction and gustation. Results from mating experiments show that two HarmIRs (IR1.2 and IR75d) expression is significantly up-regulated in antennae of mated female moths. However, no expression difference is observed between unmated female and male adults, suggesting an association with female host-searching behaviors. Our current study has greatly extended the IR gene repertoire resource in Lepidoptera, and more importantly, identifies potential IR candidates for olfactory, gustatory and oviposition behaviors in the cotton bollworm.
Pymetrozine-resistant whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) populations in China remain susceptible to afidopyropen
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Trajectory-based spatiotemporal entity linking
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 09-2020
Retraction: Al-Behadili, F.J.M., et al. Cold Responses of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Blueberry. Insects 2020, 11, 276
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-06-2020
Abstract: The published article [...]
An odorant binding protein mediates Bactrocera dorsalis olfactory sensitivity to host plant volatiles and male attractant compounds
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJBIOMAC.2022.07.198
Abstract: Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are believed to play critical roles in host-seeking behavior. However, little attention was paid to its different functions in male and female. The antenna-specific OBP gene from Bactrocera dorsalis, BdorOBP13, was cloned and its expression profile was examined. The results showed that BdorOBP13 was exclusively expressed in male and female adults, which exhibited a high transcript level in antennae. After injection of BdorOBP13 dsRNA, its transcript level in males and females decreased significantly. Electrophysiological responses of RNAi-injected flies to, methyl eugenol (male attractant) and γ-octalactone (female attractant) decreased significantly. However, no significant changes in the electrophysiological response were observed in RNAi-injected flies to benzothiazole, (+),dipentene, and ethyl tiglate. The behavioral bioassay showed that males treated with RNAi significantly reduced their preference to methyl eugenol, while RNAi-injected females showed a significantly lower preference to γ-octalactone, suggesting that BdorOBP13 may have different functions between males and females: it may be involved in the detection of methyl eugenol in males but is involved in the detection of γ-octalactone in females. These findings improve our understanding of insect OBPs and their roles in insect chemosensation, which may provide us with new molecular targets in the management of B. dorsalis.
Structure of an Odorant-Binding Protein from the Mosquito Aedes aegypti Suggests a Binding Pocket Covered by a pH-Sensitive “Lid”
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 26-11-2009
Olfactory Proteins Mediating Chemical Communication in the Navel Orangeworm Moth, Amyelois transitella
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 30-09-2009
Carbon dioxide receptor genes in cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-02-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00114-015-1260-0
Abstract: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is important in insect ecology, eliciting a range of behaviours across different species. Interestingly, the numbers of CO2 gustatory receptors (GRs) vary among insect species. In the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, two GRs (DmelGR21a and DmelGR63a) have been shown to detect CO2. In the butterfly, moth, beetle and mosquito species studied so far, three CO2 GR genes have been identified, while in tsetse flies, four CO2 GR genes have been identified. In other species including honeybees, pea aphids, ants, locusts and wasps, no CO2 GR genes have been identified from the genome. These genomic differences may suggest different mechanisms for CO2 detection exist in different insects but, with the exception of Drosophila and mosquitoes, limited attention has been paid to the CO2 GRs in insects. Here, we cloned three putative CO2 GR genes from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera and performed phylogenetic and expression analysis. All three H. armigera CO2 GRs (HarmGR1, HarmGR2 and HarmGR3) are specifically expressed in labial palps, the CO2-sensing tissue of this moth. HarmGR3 is significantly activated by NaHCO3 when expressed in insect Sf9 cells but HarmGR1 and HarmGR2 are not. This is the first report characterizing the function of lepidopteran CO2 receptors, which contributes to our general understanding of the molecular mechanisms of insect CO2 gustatory receptors.
Expression profile of CYP402C1 and its role in resistance to imidacloprid in the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-06-2022
Abstract: Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is a cosmopolitan insect pest causing serious damage to crop production. Cytochromes P450 (CYPs) of B. tabaci are widely known to be involved in the metabolic resistance to a variety of insecticides, continuously increasing the difficulty in controlling this pest. In this study, four P450 genes ( CYP6CM1 , CYP6CX1 , CYP6CX3 , and CYP402C1 ) in B. tabaci exhibited correlations with the resistance to imidacloprid. We have focused on trying to understand the function and metabolism capacity of CYP402C1 . The expression profiles of CYP402C1 were examined by reverse transcription quantitative real‐time PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridizations. Its role in resistance to imidacloprid was investigated by RNA interference, transgenic Drosophila melanogaster , and heterologous expression. The results showed that CYP402C1 was highly expressed in the active feeding stages of B. tabaci , such as nymphs and female adults. CYP402C1 was mainly expressed in midguts of nymphs and adults, especially in the filter chamber. Knockdown of CYP402C1 significantly decreased the resistance of B. tabaci to imidacloprid by 3.96‐fold (50% lethal concentration: 186.46 versus 47.08 mg/L). Overexpression of CYP402C1 in a transgenic D. melanogaster line (Gal4 UAS‐ CYP402C1 ) significantly increased the resistance to imidacloprid from 12.68‐ to 14.92‐fold (129.01 and 151.80 mg/L versus 1925.14 mg/L). The heterologous expression of CYP402C1 showed a metabolism ability of imidacloprid (imidacloprid decreased by 12.51% within 2 h). This study provides new insights for CYP402C1 function in B. tabaci and will help develop new strategies in B. tabaci control and its insecticide resistance.
Tomato Potato Psyllid Bactericera cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in Australia: Incursion, Potential Impact and Opportunities for Biological Control
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 07-03-2023
Abstract: Incursion and establishment of an exotic pest may threaten natural habitats and disrupt ecosystems. On the other hand, resident natural enemies may play an important role in invasive pest control. Bactericera cockerelli, commonly known as the tomato-potato psyllid, is an exotic pest, first detected on mainland Australia in Perth, Western Australia, in early 2017. B. cockerelli causes direct damage to crops by feeding and indirectly by acting as the vector of the pathogen that causes zebra chip disease in potatoes, although the latter is not present in mainland Australia. At present, Australian growers rely on the frequent use of insecticides to control B. cockerelli, which may lead to a series of negative economic and environmental consequences. The incursion of B. cockerelli also provides a unique opportunity to develop a conservation biological control strategy through strategically targeting existing natural enemy communities. In this review, we consider opportunities to develop biological control strategies for B. cockerelli to alleviate the dependence on synthetic insecticides. We highlight the potential of existing natural enemies to contribute toward regulating populations of B. cockerelli in the field and discuss the challenges ahead to strengthen the key role they can play through conservation biological control.
Crystal and solution structures of an odorant-binding protein from the southern house mosquito complexed with an oviposition pheromone
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 18-10-2010
Abstract: Culex mosquitoes introduce the pathogens responsible for filariasis, West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and other diseases into humans. Currently, traps baited with oviposition semiochemicals play an important role in detection efforts and could provide an environmentally friendly approach to controlling their populations. The odorant binding proteins (OBPs) in the female's antenna play a crucial, if yet imperfectly understood, role in sensing oviposition cues. Here, we report the X-ray crystallography and NMR 3D structures of OBP1 for Culex quinquefasciatus (CquiOBP1) bound to an oviposition pheromone ( 5R,6S )-6-acetoxy-5-hexadecanolide (MOP). In both studies, CquiOBP1 had the same overall six-helix structure seen in other insect OBPs, but a detailed analysis revealed an important previously undescribed feature. There are two models for OBP-mediated signal transduction: ( i ) direct release of the pheromone from an internal binding pocket in a pH-dependent fashion and ( ii ) detection of a pheromone-induced conformational change in the OBP·pheromone complex. Although CquiOBP1 binds MOP in a pH-dependent fashion, it lacks the C terminus required for the pH-dependent release model. This study shows that CquiOBP binds MOP in an unprecedented fashion using both a small central cavity for the lactone head group and a long hydrophobic channel for its tail.
NMR Structure of Navel Orangeworm Moth Pheromone-Binding Protein (AtraPBP1): Implications for pH-Sensitive Pheromone Detection,
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 29-01-2010
DOI: 10.1021/BI9020132
Erratum to: Genomic innovations, transcriptional plasticity and gene loss underlying the evolution and divergence of two highly polyphagous and invasive Helicoverpa pest species
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 15-08-2017
Potential of variegated lady beetle Hippodamia variegata in management of invasive tomato potato psyllid Bactericera cockerelli
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-11-2023
DOI: 10.1002/PS.7247
Abstract: The tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Šulc) is a new invasive pest in Western Australia, which may disperse across the whole of Australia within a few years and cause significant economic losses. Chemical control is the most widely used approach to manage B. cockerelli , but insect resistance, chemical residue and effects on non‐target species have become an increasing concerned. Therefore, in this study, the biocontrol potential of variegated lady beetle, Hippodamia variegata (Goeze) was investigated. The impact of utilizing B. cockerelli as a food source on the predator's development and reproduction was assessed by formulating age‐stage, two sex life tables. The predatory potential of H. variegata on B. cockerelli nymphs was assessed in a closed arena and the effects of releasing H. variegata for the control of B. cockerelli were then evaluated. H. variegata could successfully develop and oviposit when feeding on B. cockerelli . However, both survival and the rate of development were higher for H. variegata feeding on Myzus persicae (Sulzer) than B. cockerelli or a mixed population of B. cockerelli and M. persicae . A type II functional response was observed for H. variegata . In the greenhouse, the releases of H. variegata larvae reduced the number of B. cockerelli nymphs by up to 66% and adults by up to 59%, which positively influenced the plant chlorophyll content and biomass. This study demonstrated the potential of the resident generalist predator, H. variegata as a biocontrol agent for the invasive pest, B. cockerelli , which may help improving current management strategies. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Two general-odorant binding proteins in Spodoptera litura are differentially tuned to sex pheromones and plant odorants
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.CBPA.2014.11.005
Abstract: Moths have evolved a sensitive and sophisticated olfactory system to sense a variety of semiochemicals from the external environment. In chemosensory processes, the odorant binding protein (OBP) is an essential element for filtering, binding and transporting hydrophobic odorant molecules to the specific receptors. Here focusing on a major sub-class of lepidopteran OBPs, general-odorant binding proteins (GOBPs), we explored the relationship and functional difference between two GOBP members from a noctuid species Spodoptera litura. Using genomic DNA as the template, we demonstrated that SlitGOBP2 and three SlitPBPs are clustered on the same chromosome within a close proximity. qPCR results showed that two SlitGOBPs were primarily expressed in antennae at similar levels between females and males, but GOBP2 displayed much higher expression than GOBP1. Binding studies revealed that both SlitGOBP1 and 2 strongly bound C14-C16 alcohol-pheromone analogs with high affinities (Ki<1.0 μM). However, SlitGOBP2 also strongly bound most acetate- and aldehyde-sex pheromone components and analogs, while SlitGOBP1 could not. For tested plant odorants, SlitGOBP1 showed a relatively broad ligand-binding spectrum with moderate affinities, while SlitGOBP2 was tuned to some compounds with strong binding activities (Ki<5.0 μM). Finally, by molecular docking we explored the differences in protein structures and potential key residues in the binding pockets between the two SlitGOBPs. Taken together, our study strongly suggests that SlitGOBP2 and SlitPBPs evolved by gene duplication events, and two SlitGOBPs have functionally differentiated in odorant recognition.
How do moth and butterfly taste?—Molecular basis of gustatory receptors in Lepidoptera
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-09-2019
Cold Responses of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Blueberry
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-2020
Abstract: This article has been retracted and removed at the request of Murdoch University owing to legal issues of confidentiality. Please refer to the retraction note.
Olfactory Sensilla and Olfactory Genes in the Parasitoid Wasp Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-11-2021
Abstract: Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) is a tiny natural egg parasitoid of several agricultural pest insects, which has been widely used in the biological control for Plutella xylostella, Helicoverpa armigera, Spodoptera frugiperda and Ectomyelois ceratoniae. However, limited studies have been conducted on T. pretiosum olfactory system, which is critical in regulating insect behaviours. In this study, T. pretiosum adult antennae were investigated under ascanning electron microscopy (SEM). Four types of olfactory sensilla were observed, including chaetica sensilla (CS), trichoid sensilla (TS), faleate sensilla (FS) and placoid sensilla (PS). Using T. pretiosum genome, 22 putative odorant binding proteins (OBPs) and 105 odorant receptors (ORs) were identified, which were further compared with olfactory genes of Apis mellifera, Nasonia vitripennis and Diachasma alloeum. The expression patterns of OBPs between T. pretiosum male and female adults were examined by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) approaches. Three female-specific OBPs (TpreOBP19, TpreOBP15 and TpreOBP3) were identified, which may play crucial roles in T. pretiosum host-seeking and oviposition behaviours. This study enriches our knowledge of T. pretiosum olfactory genes and improves our understanding of its olfactory system.
Expansion of a bitter taste receptor family in a polyphagous insect herbivore
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-2016
DOI: 10.1038/SREP23666
Abstract: The Insect taste system plays a central role in feeding behaviours and co-evolution of insect-host interactions. Gustatory receptors form the interface between the insect taste system and the environment. From genome and transcriptome sequencing we identified 197 novel gustatory receptor (GR) genes from the polyphagous pest Helicoverpa armigera . These GRs include a significantly expanded bitter receptor family (180 GRs) that could be further ided into three categories based on polypeptide lengths, gene structure and amino acid sequence. Type 1 includes 29 bitter Gr genes that possess introns. Type 2 includes 13 long intronless bitter Gr genes, while Type 3 comprises 131 short intronless bitter Gr genes. Calcium imaging analysis demonstrated that three Type 3 GRs (HarmGR35, HarmGR50 and HarmGR195) can be activated by a crude extract of cotton leaves. HarmGR195, a GR specifically and selectively expressed in adult tarsi, showed a specific response to proline, an amino acid widely present in plant tissues. We hypothesise that the expansion in the H. armigera GR family may be functionally tied to its polyphagous behavior. Understanding the molecular basis of polyphagy may provide opportunities for the development of new environmentally friendly pest control strategies.
1H, 15N, and 13C chemical shift assignments of the mosquito odorant binding protein-1 (CquiOBP1) bound to the mosquito oviposition pheromone
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-06-2009
Molecular characterization of sugar taste receptors in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera
Publisher: Canadian Science Publishing
Date: 12-2017
Abstract: Insects utilize sugars as their essential energy and nutrient sources therefore, the sense of sugar detection plays a critical role in insect behaviours. Previously, using genomic and transcriptomic approaches, we identified eight putative sugar gustatory receptor (GR) genes from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Here, we further validated these annotated sugar receptor genes (HarmGr4–HarmGr8 and HarmGr10–HarmGr12) and found HarmGr10 may be a pseudogene carrying a stop codon in the open reading frame. Sequence alignment revealed H. armigera sugar GR sequences are conserved at C-terminus and phylogenetic analysis showed that insect sugar GRs have evolved in a family-specific manner. Interestingly, all eight H. armigera sugar GRs are localized in a tandem array on the same scaffold of the genome. In silico gene expression and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analysis showed that HarmGr10 is specifically expressed in male adult testes while HarmGr11 is specifically expressed in female adult ovaries, suggesting H. armigera sugar GRs may be involved in reproduction-related functions. This study improves our knowledge on insect sugar receptors and gustatory systems.
Reverse and Conventional Chemical Ecology Approaches for the Development of Oviposition Attractants for Culex Mosquitoes
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 22-08-2008
Extrusion of the C-terminal helix in navel orangeworm moth pheromone-binding protein (AtraPBP1) controls pheromone binding
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2011
Chemosensory receptor genes in the Oriental tobacco budworm H elicoverpa assulta
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-11-2014
DOI: 10.1111/IMB.12153
Abstract: The Oriental tobacco budworm (Helicoverpa assulta) is a specialist herbivore moth and its larvae feed on Solanaceous plants. (Z)-9-hexadecenal (Z9-16: Ald) is the major sex pheromone component in H. assulta but the specific pheromone receptor (PR) against Z9-16: Ald has not yet been identified. In the present study, we integrated transcriptomic, bioinformatic and functional characterization approaches to investigate the chemosensory receptor genes of H. assulta. We identified seven potential PRs with 44 olfactory receptors, 18 gustatory receptors and 24 ionotropic receptors, which were further studied by in silico gene expression profile, phylogenetic analysis, reverse transcription PCR and calcium imaging assays. The candidate PR, HassOR13, showed a strong response to the minor sex pheromone component, (Z)-11-hexadecenal, but not the major component, Z9-16: Ald, in calcium imaging assays. This study provides the molecular basis for comparative studies of chemosensory receptors between H. assulta and other Helicoverpa species and will advance our understanding of the evolution and function of Lepidoptera insect chemosensation.
Cytochrome P450 Gene, CYP6CX3, Is Involved in the Resistance to Cyantraniliprole in Bemisia tabaci
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 26-09-2022
Identification and characterization of aldehyde oxidases (AOXs) in the cotton bollworm
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-10-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00114-017-1515-Z
Abstract: Aldehyde oxidases (AOXs) are a family of metabolic enzymes that oxidize aldehydes into carboxylic acids therefore, they play critical roles in detoxification and degradation of chemicals. By using transcriptomic and genomic approaches, we successfully identified six putative AOX genes (HarmAOX1-6) from cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In silico expression profile, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analyses showed that HarmAOX1 is highly expressed in adult antennae, tarsi, and larval mouthparts, so they may play an important role in degrading plant-derived compounds. HarmAOX2 is highly and specifically expressed in adult antennae, suggesting a candidate pheromone-degrading enzyme (PDE) to inactivate the sex pheromone components (Z)-11-hexadecenal and (Z)-9-hexadecenal. RNA sequencing data further demonstrated that a number of host plants they feed on could significantly upregulate the expression levels of HarmAOX1 in larvae. This study improves our understanding of insect aldehyde oxidases and insect-plant interactions.
EFFECTS OF HELPER PROTEINS ENCODED BY p19 AND orf1-orf2 GENES ON Cyt1Aa PROTEIN EXPRESSION IN ACRYSTALLIFEROUS STRAIN OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2003
Expression, purification and characterization of three odorant binding proteins from the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/IMB.12664
Editorial: Insect Olfactory Proteins (From Gene Identification to Functional Characterization), Volume II
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 02-03-2022
Pheromone Discrimination by the Pheromone-Binding Protein of Bombyx mori
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2006
DOI: 10.1016/J.STR.2006.08.013
Abstract: Pheromone-binding proteins are postulated to contribute to the exquisite specificity of the insect's olfactory system, acting as a filter by preferentially binding only one of the components of the natural pheromone. Here, we investigated the possible discrimination of the two very similar components of the natural pheromone gland from the silk moth, Bombyx mori, bombykol and bombykal, by the only pheromone-binding protein (BmorPBP) known to be expressed in the pheromone-detecting sensilla. Free-energy calculations and virtual docking indicate that both bombykol and bombykal bind to BmorPBP with similar affinity. In addition, in vitro competitive binding assays showed that both bombykol and bombykal were bound by BmorPBP with nearly the same high affinity. While BmorPBP might filter out other physiologically irrelevant compounds hitting the sensillar lymph, discrimination between the natural pheromone compounds must be achieved by molecular interactions with their cognate receptors.
Efficient expression of vip184DeltaP gene under the control of promoters plus Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequences of cry genes from Bacillus thuringiensis
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 08-2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2672.2005.02613.X
Abstract: To compare vip184DeltaP gene expression time course and Vip184 protein yield under the control of promoters and Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequences of vip184, cry3A and cry1A gene from Bacillus thuringiensis respectively. Derived from the shuttle vector pHT3101, recombinant plasmids pHPT3, pHTP3A(Delta)P and pHTP1A(Delta)P were constructed with the native vip184 gene and the vip184(Delta)P gene, either under the control of promoters and SD sequences of cry3A or cry1A genes. When the above plasmids were transformed into an acrystalliferous B. thuringiensis strain Cry(-)B, their expression time course were consistent with those of vip184, cry3A and cry1A gene respectively. The maximum yields of Vip184 protein were increased when under the control of promoters plus SD sequences of cry3A and cry1A gene. The results showed that both cry3A and cry1A promoter/SD sequence combinations were able to enhance synthesis of Vip184 and change its expression time course. Both cry3A and cry1A promoter/SD systems offer a method for improving the expression efficacy of the vip184 gene in B. thuringiensis and it is possible to co-express the vip184 gene and cry genes and accumulate Vip184 in the form of inclusion bodies by these systems in order to construct novel useful B. thuringiensis engineered strains.
Identification of Biomarker Volatile Organic Compounds Released by Three Stored-Grain Insect Pests in Wheat
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-03-2022
DOI: 10.3390/MOLECULES27061963
Abstract: Monitoring and early detection of stored-grain insect infestation is essential to implement timely and effective pest management decisions to protect stored grains. We report a reliable analytical procedure based on headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) to assess stored-grain infestation through the detection of volatile compounds emitted by insects. Four different fibre coatings were assessed 85 µm CAR/PDMS had optimal efficiency in the extraction of analytes from wheat. The headspace profiles of volatile compounds produced by Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius), and Sitophilus granarius (Linnaeus), either alone or with wheat, were compared with those of non-infested wheat grains. Qualitative analysis of chromatograms showed the presence of different volatile compound profiles in wheat with pest infestation compared with the wheat controls. Wheat-specific and insect-specific volatile compounds were identified, including the aggregation pheromones, dominicalure-1 and dominicalure-2, from R. dominica, and benzoquinones homologs from T. castaneum. For the first time, the presence of 3-hydroxy-2-butanone was reported from S. granarius, which might function as an alarm pheromone. These identified candidate biomarker compounds can be utilized in insect surveillance and monitoring in stored grain to safeguard our grain products in future.
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Related Funding Activities
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE160100382
Start Date: 06-2016
End Date: 05-2019
Amount: $372,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity