Article
Immunology
Min Feng, Luc Swevers, Jingchen Sun
Summary: This article highlights the importance of using high-throughput single cell technologies, such as scRNA-seq, to study the subtypes of insect hemocytes. After genetic analysis in Drosophila, the authors analyzed the differentiation and functions of different cell clusters in Bombyx and identified characteristic marker genes.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Fali Luo, Yu Fu, Liang Ma, Hongjie Dai, Hongxia Wang, Hai Chen, Hankun Zhu, Yong Yu, Yong Hou, Yuhao Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to explore DPP-IV inhibitory peptides from silkworm pupae proteins through in silico analysis and in vitro assessments. The results showed that pepsin and bromelain treatment led to better production of DPP-IV inhibitory peptides from silkworm pupae protein. Two novel DPP-IV inhibitory peptides were identified and exhibited mixed-type inhibition mode. This study demonstrated that in silico analysis combined with in vitro assessments can be an effective approach for discovering DPP-IV peptides from silkworm pupae proteins.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yan Li, Junru Li, Chaoxia Cheng, Yajun Zheng, Hanxu Li, Zilin Zhu, Yuxiang Yan, Wenhui Hao, Nan Qin
Summary: In this study, safe peptides were identified in naked oat bran albumin hydrolysates (NOBAH) with potential ACE inhibition and zinc-chelating abilities. Molecular docking results showed interactions between the peptides and ACE, affecting zinc coordination. These findings suggest the potential applications of naked oat peptides in hypertension treatment and zinc fortification.
Article
Entomology
Kohei Kakino, Hiroaki Mon, Takeru Ebihara, Masato Hino, Akitsu Masuda, Jae Man Lee, Takahiro Kusakabe
Summary: This study characterizes the gene expression patterns and function in the testis of Bombyx mori, revealing peculiar features in spermatogenesis. The transcriptome analysis identifies widespread gene expression and testis-specific genes in B. mori, and compares it with Drosophila melanogaster for a better understanding. The study fills a knowledge gap and provides a basis for future research in spermatogenesis.
Article
Entomology
Guan-Feng Xu, Cheng-Cheng Gong, Hao Lyu, Hui-Min Deng, Si-Chun Zheng
Summary: This study investigated the gene expression control of Bombyx mori embryonic development stages using RNA sequencing, identifying key genes related to DNA replication, transcription, and various developmental pathways. The findings indicate distinct gene expression patterns in early and late embryos, with a focus on organogenesis. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic development and B. mori regulation.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maria Cermeno, Carmen Bascon, Miryam Amigo-Benavent, Manuel Felix, Richard J. FitzGerald
Summary: Silkworm pupae hydrolysates exhibited significant antioxidant activity, with Alcalase and Prolyve hydrolysates having the highest scavenging activities, and Flavourzyme and Brewers Clarex hydrolysates showing enhanced ferric reducing antioxidant power. Peptides SWFVTPF and NDVLFF demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Youshan Li, Meng Wei, Jie Zhang, Rui Zhu, Yuan Wang, Zhaofeng Zhang, Changqing Chen, Ping Zhao
Summary: It was found that the replacement of the P1 residues greatly affected the inhibitory activity and specificity of BmSPI38 and BmSPI39. Specifically, substitution of the P1 residues with Gly, Ser, or Thr significantly enhanced their inhibitory activities against subtilisin and elastase. However, replacing the P1 residues with Ile, Trp, Pro, or Val seriously weakened their inhibitory activity against subtilisin and elastase.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiangbo Song, Lian Liu, Kaige Hao, Shuang Mao, Yongxi Tang, Xiaoling Tong, Fangyin Dai
Summary: Research shows that resveratrol, a plant polyphenol, extends the lifespan of silkworms, increases larval weight, improves thermotolerance, and enhances antioxidant activity. Additionally, resveratrol activates an antioxidant-related signaling pathway in silkworms. These findings suggest that silkworms are a promising animal model for evaluating lifespan-extending drugs.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michal Rindos, Lucie Kucerova, Lenka Rouhova, Hana Sehadova, Michal Sery, Miluse Hradilova, Peter Konik, Michal Zurovec
Summary: This study revealed the differences in mechanical properties between the silk of Pseudoips prasinana and Bombyx mori, attributing it to a higher content of fibrohexamerin and fibrohexamerin-like molecules. Additionally, P. prasinana cocoons were found to contain a second, minor silk type only present at the escape valve.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xi Zheng, Fengdan Liu, Min Shi, Shuo Li, Xiaofan Xie, Guannan Li, Xiaoning Zhang, Yong Zhu
Summary: This study focused on the influence of dimethoate (DMT) on the reproduction of silkworms. Through digital gene expression (DGE) and RT-qPCR analysis, the researchers identified differential gene expression changes in eggs laid by silkworms under DMT exposure. The results revealed that DMT mainly affected stress response, metabolic processes, and signal transduction in silkworms.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kenta Tomihara, Susumu Katsuma, Takashi Kiuchi
Summary: Dosage compensation is a biological process that ensures similar expression levels of sex-linked and autosomal genes. In the silkworm, overexpression of Masc-R leads to global repression of Z-linked genes in females but has little effect on male-specific gene expression, suggesting excessive Masc expression does not strengthen dosage compensation or maleness in males. Additionally, Masc may have functions beyond dosage compensation and masculinization as indicated by differential gene expression between Masc-R-overexpressing and control larvae in both sexes.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Haopeng Dai, Min He, Guilin Hu, Zhongrong Li, Abdulbaset Al-Romaima, Zhouwei Wu, Xiaocui Liu, Minghua Qiu
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the ACE inhibitory effect of bioactive peptides from green coffee beans. Through in vitro and in silico methods, it was found that two peptides have the potential to be used as antihypertensive agents.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guobao Wang, Dandan Xu, Dingge Guo, Yuzhuo Zhang, Xiaoxi Mai, Baoren Zhang, Hui Cao, Shengxiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, the metabolomic changes in Bombyx mori following BmNPV infection were investigated, revealing alterations in carboxylic acids, fatty acyls, and glycerophospholipids in the hemolymph, fat body, and midgut. BmNPV infection also affected immune-related pathways, such as amino acid metabolism, phospholipase D signaling pathway, and lipid metabolism. This research provides insights into the antiviral mechanism of Bombyx mori during BmNPV infection.
ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Boyuan Deng, Zhanqi Dong, Qin Wu, Bingyu Guo, Wenxuan Fang, Congwu Hu, Jiangqiong Long, Peng Chen, Cheng Lu, Minhui Pan
Summary: In this study, biocompatible BSA-AgNPs were chemically synthesized and their anti-BmNPV effect and toxicity towards cells and larvae were evaluated. The results showed that AgNPs had a biofriendly effect on cells and larvae within specific concentration ranges, could destroy the polyhedral structure of the virus, weaken its virulence, and effectively inhibit its replication. These findings provide valuable data for the further development of AgNPs as an antiviral drug for sericulture.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jianmei Yu, Nona Mikiashvili, Rabiatu Bonku, Ivy N. Smith
Summary: The study found that hydrolysis of peanut flour can reduce the immunoreactivity to peanut allergic patients and generate PFH with antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activities. The fraction smaller than 5 kDa showed higher ACE-inhibitory activity and did not bind IgE of peanut allergic patients.
Article
Entomology
Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Amrita Chakraborty, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning, Guy Smagghe, Amit Roy
Summary: Termites are both keystone species in the ecosystem and pests with significant economic impacts. Scientists are exploring the use of RNAi technology to combat termites, but face challenges due to their social nature and habitats. Genome sequencing projects on termite species offer opportunities for designing RNAi-based termiticides. This perspective highlights existing RNAi-based studies on eusocial termite pests and discusses the prospects for RNAi-termiticides.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Yan Shi, Hao Li, Ronald J. Nachman, Tong-Xian Liu, Guy Smagghe
Summary: This study assessed the effects of combining neuropeptide analogs with the PK/CAPA analog 1895 on aphid fitness. The combination of 1895 and AKH analog 2271 was found to be the most effective in controlling Myzus persicae. The triple combination 1895 + 2271 + 2315 showed synergistic effects and further increased aphid mortality and reduced reproduction. The biosafety assessment of the combination showed no significant harmful effects on pollinators and natural enemies.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Juliana L. L. Vieira, Luiz O. O. de Oliveira, Jose Alexandre F. Barrigossi, Raul Narciso C. Guedes, Guy Smagghe, Kevin Maebe
Summary: The genetic structure of the native rice stink bug and invasive rice stink bug in South America was investigated. The results showed differences in genetic structure between the two species, but there was still some overlap in genetic diversity and structure.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Qi Xue, Ericmar Avila Dos Santos, Guy Smagghe, Moises Joao Zotti, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning
Summary: This review focuses on the engineering approaches that have been successfully employed to modify insect viruses and different microbes for the production and delivery of dsRNA. It discusses different viral vector systems and microbe-based production and delivery systems. The review also provides future perspectives on the development of improved delivery systems for insect pest control.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Jonathan Willow, Ana I. I. Silva, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning, Guy Smagghe, Eve Veromann
Summary: Due to the growth of the medical Cannabis industry, this article discusses recent advancements in RNA interference (RNAi)-based crop protection research and development that can be applied to medical Cannabis cultivation. The increasing pest pressure in both indoor and outdoor Cannabis production systems, along with the need for effective nonchemical pest control methods for medical purposes, is considered. The development of RNAi strategies for protecting medical Cannabis is believed to play a significant role in maximizing success in this expanding industry. However, there are still knowledge gaps concerning the biosafety of RNA pesticides from a human toxicological perspective, given the medical context of Cannabis product use. Furthermore, further research is required to optimize Cannabis transformation and micropropagation, explore cutting-edge RNAi techniques for different Cannabis-pest scenarios, and investigate the combined application of RNAi and biological control methods in medical Cannabis cultivation.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Silva Sulg, Gabriella Kovacs, Jonathan Willow, Riina Kaasik, Guy Smagghe, Gabor L. Lovei, Eve Veromann
Summary: A field experiment in Estonia showed that if the distance from the previous year's oilseed rape (OSR) crop is over 500 meters, the infestation rates of pollen beetles and cabbage seed weevils in the current OSR fields are significantly reduced. The biocontrol provided by parasitic wasps is not greatly affected by distance. Spatial and temporal separation of OSR fields can effectively reduce pest pressure.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jiang-Jie Li, Hui-Min Xu, Huai-Zhi Zhao, Ming-Zhen Pan, Guy Smagghe, Zhen-Yu Li, Tong-Xian Liu, Yan Shi
Summary: Neurosecretory cells in the brain produce prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), which is important for insect growth and metamorphosis. Knocking out PTTH in Spodoptera frugiperda resulted in prolonged development time and death during larval molting and pupation, while silencing PTTH in 4th instar larvae increased body size but did not affect development time. PTTH is a key gene in regulating ecdysone synthesis and release, and studying its function using both RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 can provide more comprehensive insights. The conservative gene sequence structure of PTTH also makes it a potential target for developing RNAi-based pesticides.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jiangjie Li, Melissa Deveux, Olivier Christiaens, Guy Smagghe, Clauvis N. T. Taning
Summary: RNA interference (RNAi) is a promising method for pest control that can be used alongside beneficial insects. However, safety assessment studies are needed to evaluate potential adverse effects to beneficial insects. This study evaluates the unintended effects of dsRNA exposure on the jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, and confirms the compatibility of RNAi-based pest control with biological control using parasitoid wasps under laboratory conditions.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tina Tuerlings, Amanda Hettiarachchi, Marie Joossens, Benoit Geslin, Nicolas J. J. Vereecken, Denis Michez, Guy Smagghe, Peter Vandamme
Summary: The study characterized the gut microbiota of invasive bee Megachile sculpturalis from native and invaded regions. The microbiota communities in bees from invaded regions were similar and different from those in Japan. Core amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) represented micro-organisms commonly present in bee-associated niches. The absence of known bee pathogens and presence of microparasite infections suggest a potential role of pathogen pressure and natural enemies in the invasion success of M. sculpturalis.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nicolas Leclercq, Leon Marshall, Geoffrey Caruso, Kerry Schiel, Timothy Weekers, Luisa G. Carvalheiro, Holger H. Dathe, Michael Kuhlmann, Denis Michez, Simon G. Potts, Pierre Rasmont, Stuart P. M. Roberts, Guy Smagghe, Peter Vandamme, Nicolas J. Vereecken
Summary: This study aims to depict the large-scale biodiversity patterns of wild bees in Europe and identify understudied species and areas for targeted conservation actions. The findings suggest that wild bee diversity is higher in xeric, warm areas and that protecting taxonomic richness may require different strategies than protecting phylogenetic diversity.
JOURNAL OF BIOGEOGRAPHY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ruobing Guan, Tong Li, Guy Smagghe, Xuexia Miao, Haichao Li
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Paulo de Sousa, Andre Henriques, Sara E. Silva, Luisa G. Carvalheiro, Guy Smagghe, Denis Michez, Thomas J. Wood, Octavio S. Paulo
Summary: We used a population genomic approach to study three wild bee species in the Iberian Peninsula and found genetic differentiation and diversity across different locations. The results showed a consistent pattern across species, suggesting the presence of refugia within the region. The genetic differentiation and diversity were influenced by life-history traits and past climate changes, indicating the importance of the Iberian refugia as a biodiversity hotspot.
Review
Microbiology
Dongdong Liu, Guy Smagghe, Tong-Xian Liu
Summary: This review examines the use of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) as potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides, with a focus on Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The paper discusses the global application of B. bassiana- and M. anisopliae-based biopesticides and investigates the mechanism by which EPF interacts with insects, including the penetration of the cuticle and subsequent host death. The interactions between EPF and the insect microbiome, as well as the enhancement of the insect immune response, are summarized. Recent research suggesting a role for N-glycans in eliciting an immune response and reducing insect midgut permeability is also presented. Overall, this paper provides an overview of EPF in insect control and highlights recent developments in the interaction between fungi and insect immunity.
Article
Horticulture
Constantin Dushimimana, Katrijn Van Laere, Titus Magomere, Guy Smagghe, Stefaan P. O. Werbrouck
Summary: Polyploidy was induced in Melia volkensii through treatment of cotyledons with oryzalin. Treatment for 3 hours resulted in 40% tetraploids, and pre-treatment with thidiazuron increased the tetraploid production rate to 52.5%.
Article
Microbiology
Juliana Botero, Atena Sadat Sombolestani, Margo Cnockaert, Charlotte Peeters, Wim Borremans, Luc De Vuyst, Nicolas J. Vereecken, Denis Michez, Guy Smagghe, German Bonilla-Rosso, Philipp Engel, Peter Vandamme
Summary: This study provides insights into the diversity and function of Commensalibacter bacteria in various insect species. Through analysis of their whole-genome sequences, it was found that Commensalibacter strains can be classified into four species, which share similar genetic pathways for central metabolism. However, there are differences in genome size, G+C content, amino acid metabolism, and carbohydrate-utilizing enzymes among these species. Notably, the study on the Western honey bee symbiont, C. melissae, revealed its unique characteristics such as reduced genome size and a large number of species-specific gene clusters.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Pacini, Bo Ahren
Summary: Tirzepatide stimulates both insulin secretion and glucose effectiveness, with stimulation of glucose effectiveness being the prominent process to reduce glucose.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Si -yu Wang, Yu-zhe Zhang, Xiao-han Liu, Xue-ci Guo, Xiao-fang Wang, Feng-tong Han, Yao Zhang, Chang -lin Wang
Summary: In the formalin pain test, the EM-2 analogs EM-2-Me, EM-2-Et, and EM-2-Bu showed significant analgesic effects with reduced tolerance and gastrointestinal side effects. These effects were mediated through central opioid mechanisms, with EM-2-Me possibly involving dynorphin A release and EM-2-Bu directly activating multiple opioid receptors.
