Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chengjun Li, Wei Wu, Jing Tang, Fan Feng, Peng Chen, Bin Li
Summary: A study identified 883 miRNAs in Tribolium castaneum, with 102 miRNAs exhibiting stage-specific expression patterns. Knockdown of five differentially expressed miRNAs led to defects in metamorphosis and wing development. This study provides important insights into the roles of miRNAs in insect growth and development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Soheila Fatehi, Michael Aikins, Thomas W. W. Philips, Susan Brown, Kun Yan Zhu, Erin D. D. Scully, Yoonseong Park
Summary: The study focuses on Tribolium castaneum, a model beetle, and its positive single-stranded RNA virus, Tribolium castaneum iflavirus (TcIV). It found that TcIV is prevalent among different laboratory cultures, strains, and the same strain maintained in different laboratories, as well as in the Tribolium cell line TcA. The study also supports transovarial transmissions and the virus' prevalence in the nervous system, offering an opportunity to study the interaction between the virus and the immune system in this model beetle species.
Article
Biology
Bjoern Trebels, Stefan Dippel, Brigitte Goetz, Maria Graebner, Carolin Hofmann, Florian Hofmann, Freya-Rebecca Schmid, Mara Uhl, Minh-Phung Vuong, Vanessa Weber, Joachim Schachtner
Summary: The study reveals that sensory neurons in the larval antennae of the red flour beetle are reused in the adult stage, while the structure of the antennal lobe undergoes transformation. The formation of adult glomeruli in the antennal lobe during mid-metamorphosis is a common feature among different insect species, although the role of Orco in development may vary.
Article
Agronomy
Janin Rosner, Johanne Tietmeyer, Hans Merzendorfer
Summary: The study focused on the potential functions of TcABCG and TcABCH genes in insecticide detoxification. Upregulation of some genes after insecticide treatment was found, but silencing these genes did not significantly increase susceptibility to insecticides, indicating an unspecific stress response rather than direct involvement in detoxification processes.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mi Young Noh, Karl J. Kramer, Subbaratnam Muthukrishnan, Yasuyuki Arakane
Summary: Through real-time PCR analysis, it was found that two yellow genes (TcY-g and TcY-g2) in Tribolium castaneum were specifically expressed in the ovaries of adult females. Loss of function caused by injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for either TcY-g or TcY-g2 gene resulted in failure of oviposition, but had no effect on maternal survival. The ovaries of dsRNA-treated females contained developing oocytes and mature eggs, but the ovulated eggs were collapsed and ruptured, leading to swollen lateral oviducts and calyxes. TEM analysis showed morphological abnormalities in lateral oviduct epithelial cells and the tubular muscle sheath. These results suggest that both TcY-g and TcY-g2 proteins are necessary for maintaining the rigidity and integrity of the chorion in T. castaneum.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ana Korsa, Lai Ka Lo, Shrey Gandhi, Corinna Bang, Joachim Kurtz
Summary: Recent studies have shown that the microbiome has a significant impact on many properties of an organism, and its composition can change under various conditions. In invertebrates, the presence of the gut microbiome has been found to be related to immune priming. This study found that the composition of the microbiome in red flour beetle changed following oral priming treatment with certain strains of bacteria, but there were no changes with injection priming treatment. This suggests that specific members of the microbiome may be involved in the oral priming response in the red flour beetle.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kentarou Matsumura, Kyosuke Wakabayashi, Renya Kawakami, Takahisa Miyatake
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between reproductive traits and latitude in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. The results showed that there were significant differences in the reproductive traits of males but not females among field populations. Male reproductive traits exhibited latitudinal clines, while female reproductive traits were correlated with body size. The findings suggest that selection for male reproductive traits varies with latitude in T. castaneum.
BEHAVIORAL ECOLOGY AND SOCIOBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kun Qian, Yi Yang, Changyin Zhou, Haoyu Zhang, Nan Zhang, Xiangkun Meng, Jianjun Wang
Summary: In this study, two putative sodium channel genes, TcNav1 and TcNav2, were cloned and characterized in Tribolium castaneum, encoding proteins with amino acid similarities to Drosophila para. Knockdown of TcNav1 and TcNav2 adversely affected adult emergence and decreased sensitivity to insecticides. These findings suggest that duplication of sodium channel genes in T. castaneum has led to diversified developmental and toxicological functions.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Kenji Shimomura, Hinoki Oikawa, Maaya Hasobe, Nobuhiro Suzuki, Shunsuke Yajima, Motohiro Tomizawa
Summary: Beetles are highly destructive pests of agriculture and stored products. Researchers have explored alternatives to pesticides for more sustainable pest management, focusing on insect transient receptor potential channels. The repellent activities of l-menthol and menthoxypropanediol for the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum are mediated by TcTRPM, suggesting that contact repellency may be more significant for repelling beetles than olfactory responses.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Amy M. Osborne, Samira Beyramysoltan, Rabi Ann Musah
Summary: Insect infestation poses a significant threat to global food security, and a new technique called Direct Analysis in Real Time-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry was used to differentiate infested and uninfested flour samples through statistical analysis. This technique identified specific compounds responsible for the infestation, potentially leading to a rapid method for testing flour and other grains for insect infestation.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Janin Roesner, Hans Merzendorfer
Summary: ABC transporters are suggested to play a role in insecticide detoxification, with specific TcABCA-C genes being upregulated in response to insecticide exposure. Inhibition of ABC transporters enhances the toxicity of certain insecticides, while silencing of specific TcABCC genes increases susceptibility to particular insecticides. These findings highlight the potential involvement of ABC transporters in detoxification processes in insects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Runnan Yu, Wenjing Zhang, Yanxiao Li, Jing Tang, KumChol Kim, Bin Li
Summary: ALKBH4 plays a crucial role in epigenetic regulation in mammals by repairing alkyl lesions, but its function in insects is not well understood. In this study, the TcALKBH4 gene was cloned and characterized in Tribolium castaneum. The expression pattern of TcALKBH4 showed high expression in early embryos and early pupae, and in the adult testis and ovary. RNA interference targeting TcALKBH4 at different developmental stages resulted in distinct phenotypes, including developmental failure in larvae, reduced food intake, and fertility deficiency in adults. However, TcALKBH4 RNAi did not affect 6mA levels in vivo. qRT-PCR analysis suggested that TcALKBH4 may mediate larval development through the 20E signaling pathway, and the fertility of female and male adults may be regulated by vitellogenesis and JH signaling pathways, respectively. These findings provide new insights into the potential function of ALKBH4 in insects.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Bjoern Trebels, Stefan Dippel, Janet Anders, Clara Ernst, Brigitte Goetz, Tim Keyser, Karl Heinz Rexer, Ernst A. Wimmer, Joachim Schachtner
Summary: Previously, it was believed that the paired antennal lobes were the only primary processing centers for olfactory input in holometabolous insects. However, we have discovered that in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, olfactory input from the palps is also processed separately at distinct neuronal centers. The antennal olfactory sensory neurons project into the antennal lobes, while the palps project into the paired glomerular lobes and the unpaired gnathal olfactory center.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Xin Xu, Nan Zhang, Xiangkun Meng, Heng Jiang, Huichen Ge, Yang Zheng, Kun Qian, Jianjun Wang
Summary: In this study, the role of FOXO in metabolic detoxification and regulation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway in insects was investigated using Tribolium castaneum as a model organism. The results showed that FOXO directly regulated the expression of CncC and indirectly regulated the expression of Keap1 through CncC. These findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway in insects.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Patchara Sirasoonthorn, Katsumi Kamiya, Ken Miura
Summary: The study demonstrates the importance of adult-specific cuticular protein genes in the antifungal properties of insect cuticle, with their combined knockdown leading to compromised host defense. Using RNA interference technology, researchers found that these genes play a crucial role in constructing the cuticle of adult insects and contribute significantly to defending against pathogenic fungi.
JOURNAL OF INVERTEBRATE PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yue Gao, Suning Liu, Qiangqiang Jia, Lixian Wu, Dongwei Yuan, Emma Y. Li, Qili Feng, Guirong Wang, Subba R. Palli, Jian Wang, Sheng Li
Summary: The study reveals that JH membrane signaling phosphorylates USP at Ser35 through PKC activation, enhancing the regulation of 20E on fruit fly development. The uspS35A mutant with Ala substitution at Ser35 shows reduced body size and delayed developmental timing.
Article
Entomology
Xien Chen, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: The study identified the molecular mechanism of deltamethrin resistance in fall armyworm by showing the key role of P450 gene SfCYP321A8, which could be applied in resistance and functional genomics research. Transgenic lines expressing P450 genes were developed and showed significantly increased tolerance to deltamethrin through bioassays, highlighting the potential for further research on insecticide resistance in lepidopteran pests.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Xien Chen, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: A piggyBac-based germline transformation system was established in the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, a global agricultural pest. Tissue-specific promoters were identified and used to drive the expression of transgenes, resulting in tissue-specific overexpression. Overexpression of certain genes in the midgut was found to confer insecticide resistance.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ramesh Kumar Dhandapani, Dhandapani Gurusamy, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: This study evaluated a nanoparticle delivery system based on protamine sulfate (PS)/lipid/dsRNA for gene silencing in the fall armyworm and demonstrated its high efficiency and stability in cells and larvae.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sharath Chandra Gaddelapati, Najla M. Albishi, Ramesh Kumar Dhandapani, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: This study identified 10 genes coding for HDACs in the yellow fever mosquito and determined their role in larval development using RNA interference. The findings suggest that HDAC3 plays a crucial role in larval development and knockdown of HDAC3 leads to larval death and affects midgut size.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna R. Pasternak, Subba R. Palli
Summary: Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, is increasing in prevalence each year. A study conducted in Kentucky, a non-endemic area, revealed a more than 300% increase in reported human cases from 2010 to 2019. Monitoring the distribution of infected ticks is crucial for effective prevention strategies and disease surveillance.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Xien Chen, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: This study reports the establishment of multiple transgenic CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing methods in the global agricultural pest, fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda. Fluorescent proteins suitable for screening for transgenic fall armyworm were identified. The use of U6-tRNA-sgRNA system for sgRNA expression was found to be more efficient in inducing target gene knockout. These methods provide valuable tools for gene editing and functional genomics studies in the fall armyworm and other lepidopteran pests.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Agronomy
Yulin Gao, Andrei Alyokhin, Ralf Nauen, Raul N. C. Guedes, Subba Reddy Palli
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Guang-Hua Luo, Xi-En Chen, Yao-Yu Jiao, Guan-Heng Zhu, Ru Zhang, Ramesh Kumar Dhandapani, Ji-Chao Fang, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: This study reveals that the SoxC gene plays a crucial role in the regulation of insect ecdysis, and is associated with the expression of neuropeptide genes such as EH.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Marc Kenis, Giovanni Benelli, Antonio Biondi, Paul-Andre Calatayud, Roger Day, Nicolas Desneux, Rhett D. Harrison, Darren Kriticos, Ivan Rwomushana, Johnnie van den Berg, Francois Verheggen, Yong-Jun Zhang, Lakpo Koku Agboyi, Regis Besmer Ahissou, Malick N. Ba, Julio Bernal, Adeney de Freitas Bueno, Yves Carriere, Geraldo Andrade Carvalho, Xue-Xin Chen, Lizette Cicero, Hannalene du Plessis, Regan Early, Patrick Fallet, Komi K. M. Fiaboe, Dnyaneshwar M. Firake, Georg Goergen, Astrid T. Groot, Raul N. C. Guedes, Ankita Gupta, Gao Hu, Fn Huang, Lara R. Jaber, Edi A. Malo, Christina B. McCarthy, Robert L. Meagher, Samira Mohamed, David Mota Sanchez, Rodney N. Nagoshi, Nicolas Negre, Saliou Niassy, Noboru Ota, Casper Nyamukondiwa, Celso Omoto, Subba Reddy Palli, Roman Pavela, Ricardo Ramirez-Romero, Julio C. Rojas, Sevgan Subramanian, Bruce E. Tabashnik, Wee Tek Tay, Eduardo Gabriel Virla, Su Wang, Trevor Williams, Lian-Sheng Zang, Lisheng Zhang, Kongming Wu
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of the fall armyworm, including its biology, worldwide status and spread, management strategies, and recommendations for sustainable management in invaded regions.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Xingeng Wang, Jessica Faucher, Ramesh Kumar Dhandapani, Jian J. Duan, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: This study investigated the impact of dsRNA-based insecticides on the survival and behavior of a parasitoid wasp. The results showed that direct injection of dsRNA did not affect the wasp's survival, but it indirectly affected the suitability and detectability of host larvae.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna R. Pasternak, Subba R. Palli
Summary: Kentucky experiences a high incidence of ehrlichiosis, primarily transmitted by the lone star tick. Surveillance of tick distribution and pathogen detection is crucial for monitoring the expansion of this important tick vector and the increase in tick-borne diseases.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heng Jiang, Xiangkun Meng, Nan Zhang, Huichen Ge, Jiaping Wei, Kun Qian, Yang Zheng, Yoonseong Park, Subba Reddy Palli, Jianjun Wang
Summary: This study found that deltamethrin-induced oxidative stress activates AMPK, promoting the nuclear translocation of CncC through phosphorylation. CncC acts as a transcription activator of detoxification genes and regulates the expression of genes involved in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and juvenile hormone degradation. This results in increased ecdysteroid levels, decreased juvenile hormone titer, and down-regulated vitellogenin gene expression.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jinmo Koo, Dhandapani Gurusamy, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: There is limited success in using exogenous small interfering RNA (siRNA) or small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to trigger RNA interference (RNAi) in insects. Instead, long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is used to induce gene knockdown in insects. In this study, the potency of si/sh RNAs and dsRNA was compared in Colorado potato beetle (CPB) cells. CPB cells showed a highly efficient RNAi response to dsRNA, but si/sh RNAs were inefficient in triggering RNAi in CPB cells.
ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaoyu Jiao, Subba Reddy Palli
Summary: m6A methylation is a common modification of mRNA, which regulates multiple stages of mRNA processing. In this study, the role of m6A modification in insect development was explored using the red flour beetle as a model. Knockdown of m6A writers and readers disrupted ecdysis during eclosion, sterilized the insects, and affected egg laying and embryonic development.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
