Article
Cell Biology
Xueyang Pan, Michael B. O'Connor
Summary: In holometabolous insects, metamorphic timing and body size are controlled by a neuroendocrine axis involving multiple signaling pathways. Receptor tyrosine kinases Alk and Pvr work in coordination with PTTH/Torso signaling to regulate pupariation timing and body size. Alk triggers Ras/Erk signaling and suppresses autophagy, while Pvr activation relies on autocrine signaling by PG-derived factors.
Article
Entomology
Haixia Zheng, Yi Yan, Guohua Wei, Austin Merchant, Yaxin Gu, Xuguo Zhou, Xun Zhu, Yunhui Zhang, Xiangrui Li
Summary: In this study, a key gene E75 associated with the ecdysone signal pathway was identified and cloned from the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae. Functional characterization of E75 confirmed its role in the regulation of aphid growth, development, and molting process. This finding offers a potential molecular target for genetic-based biopesticides development for aphid control.
Article
Cell Biology
Xueya Cao, Marta Rojas, Jose Carlos Pastor-Pareja
Summary: The JAK/STAT signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of the prothoracic gland in fruit flies, regulating the onset of metamorphosis. Tissue damage and tumors can also activate JAK/STAT and delay metamorphosis.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ayana Gayathri Rajan Valsala, Evans Dassammal Asirvadam
Summary: Plastic waste in canals creates stagnant water that promotes mosquito breeding. This study found that BPA, derived from plastic waste, affects the life cycle and metamorphosis of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, shortening embryonic and larval development.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Kai Xiong, Ximei Liu, Zhe Xie, Khor Waiho, James K. H. Fang, Youji Wang, Menghong Hu
Summary: This study revealed the physiological changes that occur during the molting cycle of juvenile horseshoe crabs, as well as the expression levels of genes involved in molting. The results showed significant changes in enzyme activity and hormone levels during the molting process. RNA sequencing also identified differentially expressed genes related to molting. This study provides important theoretical insights into the growth and molting processes of marine arthropods, and supports the development of captive rearing technologies for Chinese horseshoe crabs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Saumya Jain, Ying Lin, Yerbol Z. Kurmangaliyev, Javier Valdes-Aleman, Samuel A. LoCascio, Parmis Mirshahidi, Brianna Parrington, S. Lawrence Zipursky
Summary: Integration of a global temporal transcriptional module with cell-type-specific transcription factors influences neuronal wiring and synaptic connectivity in the fly visual system. The steroid hormone ecdysone induces a cascade of transcription factors in all fly visual system neurons, regulating the expression of a common set of targets required for synaptic maturation and cell-type-specific targets enriched for cell-surface proteins regulating wiring specificity. Disruption of the ecdysone pathway leads to specific defects in dendritic and axonal processes and synaptic connectivity, with sequential expression of transcription factors correlating with wiring steps. Shared targets of a cell-type-specific transcription factor and the ecdysone pathway regulate wiring specificity. Neurons integrate temporal transcriptional regulation and cell-type-specific regulation to generate cell-type-specific patterns of cell recognition molecules influencing neuronal wiring.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Faith Karanja, Subhshri Sahu, Sara Weintraub, Rajan Bhandari, Rebecca Jaszczak, Jason Sitt, Adrian Halme
Summary: In Drosophila melanogaster, the hormone ecdysone plays a dual role in promoting and suppressing wing imaginal disc regeneration. Lower concentrations of ecdysone enhance regenerative signaling, while higher concentrations inhibit regeneration through the expression of different splice isoforms. Ecdysone also promotes the expression of wingless, a key factor in regeneration and normal development, through a distinct regulatory pathway.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiaowen Chen, Xin Hou, Hao Yang, Hao Liu, Jun Wang, Chenghui Wang
Summary: This study investigated the molecular function and interplay of EcR and RXR during the molting process of Chinese mitten crab. The expression level of RXR was found to be more stable and higher than EcR throughout the molting process. CO-IP and luciferase reporter assay experiments confirmed the molecular interaction between EcR and RXR, which significantly induced the transcription of the essential gene E75 in the ecdysteroid signaling pathway. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the endocrine control of molting in E. sinensis, as well as novel insights into the molecular mechanism of molting in crustaceans mediated by the ecdysteroid signaling pathway.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yan Yang, Tujing Zhao, Zheng Li, Wenliang Qian, Jian Peng, Ling Wei, Dongqin Yuan, Yaoyao Li, Qingyou Xia, Daojun Cheng
Summary: The study demonstrates that PRC2-mediated H3K27 methylation at Hairy in the prothoracic gland during larval period is required for ecdysone biosynthesis and the larval-pupal transition in Bombyx and Drosophila. This epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role in the crosstalk between juvenile hormone (JH) and ecdysone during insect development.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Ximei Liu, Jiani Liu, Kai Xiong, Caoqi Zhang, James Kar-Hei Fang, Jie Song, Zongguang Tai, Quangang Zhu, Menghong Hu, Youji Wang
Summary: This study reveals the potential threat of ocean acidification (OA) to the tri-spine horseshoe crab population, highlighting the negative effects on chitinase activity, ecdysone expression, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota. Although the growth and molting rate showed no significant differences, the physiological and microbial responses of the larvae indicate the potential risks of OA to the stability of horseshoe crab populations and overall ecosystem health.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Masaya Uchida, Hazuki Mizukawa, Masashi Hirano, Nobuaki Tominaga, Koji Arizono, Hiroshi Ishibashi
Summary: Concentrations of fipronil and its derivatives were detected in rivers and estuaries in Japan. The compounds were found to have higher concentrations in river water compared to estuarine water. Fipronil, fipronil sulfone, and fipronil sulfide represented the majority of the compounds. These compounds were also found to have toxic effects on Americamysis bahia, with Fip-S and Fip-Sf exhibiting higher toxicity than Fip. The study also found that the growth disruption in A. bahia may be caused by the compounds promoting molting, and further research is needed to understand the molecular mechanism involved.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Editorial Material
Entomology
Marek Jindra
Summary: This article discusses the development of insect growth regulators (IGRs) by focusing on insight into the molecular principles of biosynthetic or hormone signaling pathways unique to arthropods, with the aim of targeting specific insect taxa representing pests or disease vectors. Various strategies, such as rational structure-based design and high-throughput screening of chemical libraries, are used to obtain desired compounds for chemical intervention. All avenues leading to selective and environmentally safe pest control are valid in response to the declining world insect population.
JOURNAL OF PESTICIDE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Licheng Gu, Zhiwei Wu, Xiaotong Wu, Yuenan Zhou, Pei Yang, Xiqian Ye, Min Shi, Jianhua Huang, Xuexin Chen
Summary: In this study, the molting process and behavioral sequence of the diamondback moth were described in detail. The duration and photographic details of each stage were provided, and new characteristics during the molting process were discovered. This research enhances our understanding of the molting biology of lepidopteran insects and facilitates further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.
Article
Zoology
Chunfen LI, Meng HE, Yinjie CUI, Yu PENG, Jie LIU, Yueli YUN
Summary: The study found that Wolbachia infection significantly shortened the developmental duration of host spiders and made W+ spiders significantly heavier in the 3rd and 4th instars. Additionally, by affecting insulin and ecdysone signaling pathways, Wolbachia may influence host development.
INTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Chen Xi Hu, Jie Zeng, Hui Nan Hao, Yang Xiu Yue Xu, Fang Liu, Ruo Dan Liu, Shao Rong Long, Zhong Quan Wang, Jing Cui
Summary: The study revealed the crucial role of TsPPase in larval molting and development of Trichinella spiralis, showing that interference with its expression can hinder larval development. TsPPase was prominently expressed in muscle larvae and intestinal infective larvae.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Yue-Nan Zhou, Shuang Xie, Jia-Ni Chen, Ze-Hua Wang, Pei Yang, Si-Cong Zhou, Lan Pang, Fei Li, Min Shi, Jian-Hua Huang, Xue-Xin Chen
Summary: Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) play crucial roles in insect olfactory perception. The study on Cotesia vestalis shows OBP genes are highly conserved in Hymenoptera and may be involved in parasitic processes of female wasps. This is indicated by the longer time female wasps take to target hosts when certain OBP genes are knocked down.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongxing Xu, Xinhai Ye, Yajun Yang, Yi Yang, Yu H. Sun, Yang Mei, Shijiao Xiong, Kang He, Le Xu, Qi Fang, Fei Li, Gongyin Ye, Zhongxian Lu
Summary: Research has revealed that hundreds of genes in the Telenomus and Trichogramma wasps have evolved at accelerated rates, with 38 genes showing extremely rapid evolutionary rates in these two miniaturized wasps, primarily related to eye and wing development, as well as cell size control. These genes also indicate potential roles in body size regulation, providing genetic basis for their convergent adaptations to miniaturization.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongxing Xu, Xianxin Zhao, Yajun Yang, Xi Chen, Yang Mei, Kang He, Le Xu, Xinhai Ye, Ying Liu, Fei Li, Zhongxian Lu
Summary: The study generated a high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly of the rice leaffolder C. exigua using a hybrid strategy with different sequencing technologies. The assembly included Z and W sex chromosomes, annotated a large number of protein-coding genes, and demonstrated distinct genomic features associated with gene family expansion and contraction compared to another rice leaffolder species.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Jing Liu, Kang He, Zong-xiu Luo, Xiao-ming Cai, Lei Bian, Zhao-qun Li, Zong-mao Chen
Summary: The study compared the macroglomerular complex (MGC) of the antennal lobe (AL) between male Ectropis obliqua and Ectropis grisescens moths, finding both species had five glomeruli at invariant positions, but differing volumes of the anterior-lateral glomerulus (ALG) and posterior-ventral (PV) glomerulus. These differences may be related to their ability to sense sex pheromone compounds and ratios, providing important insights into mating isolation mechanisms between the sibling moth species.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yueliang Bai, Zhenmin Shi, Wenwu Zhou, Guiyao Wang, Xiaoxiao Shi, Kang He, Fei Li, Zeng-Rong Zhu
Summary: The genome of the mirid species Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter was sequenced and assembled, providing insights into its role as a natural enemy in the rice ecosystem. Chromosome characteristics, genome size, phylogenetic relationships with other Hemipteran species, and gene families related to detoxification and adaptation were analyzed, contributing to future rice pest management and food production.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Mei, Dong Jing, Shenyang Tang, Xi Chen, Hao Chen, Haonan Duanmu, Yuyang Cong, Mengyao Chen, Xinhai Ye, Hang Zhou, Kang He, Fei Li
Summary: Insects, the largest group of animals on Earth, have a significant impact on human life. InsectBase 2.0 is an updated database containing a vast amount of insect genome and gene data, serving as a valuable platform for entomologists and researchers in related communities.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ma Wei-hua, Wu Tong, Zhang Zan, Li Hang, Situ Gong-ming, Yin Chuan-lin, Ye Xin-hai, Chen Meng-yao, Zhao Xian-xin, He Kang, Li Fei
Summary: A recent study investigated the off-target effects of RNAi-mediated pest control using insecticidal siRNAs in both target and non-target insects. The results showed that these siRNAs caused unintended changes in gene expression in both types of insects, but did not significantly affect the overall transcriptome profiles. The study proposed a metric based on Shannon entropy to estimate the off-target effects, which could be useful for assessing the safety of RNAi in pest control.
JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuyang Cong, Xinhai Ye, Yang Mei, Kang He, Fei Li
Summary: This study examines the genome size (GS) variation in insects and reveals that GS generally follows an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck adaptive evolutionary model. Ancestral reconstruction suggests that most insect clades have experienced massive genome expansions or contractions. The proliferation of transposable elements contributes to the high variation in GS between closely related insect species.
Article
Biology
Haojie Tong, Yuan Wang, Shuping Wang, Mohamed A. A. Omar, Zicheng Li, Zihao Li, Simin Ding, Yan Ao, Ying Wang, Fei Li, Mingxing Jiang
Summary: The PsFAR gene plays a crucial role in wax biosynthesis in cotton mealybug, contributing to their adaptation to water loss and insecticide stress.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Junjie Yan, Chaowei Zhang, Mengdi Zhang, Hang Zhou, Zhangqi Zuo, Xinhua Ding, Runzhi Zhang, Fei Li, Yulin Gao
Summary: This study generated a chromosome-level genome assembly of the Colorado potato beetle using PacBio HiFi sequencing and Hi-C scaffolding technologies. The assembly has a size of -1,008 Mb, anchored to 18 chromosomes, and contains 676 Mb repeat sequences and 29,606 protein-coding genes. This resource will greatly benefit research communities studying the beetle and invasive biology.
Article
Entomology
Xinxin Zhang, Yang Mei, Hong Li, Meijun Tang, Kang He, Qiang Xiao
Summary: This study compared the virulence of EcobNPV-QF4 and EcobNPV-QV on E. grisescens using the leaf-disc method, and generated larval-transcriptomes of infected E. grisescens at different time-points after infection. Understanding the transcriptional responses of the host to viral infection is critically important for understanding the mechanism of the differences in virulence between the two strains.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu-Wei Zhong, Yun-Yun Fan, Zhang-Qi Zuo, Run-Guo Shu, Yin-Quan Liu, Jun-Bo Luan, Fei Li, Shu-Sheng Liu
Summary: Using Illumina, PacBio HiFi and Hi-C technologies, the chromosome-level genome assembly of Eretmocerus hayati (Aphelinidae, Hymenoptera) was successfully obtained. The assembled genome has a size of 692.1 Mb with a contig N50 of 7.96 Mb. After Hi-C scaffolding, the genome was assembled onto four chromosomes with a mapping rate of > 98%. The genome contains 370.8 Mb repeat sequences and a total of 24471 protein coding genes. This chromosome-level genome assembly provides valuable support for future research on the evolution of parasitoid wasps and the interaction between hosts and parasitoid wasps.