Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arkadiusz Urbanski, Paul Johnston, Elisa Bittermann, Maryam Keshavarz, Veronique Paris, Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka, Natalia Konopinska, Pawel Marciniak, Jens Rolff
Summary: This study conducted a transcriptomic analysis to investigate the changes in the expression levels of immune-related genes in the storage pest Tenebrio molitor after treatment with Tenmo-TRP-7. The results revealed that Tenmo-TRP-7 regulates immune-related genes and provides new evidence for the functional homology between TRPs and TKs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Maria Luigia Vommaro, Joachim Kurtz, Anita Giglio
Summary: The study provides an updated overview of the morphology of circulating immune cells from mealworm beetle adults, revealing four main cell types and highlighting the morphological plasticity and various activities of haemocytes. The research also confirms the suitability of T. molitor haemocytes as a model for studying evolutionarily conserved cellular mechanisms, shedding light on the dynamic processes of proliferation, turnover, and transdifferentiation in the haemolymph.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elzbieta Czarniewska, Krzysztof Sielicki, Klaudia Maslana, Ewa Mijowska
Summary: This study investigated the in vivo biocompatibility of borophene nanoflakes with hemocytes in the Tenebrio molitor model organism. The results showed that the nanoflakes did not induce hemocytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species generation, disturbance in mitochondrial membrane potential, or interference with phagocytosis. These findings provide new insights into the potential biomedical applications of borophene.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Arkadiusz Urbanski, Natalia Konopinska, Natalia Bylewska, Radoslaw Gmyrek, Marta Spochacz-Santoro, Sabino Aurelio Bufo, Zbigniew Adamski
Summary: In this study, researchers report the first evidence of insect immune system modulation after applying Solanum nigrum fruit extract (EXT). They investigated the cytotoxicity of EXT on Tenebrio molitor haemocytes and its effects on the basic immune mechanisms of T. molitor. The results showed cytotoxic action of different concentrations of EXT on beetle haemocytes and impairment of immune mechanisms in T. molitor, indicating the potential usage of EXT in pest control.
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. Walkowiak-Nowicka, J. Mirek, Sz Chowanski, R. Sobkowiak, M. Slocinska
Summary: Modern agriculture has negative environmental consequences, and scientists are searching for environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides. This study examined the effects of four plant secondary metabolites, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), on the reproductive processes and larval hatchability of Tenebrio molitor beetles. The VOCs had varying effects on ovarian development, vitellogenin expression, patency index, egg laying, and larval hatchability. Additionally, the compounds showed a repellent effect and reduced insect survivability. Overall, VOCs have potential as bioactive compounds in plant protection.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
F. Robert Gleuwitz, Alexander Battig, Bernhard Schartel
Summary: This study introduces a potentially abundant protein-rich waste resource for the manufacturing of flame-retardant epoxy biocomposites and investigates the influence of biomass fillers on curing and thermal degradation behavior. The experiments show that nonvegan fillers have a good charring effect under specific conditions. This research provides potential for utilizing protein-based flame retardants from industrial insect rearing in the future.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Charly Jehan, Camille Sabarly, Thierry Rigaud, Yannick Moret
Summary: According to the research findings, different components of the immune system in the species Tenebrio molitor age differently. The induced antibacterial immune response was found to be highly connected to female fecundity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Lotte Frooninckx, Siebe Berrens, Meggie Van Peer, Ann Wuyts, Laurens Broeckx, Sabine Van Miert
Summary: This study investigated the effect of various factors on the reproduction of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor. The results showed that factors such as oviposition duration, beetle density, and the use of a grid had a clear impact on the number of eggs laid by each beetle. By separating and harvesting the eggs, the influence of beetle density, oviposition duration, beetle age, and the use of a grid on the number of eggs produced, as well as the egg hatching rate and timing, could be determined.
Article
Fisheries
A. Urbanski, N. Konopinska, J. Lubawy, K. Walkowiak-Nowicka, P. Marciniak, J. Rolff
Summary: Tachykinin-related peptides have been shown to influence the insect immune system, particularly cellular responses. Injection of Tenmo-TRP-7 increases circulating haemocytes and affects their phagocytosis and adhesion ability. The insect nervous system may play a role in pathogen recognition and immune response regulation, similar to vertebrates.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Rodolfo Bernal-Gamboa, Jesus Garcia-Salazar, A. Matias Gamez
Summary: The study found that habituation occurs in the pupa of Tenebrio molitor after repeated stimulation, but response recovery can occur when exposed to different stimuli. These findings support the significant role of habituation in the survival of the species.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Anna Djouadi, Joana Rides Sales, Maria Otilia Carvalho, Anabela Raymundo
Summary: Entomophagy is still a widespread practice in Africa and Asia, and incorporating insect flour in crackers can improve their nutritional profile and enhance mineral content. The crackers containing 6% T. molitor flour were the most preferred by the panelists.
Article
Polymer Science
Piotr Bulak, Kinga Proc, Anna Pytlak, Andrzej Puszka, Barbara Gawdzik, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: The use of insects for biodegradation of plastics is a promising approach, with experiments showing that the mealworm Tenebrio molitor is able to efficiently degrade various types of plastic waste such as polystyrene, polyurethane, and polyethylene. Both larvae and adult insects were found to be active plastic eaters, but separating them in different containers can help to increase the consumption rate and shorten the experiment duration.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Franco Cargnelutti, Ulises Castillo-Perez, Alicia Reyes-Ramirez, Maya Rocha-Ortega, Alex Cordoba-Aguilar
Summary: By studying Tenebrio molitor males, it was found that body temperature is positively correlated with the intensity of courtship behavior during infection and sexual activity. Previous studies also indicated that females can detect male infection through cues such as body temperature.
Review
Immunology
Ho Am Jang, Maryam Ali Mohammadie Kojour, Bharat Bhusan Patnaik, Yeon Soo Han, Yong Hun Jo
Summary: This review provides an overview of the importance of studying the immune system of the yellow mealworm and the critical role of the Imd signaling pathway in its humoral immune response. However, the nature and mechanism of the molecules involved in the signal cascade of the Imd pathway in T. molitor are still not fully understood.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yong Hun Jo, Jung Hee Lee, Bharat Bhusan Patnaik, Maryam Keshavarz, Yong Seok Lee, Yeon Soo Han
Summary: The yellow mealworm beetle has been used as an experimental model to study immune defenses against parasites and pathogens. The activation of hemocoelic defenses relies on pattern recognition receptors and signaling cascades such as NF-kappa B. Studies have also shown a cross-talk between autophagy and the innate immune system in response to infections by gram-positive bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
M. Szymczak-Cendlak, M. Golebiowski, S. Chowanski, J. Pacholska-Bogalska, P. Marciniak, G. Rosinski, M. Slocinska
Summary: Insect sulfakinins are neuropeptides that affect fatty acid composition and insulin-like peptides levels in Zophobas atratus oenocytes, with the presence of sulfakinin receptor transcript SKR2 identified for the first time in insect oenocytes through experimental analysis.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Marta Krenz-Niedbala, Sylwia Lukasik, Jakub Macudzinski, Szymon Chowanski
Summary: The morphometric variation of human auditory ossicles from medieval and postmedieval subadult skeletons in Poland revealed significant metric differences at areas of greatest morphological variability, with larger linear dimensions correlating with lower angular measurements. This inherent variation in supposedly functionally constrained structures highlights the need for representation from a wider range of populations, time periods, and developmental stages to better understand the global scope of ear ossicular morphology and its implications for paleoanthropology.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Zoology
Jan Lubawy, Szymon Chowanski, Zbigniew Adamski, Malgorzata Slocinska
Summary: Temperature stress is a crucial factor in determining the geographical distribution of insect species. Mitochondria play an important role in the response to cold stress, with changes in their activity and morphology. These changes may trigger apoptosis to protect the organism from chill injuries. However, the observed modifications vary depending on experimental conditions and insect species.
FRONTIERS IN ZOOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marta Kowalska, Dominik Popiel, Martyna Walter, Remigiusz Bachor, Monika Biernat, Marek Cebrat, Monika Kijewska, Mariola Kuczer, Maciej Modzel, Alicja Kluczyk
Summary: The analysis of peptide biomarkers is challenging due to the complex composition of cells and insufficient sensitivity of current analytical methods. Immobilized peptides offer a potential solution by capturing selected components or selectively tagging desired compounds, allowing for various applications such as studying enzyme specificity and activity. This review highlights the use of immobilized peptides in multiple analytical problems, including cysteine-containing peptide capturing, carbonyl compound tagging, deoxyfructosylated peptide enrichment, and azo bond formation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Szymon Chowanski, Magdalena Winkiel, Monika Szymczak-Cendlak, Pawel Marciniak, Dominika Manczak, Karolina Walkowiak-Nowicka, Marta Spochacz, Sabino A. Bufo, Laura Scrano, Zbigniew Adamski
Summary: This study investigated the potential interaction between verapamil and Solanaceae glycoalkaloids (SGAs) and their effects on cardiac activity. The results showed that verapamil, alpha-solanine, and alpha-chaconine exhibited cardioinhibitory activity. When SGAs were applied simultaneously with verapamil, an antagonistic effect was observed.
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Krzysztof Kowalski, Pawel Marciniak, Leszek Rychlik
Summary: This study confirms that the common shrew is venomous and provides experimental evidence of hemolytic action of shrew venom on frog erythrocytes. The venom of shrews may contain multiple toxins, and the hemolytic effects vary between shrew species, with the venom of Eurasian water shrew showing stronger hemolytic activity.
ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Pawel Marciniak, Joanna Pacholska-Bogalska, Lapo Ragionieri
Summary: This study analyzed the neuropeptidomes of two closely related tenebrionid beetles, Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas atratus, providing a basis for further functional studies and the design of environmentally friendly peptidomimetics. The identification of numerous neuropeptides and protein hormones precursors in these beetles will be useful for optimizing production programs and could potentially lead to the development of new biopesticides.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Arkadiusz Urbanski, Natalia Konopinska, Natalia Bylewska, Radoslaw Gmyrek, Marta Spochacz-Santoro, Sabino Aurelio Bufo, Zbigniew Adamski
Summary: In this study, researchers report the first evidence of insect immune system modulation after applying Solanum nigrum fruit extract (EXT). They investigated the cytotoxicity of EXT on Tenebrio molitor haemocytes and its effects on the basic immune mechanisms of T. molitor. The results showed cytotoxic action of different concentrations of EXT on beetle haemocytes and impairment of immune mechanisms in T. molitor, indicating the potential usage of EXT in pest control.
Article
Fisheries
A. Urbanski, N. Konopinska, K. Walkowiak-Nowicka, D. Roizman, J. Lubawy, M. Radziej, J. Rolff
Summary: Insect TRPs show structural and functional homology with vertebrate TKs. Human substance P affects the immune system of the mealworm beetle, enhancing phagocytic abilities and adhesion of haemocytes, and inducing changes in DNA integrity. It also influences the humoral immune response and antimicrobial activity of the mealworm.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. Walkowiak-Nowicka, J. Mirek, Sz Chowanski, R. Sobkowiak, M. Slocinska
Summary: Modern agriculture has negative environmental consequences, and scientists are searching for environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides. This study examined the effects of four plant secondary metabolites, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), on the reproductive processes and larval hatchability of Tenebrio molitor beetles. The VOCs had varying effects on ovarian development, vitellogenin expression, patency index, egg laying, and larval hatchability. Additionally, the compounds showed a repellent effect and reduced insect survivability. Overall, VOCs have potential as bioactive compounds in plant protection.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Krzysztof Kowalski, Pawel Marciniak, Leszek Rychlik
Summary: In this study, a proteomic analysis of the parotoids of the common toad was conducted, resulting in the identification of 162 proteins. These proteins were found to be involved in various biological functions, including cell metabolism, cell division, and cell aging. Additionally, proteins involved in cholesterol synthesis were also identified, suggesting that cholesterol may be synthesized in the parotoids.
FRONTIERS IN ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Physiology
Pawel Marciniak, Arkadiusz Urbanski, Jan Lubawy, Monika Szymczak, Joanna Pacholska-Bogalska, Szymon Chowanski, Mariola Kuczer, Grzegorz Rosinski
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY B-BIOCHEMICAL SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Jan Lubawy, Szymon P. Chowanski, Herve Colinet, Malgorzata Slocinska
Summary: The cockroach Gromphadorhina coquereliana has the ability to adapt and survive in low temperature conditions. This research shows that repeated exposure to cold triggers an acclimatory response, resulting in unchanged mitochondrial bioenergetics. It also indicates that different protective mechanisms are activated in muscle and fat body tissues to restore insect homeostasis under cold stress.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)