Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manigandan Krishnan, Joonhyeok Choi, Ahjin Jang, Sungjae Choi, Jiwon Yeon, Mihee Jang, Yeongjoon Lee, Kkabi Son, Soon Young Shin, Myeong Seon Jeong, Yangmee Kim
Summary: This article investigates the molecular mechanism underlying the TLR4-signaling and antibacterial activities of papiliocin and finds that it can inhibit LPS-induced TLR4 signaling by binding to TLR4/MD-2 and causing dissociation of LPS from the complex, thus combating gram-negative bacteria infection.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christopher A. Johnson, Gordon P. Smith, Kelsey Yule, Goggy Davidowitz, Judith L. Bronstein, Regis Ferriere
Summary: A study combining theory and a data-based model sheds light on how mutualisms evolve without extremely tight host fidelity and how ecological context affects evolutionary outcomes and vice-versa.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Michael Garvey, Justin Bredlau, Karen Kester, Curtis Creighton, Ian Kaplan
Summary: Research in ecological immunology has shown that immune responses in insects may not always trade-off with other physiological functions when exposed to toxic plants. In the study of tobacco hornworms, it was found that while plant toxicity impacted insect growth, specific plant chemicals like nicotine actually stimulated the immune response. This highlights the importance of understanding the role of specific secondary metabolites in shaping immune responses in insects.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Viet Le, Benjamin Cellini, Rudolf Schilder, Jean -Michel Mongeau
Summary: Animals use body parts like tails to stabilize posture while moving at high speed. In flying insects, leg or abdominal inertia can affect flight posture. By studying the hawkmoth Manduca sexta, we found that torques generated by the wings and abdomen can interact and contribute to flight control. The abdomen torque is overall smaller than wing torque, but can have a significant effect at higher visual stimulus temporal frequency.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Elisabeth Adam, Bill S. Hansson, Markus Knaden
Summary: Insect pollinators like the tobacco hawkmoth have olfactory sensilla not just on their antennae but also at the tip of their proboscis. While moths can easily learn odors with their antennae, solely perceiving odors with the proboscis is not enough for odor learning. There appears to be no communication between the antennae and proboscis, and information learned by the antennae cannot be recalled by the proboscis.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Bing Ma, Xinghong Wang, Qianxia Liu, Yue Zhao, Zhiping Su, Yujia Chen, Youming Hou, Zhanghong Shi
Summary: This study aimed to determine the role of a peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), RfPGRP-S3, in the immunity of the red palm weevil (RPW). The results showed that RfPGRP-S3 can recognize Gram-positive bacteria and affect the expression of antimicrobial peptide genes. Silencing RfPGRP-S3 significantly compromised the ability of individuals to clear pathogenic bacteria, and dramatically decreased the survival rate of RPW larvae challenged with Staphylococcus aureus. These findings demonstrate the important role of RfPGRP-S3 in the immune response of RPW.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Catarina Nunes, Takashi Koyama, Elio Sucena
Summary: The study reveals that Drosophila melanogaster increases the expression of antimicrobial peptides before metamorphosis, which is a crucial step in triggering metamorphic molt by ecdysone pulse. Ecdysone regulates the immune system through both systemic and local responses, playing a vital role in controlling bacterial numbers during pupation. The co-option of immune effectors by the hormonal system may be an anticipatory mechanism for bacterial control during metamorphosis evolution.
Article
Fisheries
Christoph-Ruediger von Bredow, Yvette M. von Bredow, Tina E. Trenczek
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of haemocytes formed and released by the haematopoietic organs of Manduca sexta using specific markers and identification methods. It was found that there may be a gradual differentiation of haemocytes within the organs, and the existence of prohaemocytes in both the circulation and the haematopoietic organs, with different characteristics depending on their origin. The ablation of the haematopoietic organs reduced the number of plasmatocytes and prohaemocytes, indicating a true larval haematopoietic function.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Mechanics
Liansong Peng, Tianyu Pan, Mengzong Zheng, Guanting Su, Qiushi Li
Summary: In this paper, a three-dimensional fluid-structure interaction simulation of flapping of a flexible wing is conducted. The aerodynamic performance of the flexible wing is analyzed by considering its spatial and temporal effects. The study concludes that the flexible wing can enhance both the average lift and aerodynamic efficiency. The spatial effects are mainly influenced by the wing's camber, while the temporal effects are mainly influenced by twist and bend. These findings provide insights into the aerodynamic effects of insect wing deformation and can guide the design of micro aerial vehicles' wings.
Article
Entomology
Dooseon Hwang, Chae-Hwan Lim, Seung Hun Lee, Tae-Won Goo, Eun-Young Yun
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of a feed formulated using Hermetia illucens and increased antimicrobial peptides expression by Lactobacillus plantarum infection on the growth and immunity of rainbow trout. Results showed improved growth and immune indicators, suggesting that the feed has potential in aquaculture. The feed extracts exhibited inhibitory activity against fish pathogenic bacteria, with beneficial effects on growth and immunity, making it a potential source of feed for aquaculture.
Article
Plant Sciences
Chaoyi Hu, Chunyu Wei, Qiaomei Ma, Han Dong, Kai Shi, Yanhong Zhou, Christine H. Foyer, Jingquan Yu
Summary: Jasmonates (JAs) are crucial phytohormones in plant defense, induced by herbivory. Ethylene (ET) and JA production in response to herbivory in tomato leaves are regulated by ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR 15 (ERF15) and ERF16, acting as transcriptional activators of key genes in JA biosynthesis. The results suggest that ET signaling plays a role in the rapid induction of the JA burst in plants under herbivore attack.
Article
Biology
Sonja Bisch-Knaden, Michelle A. Rafter, Markus Knaden, Bill S. Hansson
Summary: The olfactory system of female hawkmoths can differentiate between conspicuous floral cues and subtle bouquets of larval host plants within a complex olfactory landscape. Their neural coding strategies enable them to locate crucial resources for feeding and oviposition, even when these resources are rare and intermingled with volatiles from surrounding background plants.
Article
Biology
Carina Lietz, Clemens F. Schaber, Stanislav N. Gorb, Hamed Rajabi
Summary: The study systematically investigated damping in insect wings for the first time, finding that different wing regions have almost identical damping properties, fresh wings have a higher damping ratio than previously thought, and flight muscles and hemolymph have almost no direct influence on wing damping.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Scott A. Keith
Summary: Endocrine signaling networks play a crucial role in regulating various biological processes and life history traits in animals. Steroid hormones, found in both invertebrate and vertebrate taxa, are responsible for modulating immune system function in response to intrinsic and environmental stimuli, including microbial infections. This review focuses on the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) steroid hormone, its role in developmental transitions and metamorphosis, as well as its impact on innate immunity in insects. Insights from genetic studies using Drosophila as a model organism are discussed, highlighting the mechanisms underlying 20E regulation of immunity during development and bacterial infections. Future research directions are proposed to further advance our understanding of how interactive endocrine networks coordinate animals' physiological responses to environmental microbes.
Article
Microbiology
Huawei Liu, Jiahui Xu, Luoling Wang, Pengchao Guo, Zhangchen Tang, Xiaotong Sun, Xin Tang, Wei Wang, Lingyan Wang, Yang Cao, Qingyou Xia, Ping Zhao
Summary: This study investigates the synergistic effects of serpin-1a and serpin-6 in maintaining immune homeostasis in the Toll pathway of silkworms. The findings provide new insights into the precise regulation of Toll cascade activation signals in insect innate immune responses, highlighting the importance and complexity of insect immune homeostasis regulation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ruonan Zhang, Xiaofeng Li, Jie Zhang, Yanjun Li, Yuan Wang, Yuhang Song, Feifei Ren, Huiyu Yi, Xiaojuan Deng, Yangjin Zhong, Yang Cao, Michael R. Strand, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Wanying Yang
Summary: Toll/Toll-like receptors play different roles in mammals and insects, with insects primarily activating the Toll pathway through binding Spatzle cytokines rather than directly recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Qilin Li, Mengge Li, Mengyao Zhu, Jielai Zhong, Liang Wen, Jie Zhang, Ruonan Zhang, Qiang Gao, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Yuzhen Lu
Summary: Cadherin, aminopeptidase N (APN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) have been identified as Cry receptors, with multiple paralogs found in ALPs and APNs. Different insects show sensitivity or insensitivity to Bt toxins based on the presence or absence of BtR orthologs. The expression levels of BtR and Cad89D-like genes are highly correlated with Cry toxin sensitivity in larvae of certain insect species.
Article
Entomology
Jie Zhang, Mengyao Zhu, Qilin Li, Ting Tang, Liang Wen, Jielai Zhong, Ruonan Zhang, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Yuzhen Lu
Summary: bHLH transcription factors play crucial roles in various metabolic and developmental processes in eukaryotes, and this study investigated their response to different pathogens in the polyphagous insect, Spodoptera litura. The research identified a new bHLH gene specific to Lepidoptera, analyzed the expression profiles of bHLH genes in response to pathogens, and highlighted the downregulation of SlbHLHs in the midgut of S. litura larvae after Bacillus thuringiensis treatment. These findings provide insights into the host-pathogen interaction mechanism mediated by bHLH members.
Article
Microbiology
Yaqing Chen, Huanchan Zhou, Yushan Lai, Qi Chen, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Xiaoyun Wang
Summary: Insect gut microbiota plays crucial roles in insects, and can be influenced by external factors such as food and antibiotics. This study revealed that antibiotic-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota affects energy and metabolic homeostasis in Spodoptera frugiperda.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Liang Jiang, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Luc Swevers
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liang Wen, Qian Gong, Qian Du, Xiaoqiang Yu, Qili Feng, Lin Liu
Summary: In this study, three splicing variants of Sxl mRNA were identified in Spodoptera litura, and they highly expressed in the gonads, particularly in the testis. The Sex-lethal protein (SlSXL) is mainly distributed in the cytoplasm of spermatocytes and the head of spermatid. Knockout of SlSxl resulted in reduced sperm production and undeveloped testis, leading to decreased oviposition and hatch rate in the offsprings after mating with female.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Ruonan Zhang, Xue Chen, Yuan Wang, Xu Bai, Qiong Yang, Yangjin Zhong, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Fengliang Jin, Wanying Yang
Summary: 20E is involved in larval molting, metamorphosis, and innate immune response in insects. It regulates AMP genes through the IMD pathway in Drosophila, but its involvement in other immune pathways is unknown. This study shows that BmMD-2A is regulated by 20E and activates downstream immune effectors to combat bacterial infections during larval metamorphosis in Bombyx mori.
Article
Entomology
Luoluo Wang, Zhichang Pang, Qi Chen, Zhentao Song, Yi Lu, Meng Yang, Jia Huang, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Xiaoyun Wang
Summary: This study analyzed the sublethal exposure of the bioinsecticide spinetoram to Aedes aegypti larvae and its effects on adult performance and susceptibility to dengue virus infection. The surviving adult mosquitoes exhibited smaller size and weaker blood-feeding capacity, as well as transgenerational sublethal effects on offspring survival rates. Additionally, surviving adult females had higher viral loads of dengue virus after spinetoram exposure. Mechanistically, inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation may stimulate dengue virus production in adult Ae. aegypti.
Article
Cell Biology
Ting Zhao, Yanhong Xiao, Bo Huang, Mao-Jiu Ran, Xin Duan, Yu-Feng Wang, Yuzhen Lu, Xiao-Qiang Yu
Summary: This study identifies the crucial role of transcription factor longitudinals lacking (Lola) in ovary morphogenesis in Drosophila. Lola is abundantly expressed in terminal filament cells and cap cells, and it affects adult ovary morphogenesis by suppressing the expression of Regulator of cullins 1b (Roc1b).
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jing-Wen Lu, Liang Jin, Meng-Ge Li, Bryan Q. Yu, Yang-Fan Wen, Yu-Qing Gu, Yi Lin, Xiao-Qiang Yu
Summary: This study demonstrates that the toxic core of Cry7Ab4 can delay the pupation of Plutella xylostella larvae, and identifies basic juvenile hormone-suppressible protein 1-like (BJSP-1) as a potential binding protein for Cry7Ab4.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Yaqing Chen, Yushan Lai, Runzhou Liu, Lin Yao, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Xiaoyun Wang
Summary: In this study, the role of RNA m(6)A epigenetic regulation in the embryonic development of Spodoptera frugiperda was analyzed. The highly conserved function of m(6)A methyltransferases SfrMETTL3 and SfrMETTL14 among insects and mammals was discovered. Transcriptome-wide analysis revealed differential expression of m(6)A-modified transcripts in 2-hour and 24-hour embryos, with enrichment in genes related to cell and organ development. Moreover, it was found that RNA m(6)A methylation may regulate the transcriptional levels of genes related to tissue and organ development during the embryonic stage. This study provides new insights into the embryonic development of insects.
Article
Agronomy
Liang Jin, Bin-Wu Zhang, Jing-Wen Lu, Jun-Ao Liao, Qi-Jun Zhu, Yi Lin, Xiao-Qiang Yu
Summary: This study investigated the role of Buchnera-derived PFKA in Cry41-related toxicity against M. persicae. The results suggest that Cry41-related toxin interacts with Buchnera-derived PFKA to inhibit its enzymatic activity, likely impair cell viability, resulting in a decrease in the number of Buchnera and finally leading to M. persicae death.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agronomy
Yuzhen Lu, Xinyue Deng, Qijun Zhu, Denghui Wu, Jielai Zhong, Liang Wen, Xiaoqiang Yu
Summary: RNA interference (RNAi) is a widely used method for silencing genes in various organisms and has been developed as a novel pest management strategy. Different delivery methods, such as microinjection, ingestion, soaking, oral and topical delivery, have been used for gene silencing in insect pests. Various genes involved in different processes can be targeted using RNAi, and RNAi-based pesticides have been developed in the form of genetically modified crops or as foliar sprays.
Article
Entomology
Qihao Hu, Yanhong Xiao, Runnan Wei, Ting Tang, Liang Wen, Yuzhen Lu, Xiao-Qiang Yu
Summary: This study identified a testis-specific gene CG3526 in Drosophila melanogaster and found that it plays a key role in spermatogenesis. The results suggest that CG3526 is a downstream effector gene in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jie Zhang, Siyu Wu, Yingjie Wen, Duo Lai, Shizi Kuang, Ruonan Zhang, Xiaoxia Xu, Fengliang Jin, Hanhong Xu, Xiao-Qiang Yu, Xuehua Shao
Summary: In this study, it is found that Eurycomanone (EN) is an active compound that inhibits the growth of Spodoptera frugiperda larvae by targeting the IIS pathway and activating the transcription factor SfFoxO. EN induces program cell death (PCD) in the larvae midgut and has potential as a botanical pesticide by targeting the insulin receptor and inhibiting the IIS signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)