Article
Plant Sciences
Oxana Skokova Habustova, Zdenka Svobodova, Dalibor Kodrik, Frantisek Sehnal
Summary: The toxicity of the Bt toxin Cry3Aa was verified on the Colorado potato beetle and evaluated against the Egyptian armyworm. The study found that Cry3Aa toxin did not have significant deleterious effects on the Egyptian armyworm.
Article
Entomology
Ilaria Di Lelio, Eleonora Barra, Mariangela Coppola, Giandomenico Corrado, Rosa Rao, Silvia Caccia
Summary: Transgenic plants expressing dsRNA targeting essential insect genes have shown to be effective in controlling pests. In this study, tobacco plants were transformed to produce dsRNA targeting Sl 102 gene involved in the immune response of Spodoptera littoralis larvae. Experimental results demonstrated that larvae reared on these transgenic tobacco lines exhibited decreased gene expression, impaired encapsulation response, and increased susceptibility to insecticide. This approach could potentially reduce the use of insecticides and enhance their efficacy against mature larvae.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yun Wang, Hongbin Zou, Juan Lai, Ze Zhang, Wei Sun
Summary: The study revealed that miR-282-5p coordinates the regulation of chitinase 5 in the moulting process of silkworms, and the 20E signaling pathway plays a crucial role in normal moulting.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Gui-Yun Li, Xiao-Jing Liu, Gang-Qi Fang, Jie Yang, Shuai Zhan, Mu-Wang Li
Summary: This study explores the function of mgl in the silkworm and finds that disruption of this gene significantly affects the development and silk production of the silkworm. These results not only contribute to the research on Lepidoptera insects but also enhance our understanding of cholesterol metabolism in insect development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
S. -H. Gu, C. -H. Chen
Summary: The study reveals that PTTH induces RSK phosphorylation in Bombyx mori PGs, with Ca2+ and PLC being involved in this process.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Shi-Hong Gu, Pei-Ling Lin
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the downstream pathways of cAMP signaling in the prothoracic glands of Bombyx mori. They found that dbcAMP and MIX inhibited AMPK phosphorylation and activated the phosphorylation of the translational repressor, 4E-BP, indicating the involvement of TOR signaling. Additionally, cAMP was found to activate PKC signaling, which was independent of PI3K or AMPK. These findings suggest that the AMPK/TOR/4E-BP and PKC pathways are involved in cAMP-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in B. mori.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Yan-Xia Sun, Bang-Xian Zhang, Fang-Fang Liu, Xiang-Jun Rao
Summary: This study found that the CTL5 gene is mainly expressed in fourth-instar larvae, adult moths, and the larval epidermis of Bombyx mori. CTL5 expression responds differently to pathogenic stimuli and the molting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone. Recombinant proteins can bind to hemocytes, polysaccharides, bacteria, and spores, and interact with integrin β2-β5 subunits. Injection of recombinant CTL5 stimulates the expression of immune genes and enhances the clearance of pathogens.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ivana Daubnerova, Ladislav Roller, Honoo Satake, Chen Zhang, Young-Joon Kim, Dusan Zitnan
Summary: Insect ecdysis triggering hormones act on specific neurons in the central nervous system to activate the ecdysis sequence, with different ETH receptor subtypes showing distinct spatial and temporal expression patterns in the CNS to control various stages of the ecdysis process.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jing Xu, Xiaole Xie, Qiuqin Ma, Lu Zhang, Yu Li, Yin Chen, Kang Li, Yang Xiao, Gianluca Tettamanti, Hanhong Xu, Ling Tian
Summary: This study characterized the molecules involved in Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV)-silkworm interaction by RNA sequencing. The upregulated genes were mainly involved in translation, signal transduction, folding, sorting, and degradation, while the downregulated genes were predominantly related to metabolism. Knockout of specific genes inhibited or promoted BmNPV proliferation.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
S-H Gu, C-H Chen, P-L Lin
Summary: This study demonstrated the involvement of PKC signaling in PTTH-stimulated ecdysteroidogenesis in Bombyx prothoracic glands, with the pathways including Ca2+, PLC, and redox regulation. Other pathways like ERK and PI3K/AMPK were found not to be upstream signaling pathways for PKC-dependent protein phosphorylation. Treatment with PKC inhibitors reduced the phosphorylation of the 37-kDa protein and inhibited ecdysteroidogenesis, confirming the role of PKC in PTTH signaling.
INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Emily N. Brogan, Yong-Lak Park, Kristen E. Matak, Jacek Jaczynski
Summary: The study on cricket, locust, and silk worm pupae powders revealed that these insect powders are rich in protein and have a diverse amino acid composition, but may not be suitable for infants. Protein from insects can be efficiently isolated using pH-solubility-precipitation method.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jiamin Yan, Zhao Xue, Haonan Dong, Jiaxin Pang, Huawei Liu, Jing Gong, Qingyou Xia, Yong Hou
Summary: In this study, the expression and regulation pathways of storage protein genes in silkworms were investigated. The results showed that the expression of storage proteins in silkworm larvae was strongly decreased by starvation, and the insulin-like signaling pathway played an important role in the regulation of storage protein expression. The ILS/FoxO signaling pathway responds to nutrient uptake by regulating the expression of storage proteins.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhihua Hao, Qingyu Lu, Yanyan Zhou, Yanting Liang, Yun Gao, Huanyan Ma, Yusong Xu, Huabing Wang
Summary: The use of pesticides can weaken the immune system of non-target organisms, and there is a lack of common biomarkers to detect these effects. This study found that MyD88 could potentially serve as a biomarker for pesticide-induced stress in Bombyx mori.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Gabriela-Maria Baci, Alexandra-Antonia Cucu, Alexandru-Ioan Giurgiu, Adriana-Sebastiana Musca, Lilla Bagameri, Adela Ramona Moise, Otilia Bobis, Attila Cristian Ratiu, Daniel Severus Dezmirean
Summary: CRISPR-Cas is a powerful gene editing tool that has made remarkable progress in B. mori genome editing, advancing research in the fields of entomology and biological sciences.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhengwen Yan, Xiaoling Tong, Gao Xiong, Weike Yang, Kunpeng Lu, Yajie Yuan, Minjin Han, Hai Hu, Wei Wei, Fangyin Dai
Summary: Insect cuticle plays a critical role in the adaptability of insects to the environment and their resistance to insecticides. This study focused on the structure and protein components of the cuticle at each developmental stage of the silkworm (Bombyx mori). The researchers found that the processes of cuticle formation were similar across the larval, pupal, and adult stages, and a large portion of the expressed cuticular protein (CP) genes were shared among these stages. However, there were also stage-specific CP genes expressed in each cuticle. The types and levels of CP genes may be important factors determining the properties of each cuticular layer. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of cuticle morphology and protein components, and contributes to future research on the molecular mechanisms underlying cuticle formation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
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
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
Qun Yang, Guy Smagghe, An Staes, Kris Gevaert, Kristof De Schutter
Summary: Protein glycosylation is an important post-translational modification that affects protein properties. Insects utilize alpha-1,6-fucosyltransferase (FucT6) to modify N-glycan structures on glycoproteins. Silencing FucT6 in Nilaparvata lugens nymphs caused developmental failure and high mortality, highlighting its requirement during nymphal development. Silencing FucT6 in adults did not result in lethality, but parental RNAi led to complete failure in egg hatching, with FucT6 gene expression peaking during kata-trepsis event. This study emphasizes the crucial role of FucT6-mediated glycosylation in embryonic development and provides insights into N-glycosylation in insects.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(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)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Henry Shaykins Mwaka, Lander Bauters, Josephine Namaganda, Shirley Marcou, Priver Namanya Bwesigye, Jerome Kubiriba, Guy Smagghe, Wilberforce Kateera Tushemereirwe, Godelieve Gheysen
Summary: The burrowing nematode Radopholus similis is a major problem in banana cultivation, causing extensive root damage and toppling disease. This study showed that soaking R. similis in double-stranded RNA of specific nematode genes suppressed its reproduction. By transforming a banana cultivar with constructs for expression of RNA against these genes, the researchers found that the transgenic plants had lower nematode multiplication and root damage compared to non-transgenic controls or plants expressing nonendogenous gene RNA. This suggests that RNAi can effectively protect banana against R. similis damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
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.