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.
Review
Cell Biology
Zhongxia Wu, Libin Yang, Qiongjie He, Shutang Zhou
Summary: Insect vitellogenesis is regulated by a combination of hormones, miRNA, and nutritional signaling pathways, showing the importance of the coordination of these mechanisms in controlling insect reproduction.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anuj Kumar Pandey, Vandana Sharma, Kristipati Ravi Ram
Summary: Insect pollinators, crucial for agriculture and ecosystems, are declining due to human-made chemicals. This study develops an ex vivo assay system using transgenic Drosophila males to evaluate the effects of environmental chemicals on ecdysone receptor activity, crucial for male fertility. The assay demonstrates the specific and sensitive modulation of ecdysone receptor activity by different classes of environmental chemicals, and links the endocrine disruption to reduced fertility in vivo.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Bongisiwe Zozo, Merrill Margaret Wicht, Vusi Vincent Mshayisa, Jessy van Wyk
Summary: The increasing demand for protein due to global population growth is putting pressure on the food industry. Insect farming, specifically black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), is a promising solution due to its low environmental impact. However, consumers in developed countries often have a negative perception of eating insects. This study assessed the nutritional and structural properties of BSFL flours and found that both full-fat and defatted flours have good characteristics for various food applications.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ansgar Buschges
Summary: Effective motor control requires real-time transmission of information between sensory organs and the motor system. Drosophila neuroscientists are currently using powerful techniques to unravel the neural circuits' topology in flies, achieving synaptic resolution in transmitting this information.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mahnoor Ayub, Angela B. Lange, Ian Orchard
Summary: The research identified, cloned, and sequenced the SIFamide receptor in Rhodnius prolixus, showing its regulation of heartbeat frequency and feeding behaviors, with high transcript expression in the central nervous system and midgut. Furthermore, 7 days post-feeding, the receptor's expression significantly increases in the anterior midgut and posterior midgut, and its knockdown reduces blood meal consumption.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Milton L. Montano-Campaz, Eugenio E. Oliveira, Tito Bacca, Beatriz Toro-Restrepo, Lucimar G. Dias
Summary: We evaluated the susceptibility of Chironomus columbiensis larvae to the neonicotinoid imidacloprid and found that chronic sublethal exposure reduced male body mass and reproduction, while acute sublethal exposure during the first instar increased male body mass. In addition, different exposure types and developmental stages had different effects on the wing properties of male and female mosquitoes.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jimena Leyria, Riya Philip, Ian Orchard, Angela B. Lange
Summary: Insulin-like peptides (ILPs) are crucial hormones found in all organisms, and a newly discovered ILP called gonadulin has been found to be highly expressed in the reproductive system of Rhodnius prolixus insects. In this study, it was observed that impairment of the gonadulin signaling cascade inhibited ovulation and oviposition, leading to egg retention. Understanding the reproductive processes in R. prolixus could provide insights for the development of biopesticides to control insect populations and disease transmission.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sam Schellens, Cynthia Lenaerts, Maria del Rocio Perez Baca, Dorien Cools, Paulien Peeters, Elisabeth Marchal, Jozef Vanden Broeck
Summary: Ecdysteroids play important roles in insect molting and the development of the female reproductive system. This study identified two new genes related to ecdysteroid synthesis and demonstrated the significant impact of these genes on oocyte development in the desert locust.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Suwapat Kittibunchakul, Kanyawee Whanmek, Chalat Santivarangkna
Summary: House crickets were processed into a fermented cricket paste (FCP) by mimicking the production process of Thai fermented shrimp paste. The FCP had similar characteristics to commercial shrimp paste, with an improved amino acid profile and protein digestibility compared to the raw material. Developing FCP could help promote the consumption of insect-based foods.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Romano Dallai, David Mercati, Paulo Henrique Rezende, Paolo Pietro Fanciulli, Pietro Lupetti
Summary: We investigated the ultrastructure of the female reproductive organs of Deronectes moestus and found that the long spermathecal duct is lined by a simple epithelium and surrounded by a thick layer of muscle cells. The duct contains electron-dense material, consisting of tubular structures assembled around sperm bundles. The so-called gland along the spermathecal duct is involved in fluid uptake rather than secretory activity. The spermatheca is a large structure with a complex epithelium showing secretory and duct-forming cells. The overall organization of the spermatheca in D. moestus is more integrated compared to other studied hydroporine species.
ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Vanderleia Botton, Luana Marcele Chiarello, Guilherme Alan Klunk, Dielen Marin, Luana Curbani, Marcel Jefferson Goncalves, Marcelo Diniz Vitorino
Summary: The study indicated that Cladomorphus phyllinum can be a potential source of insect-based protein, minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids. Experimental results showed that it is rich in protein and essential nutrients, and it is not toxic, suggesting that it can be used as a future food and nutritional supplement source.
EUROPEAN FOOD RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Nicholas Collins, Yasmine Belkaid
Summary: Nutrition plays a profound role in shaping the immune system, with mild reductions in dietary intake enhancing protective immunity and limiting aberrant inflammatory responses. In severe nutritional stress, specific immunological functions are heightened to prioritize survival.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Deepak Kumar Mahanta, J. Komal, Ipsita Samal, Tanmaya Kumar Bhoi, Vinod Kumar Dubey, Kiranamaya Pradhan, Aarthi Nekkanti, M. N. Rudra Gouda, Varun Saini, Nikita Negi, Sheenam Bhateja, Hansa Kumari Jat, Deepika Jeengar
Summary: By 2050, it is estimated that there will be a 2.5 billion increase in population and a 70% increase in food demand. Insects can be a nutritious alternative to meet the growing food demand, as crop yields are not sufficient to support global needs.
FRONTIERS IN NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Developmental Biology
Jaroslav Ferenc, Aissam Ikmi
Summary: This article discusses the important role of nutritional and metabolic cues in animal development, which not only support the developmental process as an energy source but also act as environmental indicators influencing decision-making. The modulation or driving of genetic programs by nutrition and metabolism to instruct developmental trajectories remains challenging.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivana Plavsin, Tereza Staskova, Michal Sery, Vlastimil Smykal, Branimir K. Hackenberger, Dalibor Kodrik
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2015)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Marek Jindra, Mirka Uhlirova, Jean-Philippe Charles, Vlastimil Smykal, Ronald J. Hill
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dujuan Dong, Yang Zhang, Vlastimil Smykal, Lin Ling, Alexander S. Raikhel
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Developmental Biology
Viastimil Smykal, Takaaki Daimon, Takumi Kayukawa, Keiko Takaki, Tetsuro Shinoda, Marek Jindra
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2014)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vlastimil Smykal, Adam Bajgar, Jan Provaznik, Silvie Fexova, Marcela Buricova, Keiko Takaki, Magdalena Hodkova, Marek Jindra, David Dolezel
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2014)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Barbora Konopova, Vlastimil Smykal, Marek Jindra
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vlastimil Smykal, Martin Pivarci, Jan Provaznik, Olga Bazalova, Pavel Jedlicka, Ondrej Luksan, Ales Horak, Hana Vaneckova, Vladimir Benes, Ivan Fiala, Robert Hanus, David Dolezel
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Kotwica-Rolinska, Lenka Chodakova, Vlastimil Smykal, Milena Damulewicz, Jan Provaznik, Bulah Chia-Hsiang Wu, Marketa Hejnikova, Daniela Chvalova, David Dolezel
Summary: Most organisms possess circadian clocks, but the composition and function of these clocks can vary significantly even between closely related species. In the case of the linden bug Pyrrhocoris apterus, the key clock gene timeless-d is dispensable, suggesting a unique adaptation in its circadian rhythm regulation system.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Nirav Thakkar, Astrid Giesecke, Olga Bazalova, Jan Martinek, Vlastimil Smykal, Ralf Stanewsky, David Dolezel
Summary: Circadian clocks are timing devices that regulate organism's behavior, physiology, and metabolism. Despite similarities, there are lineage-specific differences in the circadian clock components between fruit flies and mammals. The evolution and sequence variability of insect DBT proteins and their vertebrate homologs CKI delta and CKI epsilon have been explored. Additional duplications of the CKI delta/epsilon gene have been identified in Petromyzon, Danio, and Xenopus. Several conserved regions in DBT specific to Diptera have been determined, and their functional effects have been tested in D. melanogaster. Novel casein kinase 1 genes specific to the Drosophila genus have also been identified.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Vlastimil Smykal, David Dolezel
Summary: Juvenile hormone (JH), produced by the insect corpus allatum gland (CA), regulates insect metamorphosis, reproduction, caste differentiation, and polyphenism. JH biosynthesis involves the mevalonate pathway, but the sequence of final steps varies among insects and crustaceans. This study identified JH acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) using genomic data, analyzed their duplications, and reconstructed their phylogeny. The study also examined the evolution of FAMeT proteins and their significance in JH synthesis, providing insights for further experimental research.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Erika Machtinger, Karen C. Poh, Risa Pesapane, Danielle M. Tufts
Summary: Vector-borne diseases, transmitted by insects, are a significant threat to global human and animal health. Their emergence is influenced by factors such as environmental changes, host characteristics, and human behavior. The One Health approach is necessary to comprehensively investigate tick-borne diseases and understand the complex interactions between environmental, animal, and human health.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Biology
Pablo Urbaneja-Bernat, Alejandro Tena, Joel Gonzalez-Cabrera, Cesar Rodriguez-Saona
Summary: This article reviews the potential role of plant guttation as a food source for natural enemies, discussing its nutritional value, effects on insect communities, and potential use in conservation biological control.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Biology
Alina A. Mikhailova, Sarah Rinke, Mark C. Harrison
Summary: The genomes of eusocial insects allow the production and regulation of highly distinct phenotypes, largely independent of genotype. Eusociality has evolved convergently in at least three insect orders, but eusocial phenotypes show remarkable similarity. Increased regulatory complexity and the adaptive evolution of chemical communication are common genomic signatures of eusociality. Colony life itself can shape genomes of divergent taxa in a similar manner.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2024)
Article
Biology
Dequn Teng, Wei Zhang
Summary: Butterfly wings, with their rich phenotypic diversity and complex biological functions, serve as a crucial system for studying the genetic basis and evolution of phenotypic diversification. Recent studies have revealed the complex functions and genetic and environmental factors involved in determining wing patterns. These factors lead to inter-specific divergence, genetic polymorphism, and phenotypic plasticity, often controlled by key genes. Gene co-option has also been identified as an important mechanism for functional complexity and evolutionary novelty. However, further research is needed for a systematic and comprehensive understanding.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2024)
