Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zachery M. Wolfe, Michael E. Scharf
Summary: This study investigates the metabolic processes inside the gut of German cockroaches after treatment with antibiotics and insecticides, revealing the potential role of gut microbes in insecticide activation.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Kaiyang Liu, Shuyue Ma, Kun Zhang, Ruibo Gao, Peng Cao, Haifeng Jin, Zhiguang Yuchi, Shaoying Wu
Summary: The L1014S mutation in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene reduces the pyrethroid sensitivity and affects the channel gating in Xenopus oocytes. This study provides insights into the mechanism of pyrethroid resistance in Blattella germanica and predicts the residues associated with the risk of resistance.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rebeca Dominguez-Santos, Ana Elena Perez-Cobas, Paolo Cuti, Vicente Perez-Brocal, Carlos Garcia-Ferris, Andres Moya, Amparo Latorre, Rosario Gil
Summary: This study analyzed the hindgut microbiome of Blattella germanica, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, and viruses. Network analysis showed potential cooperation between core bacteria crucial for ecosystem equilibrium. Antibiotic treatments altered microbiota diversity and function, but these features were restored after one untreated generation.
Article
Entomology
Lin-Yu Yang, Xiao-Jie Yang, Zi-Shun Zhao, Qi-Lin Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the effects of the pesticide abamectin on mitochondrial energy metabolism using metabolomic analysis of isolated mitochondria from German cockroaches. The results showed abnormal mitochondrial morphology and changes in key enzyme activities involved in energy metabolism under abamectin stress. Metabolomic analysis revealed a set of metabolites and pathways related to mitochondrial energy metabolism. This study provides valuable insights into mitochondrial toxicology at a subcellular level under environmental toxicants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. Rumbo, V. Pagone, M. D. Piulachs
Summary: Ecdysone plays a crucial role in regulating essential processes in insect life, including metamorphosis and the proliferation and differentiation of germ cells in the ovary. This study focused on understanding the role of ecdysone in the cockroach Blattella germanica by reducing the levels of the ecdysone receptor through RNA interference. The results showed that decreased ecdysone receptor expression led to upregulation of ecdysteroidogenic genes in the ovary, resulting in excessive cell proliferation in the germarium.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Carlos Montanes, Carlos Rojano, Guillem Ylla, Maria Dolors Piulachs, Jose Luis Maestro
Summary: Using the cockroach Blattella germanica as a model, the study found that depleting AGO2 expression did not have a significant effect on nymphal development or reproduction. It also revealed that dsRNA treatment triggered an increase in AGO2 expression independently of Dcr-2 action, and siRNAs generated in AGO2-depleted animals mapped non-uniformly along the dsRNA sequence.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Juan Liu, Yong Xu, Chong Li, Ai Tan, Jiarui Zeng, Peng Liu, Xuelan Yu, Mingqiang Wang, Rongzhuo Wang, Wenbin Luo, Xinghui Qiu
Summary: The long-term and frequent use of pyrethroid insecticides has led to the development of pyrethroid resistance in insect populations. This study investigated the presence and frequency of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations in field populations of the German cockroach in China and identified a new amino acid substitution L993S. The high levels of pyrethroid resistance in these populations suggest the need for alternative insecticides with different mode of action for controlling German cockroaches in these regions.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Matthew Turner, Vincent Peta, Jose E. Pietri
Summary: Diarrheal diseases are common worldwide, and German cockroaches may be one of the causes. Previous studies believed that cockroaches transmit pathogens through mechanical transmission, but new research has found that Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium replicates in the cockroach's gut and forms biofilm-like aggregates. Furthermore, two mutant strains have been identified, which are associated with the interaction between the bacteria and cockroach vectors. These findings suggest that the transmission of Salmonella by cockroaches may not be solely mechanical and highlight the importance of cockroach control in infection prevention.
RESEARCH IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Dominguez, Viviana Pagone, Jose L. Maestro
Summary: This study analyzed the factors regulating the expression of ILPs in adult female German cockroaches. The results showed that starvation-induced reduction of certain ILPs was not due to decreased JH or TOR pathway activity. JH promoted the expression of some ILPs while inhibiting others. Moreover, JH reduction treatments decreased the expression of the insulin receptor in the fat body, indicating an increase in IIS.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Emiliano Bone, Beatriz Araoz, Paola Gonzalez-Audino, Valeria Sfara
Summary: This study explored differences in feeding behavior between susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant strains of Blattella germanica. Resistant individuals showed lower performance in locating food sources and a lower capacity in detecting food odors. In addition, resistant individuals had a slower intake rate when exploiting food sources of the same stiffness.
NEOTROPICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yun-Ru Chen, De-Wei Li, Hsin-Ping Wang, Shih-Shun Lin, En-Cheng Yang
Summary: Thigmotaxis is required for the development and homeostasis of German cockroaches. Shelter angle of <= 40 degrees is preferred by both group and individual cockroaches. Cockroaches developed in 90/180-degree shelters exhibited lower survival and fecundity, as well as a longer nymphal stage. Post-molting transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of genes related to ATP metabolism and cellular amide metabolism, while genes associated with chitin-based cuticle development and postembryonic development were downregulated. Cockroaches that developed in shelters with angles of 90 degrees showed stress responses similar to those experiencing social isolation. These findings highlight the importance of environmental tactile stimuli for the development and homeostasis of German cockroaches.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leo Zuber, Rebeca Dominguez-Santos, Carlos Garcia-Ferris, Francisco J. Silva
Summary: Antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes play an important role in the innate immune system of the German cockroach. They not only kill pathogenic bacteria, but also may be involved in controlling symbiotic systems. The expression of AMP genes varies among different tissues, with higher levels in hemolymph and salivary glands. The expression patterns of specific AMP genes are heterogeneous among sample types. The expression of AMP genes in salivary glands may help control pathogens ingested with food, while low expression levels in midgut and hindgut may be related to the presence of beneficial microbiota.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Jamora A. Hamilton, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Alexander Ko, Coby Schal
Summary: The study found that 0.1% novaluron could disrupt molting in nymphs and prevent adult females from producing viable oothecae. Gravid females fed with novaluron during different stages of gestation were still able to produce viable eggs. Novaluron did not affect mating success and fertility of adult males, and was equally effective through ingestion and topical application.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Ahmed Rajab, Gholamhossein Moravvej, Ahmad Asoodeh
Summary: The study found that treating German cockroaches with insecticidal sublethal doses may result in higher levels of insecticide resistance compared to untreated ones.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEST MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sergei Yu Firsov, Karina A. Kosherova, Dmitry Mukha
Summary: SINEs have significant functional roles in gene expression regulation in the host genome. Some SINEs and their copies are found in gene introns and piRNA clusters, and it is speculated that SINEs in gene introns may regulate gene expression levels through a PIWI-related molecular mechanism.
Article
Entomology
Cari D. Lewis, Brenna A. Levine, Coby Schal, Edward L. Vargo, Warren Booth
Summary: Over the past decade, the continuous use of pyrethroid insecticides has resulted in a significant increase in knockdown-associated insecticide resistance (kdr) mutations in bed bugs. The presence of multiple kdr mutations in recent infestations suggests that strong selection pressure has driven the rapid evolution of adaptive traits in bed bug populations.
JOURNAL OF PEST SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Nan Chen, Yong-Jun Liu, Yong-Liang Fan, Xiao-Jin Pei, Yang Yang, Ming-Tao Liao, Jiru Zhong, Na Li, Tong-Xian Liu, Guirong Wang, Yufeng Pan, Coby Schal, Sheng Li
Summary: This study reveals a single gene that integrates sex differentiation, hormone signaling, and sexual attractiveness in the German cockroach. In sexually mature females, the expression of CYP4PC1 and production of female-specific contact sex pheromone are induced by sex differentiation genes and juvenile hormone signaling. In adult males, CYP4PC1 expression is directly inhibited by doublesex(M) binding and lack of the gonadotropic hormone, preventing the production of the pheromone and male-male attraction. Manipulation of the upstream regulators demonstrates that wild-type males prefer to court cockroaches with higher CYP4PC1 expression and pheromone production in a dose-dependent manner, regardless of their sex.
NATURE ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Sudip Gaire, Simona Principato, Coby Schal, Zachary C. DeVries
Summary: This study analyzed the histamine excretion of bed bugs at different life stages and populations, and found that males excrete the most histamine while first instar nymphs excrete the least. However, when normalized for blood consumption, it was found that males excrete more histamine than other life stages. Histamine excretion continued for at least 14 days after feeding, with the highest amount excreted 3-4 days after a bloodmeal.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Aaron R. Ashbrook, Aram Mikaelyan, Coby Schal
Summary: This study investigates the susceptibility of bed bugs and German cockroaches to the fungal pathogen Beauveria bassiana. The results show that bed bugs are highly susceptible to fungal infections, regardless of the exposure method. On the other hand, German cockroaches are only infected through certain routes of exposure. This highlights the potential of fungal pathogens to control bed bugs, but further research and innovative technologies are needed to effectively target cockroaches.
Article
Entomology
Jamora A. Hamilton, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Coby Schal
Summary: Gel bait formulations of insecticides are effective in managing German cockroach populations due to the palatability of baits, slow-acting insecticides, and their horizontal transfer within aggregations. The study aimed to investigate the extent of tertiary and quaternary effects of horizontal transfer, and compare different gel baits with varied active ingredients. The results showed high mortality rates among adult females and secondary mortality within 48 hours. Some baits caused tertiary mortality, and only fipronil and indoxacarb baits led to quaternary mortality. The importance of secondary, tertiary, and quaternary transfer in field populations remains to be determined.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Samantha McPherson, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Jules Silverman, Coby Schal
Summary: Glucose aversion in German cockroaches leads to resistance to insecticidal baits. Glucose-averse (GA) cockroaches reject glucose-containing foods, even in low concentrations, protecting them from ingesting toxic baits. The ingestion of glucose or glucose-containing disaccharides in baits results in behaviorally relevant glucose levels in the feces, deterring coprophagy by GA nymphs. Baits containing glucose or glucose-containing oligosaccharides may impede cockroach interventions as first instars reject the glucose-containing feces of any wild-type (WT) cockroaches that consumed the bait.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agronomy
Ahmed M. Saveer, Eduardo Hatano, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Robert L. Meagher, Coby Schal
Summary: The fall armyworm is a global pest that severely impacts the production of various plants. Using traps baited with species-specific synthetic sex pheromone lures is an efficient way to detect and monitor infestations of this pest.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Eduardo Hatano, Coby Schal
Summary: Human-imposed selection can lead to adaptive changes in sensory traits. However, rapid evolution of the sensory system can interfere with other behaviors, and animals must overcome such sensory conflicts. In response to intense selection by insecticide baits, German cockroaches evolved glucose-aversion (GA), which affects their mate selection. Comparative analysis reveals that GA males have two adaptive traits that allow them to cope with the altered sexual behavior of GA females. These traits are not genetically associated with the GA trait, suggesting independent evolution.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Liu, Jeremy J. Heath, Sai Zhang, Michiel van Wijk, Guirong Wang, Jan Buellesbach, Ayako Wada-Katsumata, Astrid T. Groot, Coby Schal
Summary: Insects use olfaction for various adaptive behaviors, such as mate and food localization, mate choice, oviposition site selection, kin recognition, and predator avoidance. The study reveals the composition of male moth pheromones, which consist of compounds resembling female emissions, unique compounds specific to males, and sequestered plant compounds and hormone derivatives. This mosaic pheromone blend may serve multiple functions during courtship. The importance of methyl salicylate in facilitating female acceptance of males is also highlighted. Rating: 8/10
Article
Parasitology
Maria A. Gonzalez-Morales, Andrea E. Thomson, James Yeatts, Hiroko Enomoto, Ahmed Haija, Richard G. Santangelo, Olivia A. Petritz, Rocio Crespo, Coby Schal, Ronald Baynes
Summary: Bed bug infestations are re-emerging in the poultry industry, causing adverse effects on bird health and welfare. Fluralaner has shown promising results in controlling these pests, with a treatment effect lasting for at least 28 days.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Johnalyn M. Gordon, Richard G. Santangelo, Maria A. Gonzalez-Morales, Mark Menechella, Coby Schal, Zachary C. DeVries
Summary: Histamine, a component of bed bug aggregation pheromone, has been identified as an environmental contaminant in homes with bed bug infestation, posing potential health risks to humans. This study quantified histamine levels in household dust from infested and uninfested apartments, and found the highest concentration in bedding material. Infestation severity did not affect histamine levels. The findings suggest the importance of focusing on the bedroom for histamine mitigation and the persistence of histamine even after pest eradication.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)