Article
Entomology
Serhat Kaya, Fevzi Uckan, Aylin Er
Summary: Endoparasitoid species lacking symbiotic viruses inject secretions from their reproductive glands and ovaries to suppress host immunity, ensuring egg survival. These secretions lead to decreased total hemocyte counts, reduced cell viability, and inhibition of encapsulation reactions in the host.
BULLETIN OF ENTOMOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Selin Cim, Hulya Altuntas
Summary: The study showed that the venom of Pimpla turionellae induces oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity in the host insects, altering their physiological state to create a suitable environment for the successful development of the parasitoid progeny.
BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Aitor Elizalde-Bielsa, Beatriz Aragon-Aranda, Maite Loperena-Barber, Miriam Salvador-Bescos, Ignacio Moriyon, Amaia Zuniga-Ripa, Raquel Conde-Alvarez
Summary: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Gram-negative bacteria of the genus Brucella, which can cause long-lasting infections. The use of mice as in vivo models for investigating bacterial virulence is limited due to ethical and practical considerations. Galleria mellonella larvae have been increasingly used as an alternative model, showing lower mortality and delayed death upon Brucella infection compared to mice.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Renata Mendonca Moraes, Maira Terra Garcia, Fabio Stossi, Patricia Pimentel de Barros, Juliana Campos Junqueira, Ana Lia Anbinder
Summary: The adrenergic signalling pathway plays an important role in the host immune response and Porphyromonas gingivalis infection. Isoproterenol increases the number of haemocytes in Galleria mellonella and reduces mortality and bacterial recovery after infection, while norepinephrine shows opposite effects.
Article
Microbiology
Mei-nian Xu, Li Li, Wen Pan, Huan-xin Zheng, Meng-lei Wang, Xiao-ming Peng, Si-qi Dai, Ying-mei Tang, Kang Zeng, Xiao-wen Huang
Summary: The study found that low concentrations of ZnO-NPs were non-toxic to Galleria mellonella larvae, and prophylactic injection of ZnO-NPs significantly prolonged the survival of C. albicans-infected larvae while reducing fungal dissemination. The protective effect was attributed more to the activation of host defense mechanisms rather than the direct fungicidal properties of ZnO-NPs.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Masanori Asai, Yanwen Li, John Spiropoulos, William Cooley, David J. Everest, Sharon L. Kendall, Carlos Martin, Brian D. Robertson, Paul R. Langford, Sandra M. Newton
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of Galleria mellonella larvae as a low-cost, rapid, and ethically more acceptable model for tuberculosis research. The Gm-MTB model can mimic key aspects of the disease and can be used for anti-TB drug screening and comparing virulence of different strains.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Farzin Zobdeh, Ivan I. Eremenko, Mikail A. Akan, Vadim V. Tarasov, Vladimir N. Chubarev, Helgi B. Schioeth, Jessica Mwinyi
Summary: Migraine is a complex neurological disorder and current drug treatments have limited success rates. Understanding the epigenetic changes associated with migraine may help to improve treatment strategies and identify new therapeutic targets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Andreas Vilcinskas
Summary: Parental investment in offspring involves transferring defense capabilities against pathogens and parasites to the next generation in a phenomenon known as transgenerational immune priming (TGIP). This effect can be passed maternally or paternally, increasing offspring survival when exposed to the same pathogens. Maternal TGIP involves transfer of microbes encountered by mothers to developing eggs, while paternal TGIP is mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, fortifying the immune response broadly.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Krishnendu Mukherjee, Ulrich Dobrindt
Summary: This article reviews the contributions of chromatin remodeling to insect immunity and adaptation to pathogens, focusing on the roles of DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNAs in the evolution of insect resistance.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Masanori Asai, Gerard Sheehan, Yanwen Li, Brian D. Robertson, Kevin Kavanagh, Paul R. Langford, Sandra M. Newton
Summary: The study used the larvae of G. mellonella as a non-mammalian infection model for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, characterizing the immune response through proteomic and transcriptomic approaches. The results showed distinct changes in the proteome at different time points post-infection, with inconsistencies between gene expression and protein abundance. Insights into the innate immune response and potential antimycobacterial agents were gained, validating the insect model as a cost-effective and ethically acceptable tool for studying MTBC members.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Robin Y. Chen, B. Andrew Keddie
Summary: This study found that hemocytes of Galleria mellonella can release ETs after bacterial stimulation, which contributes to immobilizing and killing bacteria, thus increasing bacterial clearance rate. It represents the first documentation of insect hemocyte extracellular traps that protect insects against microbial infection.
JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Daniela Ramos-Cruz, A. Niloya Troyee, Claude Becker
Summary: Plants are the central hubs of organismic interactions, constantly engaging in beneficial or competitive exchanges with various organisms. In order to establish and maintain these interactions, as well as defend against pathogens and herbivores, plants have evolved intricate regulatory mechanisms, with epigenetic mechanisms emerging as an additional regulatory entity. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the contribution of various epigenetic components and diversity to plant-organismic interactions.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Chunli Liao, Ran Huang, Yi Yang, Yapeng Huang, Kai Zhang, Liang Ma, Taotao Li, Lianzhe Wang, Huamin Zhang, Bingbing Li
Summary: Enterobacter cloacae produces insecticidal proteins that cause toxicity in pests, and the mechanisms by which these proteins control insects have been investigated. The study found that the insecticidal protein from E. cloacae NK inhibits and destroys the cellular immune response of G. mellonella larvae, leading to decreased hemocyte count, increased apoptosis rate, and reduced polyphenol oxidase activity. Intraperitoneal injection was found to be more effective than feeding.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Futaba Inoue, Kenbun Sone, Yusuke Toyohara, Yu Takahashi, Asako Kukita, Aki Hara, Ayumi Taguchi, Michihiro Tanikawa, Tetsushi Tsuruga, Yutaka Osuga
Summary: Epigenetic changes play a crucial role in endometrial cancer, including DNA methylation and histone modification. There are currently inhibitors targeting epigenetic regulators in preclinical studies and clinical trials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carla L. Sanchez-Lafuente, Brady S. Reive, Lisa E. Kalynchuk, Hector J. Caruncho
Summary: A healthy diet has been found to reduce the risk of mental health problems, such as major depression. The influence of diet on mood is mediated by epigenetic alterations in the brain. Animal studies have shown that diet can directly or indirectly affect depressive symptoms and epigenetic mechanisms in the brain, primarily through DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNAs. Inadequate maternal diets can also increase the offspring's susceptibility to anxiety and depressive-like behavior, which is accompanied by changes in the epigenome. The systematic review highlights the importance of understanding the role of brain epigenetics in the effects of diet on mental health.
Article
Biology
Krishnendu Mukherjee, Ulrich Dobrindt
Summary: This article reviews the contributions of chromatin remodeling to insect immunity and adaptation to pathogens, focusing on the roles of DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNAs in the evolution of insect resistance.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
I. Dewa M. Kresna, Zerlina G. Wuisan, Jean-Marie Pohl, Ute Mettal, Virginia Linares Otoya, Martin Gand, Michael Marner, Luis Linares Otoya, Nils Bohringer, Andreas Vilcinskas, Till F. Schaeberle
Summary: A biosynthetic gene cluster encoding an azinothricin-like compound was identified, and the production yield was enhanced by overexpression of a transcriptional activator. The structures of two compounds were successfully isolated and elucidated.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sabine Hurka, Karina Brinkrolf, Rabia Oezbek, Frank Foerster, Andre Billion, John Heep, Thomas Timm, Guenter Lochnit, Andreas Vilcinskas, Tim Lueddecke
Summary: Animal venoms, particularly those from ants, are an important source of bioactive molecules. In this study, the venom components of two myrmicine ants were investigated, revealing the presence of various protein classes, including known venom allergens and novel toxins. The study highlights the potential usefulness of ant venoms in medicine and agriculture and emphasizes the need for further research in this area.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Patrick Klueber, Dorothee Tegtmeier, Sabine Hurka, Janin Pfeiffer, Andreas Vilcinskas, Martin Ruehl, Holger Zorn
Summary: Insects, such as the larvae of the black soldier fly, offer a promising alternative source of protein to mitigate the environmental consequences of conventional livestock farming. This study evaluated the suitability of two byproducts from the palm oil industry as larval feed and examined their impact on the larval gut microbiome. The results showed that pretreating the feed with a specific fungus enhanced larval growth and weight gain, while also influencing the composition of the gut microbiome.
Article
Entomology
Sarah Christin Behrmann, Natasha Witczak, Christian Lang, Manuela Schieler, Anna Dettweiler, Benno Kleinhenz, Mareike Schwind, Andreas Vilcinskas, Kwang-Zin Lee
Summary: The bacterial yellowing disease SBR is spreading rapidly in Germany, causing significant yield losses in sugar beet cultivation. Little is known about the biology of the insect vector, Pentastiridius leporinus, which transmits SBR-causing bacteria. This study developed mass rearing techniques for P. leporinus and investigated its life cycle, host plant choice, and mobility patterns. The prevalence of SBR-causing bacteria was determined using a state-of-the-art qRT-PCR protocol. The results showed that P. leporinus is spreading northward and eastward in Germany, accompanied by an increase in SBR-carrying planthoppers.
Article
Virology
Katerina Vocadlova, Benjamin Lamp, Karel Benes, Vladimir Matha, Kwang-Zin Lee, Andreas Vilcinskas
Summary: Viruses are a significant factor in the decline of global honey bee populations, and one potential solution is introducing natural antiviral compounds from fungi into honey bee diets. In this study, we examined the effects of crude organic extracts from seven strains of the fungal genus Talaromyces in honey bee diets. We found that certain extracts from these strains could mitigate virus infections and increase bee survival rate. Furthermore, these extracts showed antiviral effects in mammalian cells.
Article
Microbiology
Juan Guzman, Miyoung Won, Anja Poehlein, Atena Sadat Sombolestani, Daniela Mayorga-Ch, David Laureys, Jessika De Clippeleer, Peter Kaempfer, Rolf Daniel, Andreas Vilcinskas, Peter Vandamme, Soon- Wo Kwon
Summary: In this study, two strains of bacteria were isolated from wasps in Germany and Korea. Molecular and phenotypic analysis showed that these strains are closely related to known species but also have distinct characteristics. Therefore, it is proposed to name these strains Aristophania vespae.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Juan Guzman, Anja Poehlein, Rolf Daniel, Peter Kaempfer, Andreas Vilcinskas
Summary: Strain G314FT, isolated from Lucilia sericata in Germany, belongs to the genus Vagococcus. It shows high sequence identity with Vagococcus bubulae, Vagococcus martis, and Vagococcus teuberi, indicating that it represents a new species of the genus. The genome of G314FT is the smallest among the closely related species and has differences in amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Domenic Dreisbach, Dhaka R. Bhandari, Anja Betz, Linda Tenbusch, Andreas Vilcinskas, Bernhard Spengler, Georg Petschenka
Summary: The mechanism of milkweed cardenolides sequestration in monarch butterflies and how related species cope with these toxins are still unknown. This study used mass spectrometry imaging to compare the distribution of cardenolides in caterpillars of monarch butterflies and common crow butterflies. The results showed that monarch butterflies can sequester cardenolides from milkweed, while no cardenolides were found in the tissues of common crow butterflies. The study also identified the transport and storage sites of cardenolides in monarch butterflies.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Maike L. Fischer, Sol Yepes A. Vivas, Natalie Wielsch, Roy Kirsch, Andreas Vilcinskas, Heiko Vogel
Summary: True water bugs (Nepomorpha) are aquatic insects that primarily feed on prey, using their piercing-sucking mouthparts to inject venom for digestion and defense. In Central Europe, different water bug species coexist in the same habitat, each with specific adaptations to their ecological niche. A study found that the composition and activity of venom differ among four water bug species, suggesting independent adaptations for feeding strategies and microhabitat preferences. Additionally, the presence of herbivory-associated proteins indicates a mostly plant-based diet in one species.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maike Laura Fischer, Benjamin Fabian, Yannick Pauchet, Natalie Wielsch, Silke Sachse, Andreas Vilcinskas, Heiko Vogel
Summary: Predatory assassin bugs produce venomous saliva that helps them overpower and digest large prey. The venom of the African assassin bug Psytalla horrida has cytotoxic effects, and our study identified several compounds responsible for its toxicity. These compounds target different organisms, with some having antimicrobial activity and others being involved in prey killing. The findings shed light on the complex mechanisms behind predation and antimicrobial defense in assassin bugs.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tim Lueddecke, Ludwig Dersch, Lennart Schulte, Sabine Hurka, Anne Paas, Markus Oberpaul, Johanna Eichberg, Kornelia Hardes, Sven Klimpel, Andreas Vilcinskas
Summary: The venoms of spiders from the RTA clade contain diverse short linear peptides (SLPs) that have insecticidal, antimicrobial, and/or cytolytic activities. This study explores the bioactivity of the A-family of SLPs identified in the venom of the Chinese wolf spider. The tested peptides showed no cytotoxic, antiviral, or insecticidal activities but exhibited antibacterial activity against clinically relevant strains of bacteria.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wendell Albuquerque, Parviz Ghezellou, Kwang-Zin Lee, Quintus Schneider, Phillip Gross, Tobias Kessel, Bodunrin Omokungbe, Bernhard Spengler, Andreas Vilcinskas, Holger Zorn, Martin Gand
Summary: In this study, the researchers used model wine haze proteins and confirmed that peptidases from Drosophila suzukii larvae can degrade the proteins under acidic conditions. The combination of mass spectrometry and protein modeling allowed for the visualization of cleavage sites. This research provides a valuable screening tool for finding optimal peptidases for wine clarification processes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anton G. Windfelder, Jessica Steinbart, Ulrich Floegel, Jan Scherberich, Marian Kampschulte, Gabriele A. Krombach, Andreas Vilcinskas
Summary: The study established a micro-computed tomography approach for analyzing the gut of the tobacco hornworm, providing high-resolution quantitative analysis and revealing previously unknown structures and folding patterns. The technique enables volume rendering, reliable volume calculation, and virtual endoscopy of the entire alimentary tract.
Article
Microbiology
Katerina Vocadlova, Tim Lueddecke, Maria A. Patras, Michael Marner, Christoph Hartwig, Karel Benes, Vladimir Matha, Petr Mraz, Till F. Schaeberle, Andreas Vilcinskas
Summary: This study discovered that methanol extracts from Talaromyces purpureogenus strains isolated from bee bread effectively inhibited the growth of Paenibacillus alvei, which is associated with European foulbrood disease. This suggests that non-pathogenic fungi and their metabolites may play an important role in disease prevention.
