Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sanjay Saini, Lavi Rani, Neha Shukla, Ravindra Singh Thakur, Devendra Kumar Patel, M. S. Ansari, Monisha Banerjee, Naveen Kumar Gautam
Summary: This study demonstrated the protective role of hsp27 overexpression against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity in fruit flies. Hsp27 overexpression reduced oxidative stress and rescued cell death in the renal system. The study provides insights into the genetic modulation of stress proteins in the protection against cadmium toxicity.
COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY C-TOXICOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cliver Fernandes Farder-Gomes, Abraao Almeida Santos, Kenner Morais Fernandes, Rodrigo Cupertino Bernardes, Gustavo Ferreira Martins, Jose Eduardo Serrao
Summary: The research found that fipronil has severe toxic effects on stingless bees, compromising their physiological functions. The exposure to this insecticide leads to decreased respiration rate and disrupted structure and function of the Malpighian tubules in the bees. In addition, ingestion of fipronil increases oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis, further impairing the bees' cell recovery ability.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ho Jung Yoon, Briana E. Price, Ryssa K. Parks, Seung-Joon Ahn, Man-Yeon Choi
Summary: In this study, the researchers identified and characterized DH31 and two DH31 GPCR variants in spotted-wing drosophila. They found that the two variants have different C-termini structures and utilize different second messengers. The study also showed that DH31 stimulates fluid secretion in the fruit flies, providing insights into their diuretic mechanisms.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lavi Rani, Sanjay Saini, Ravindra Singh Thakur, Devendra Kumar Patel, Debapratim Kar Chowdhuri, Naveen Kumar Gautam
Summary: This study investigates the effects of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and combined exposure of BPA + HSD on glucose homeostasis and renal complications in Drosophila. The results show that exposure to 1.0 mM BPA alone induces type 2 diabetes-like condition in adult male Drosophila, while combined exposure of BPA + HSD aggravates the severity of diabetes and renal tubular dysfunction. This study suggests the use of Drosophila model to study environmental chemical-induced diabetes-mediated renal dysfunction.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucas Miotelo, Ana Luiza Mendes dos Reis, Annelise Rosa-Fontana, Jessica Karina da Silva Pachu, Jose Bruno Malaquias, Osmar Malaspina, Thaisa Cristina Roat
Summary: This study investigated the sublethal effects of the insecticide thiamethoxam on the stingless bee Melipona scutellaris. Results showed that exposure to a sublethal concentration of thiamethoxam affected brain function of the bees, even though longevity was not reduced. Cell damage in both target and non-target organs was observed, with irregular nuclei shape and condensed chromatin being common features. These damages compromised essential processes for the survival of M. scutellaris, such as nutrient absorption, excretion, memory, and learning. The findings contribute to understanding how bees respond to thiamethoxam exposure and will be beneficial for future risk assessments in bee conservation.
Article
Biology
Damandeep Kapoor, Aliyyah Khan, Michael J. O'Donnell, Dennis Kolosov
Summary: Lepidopterans, known for their beauty and ecological importance as pollinators, have larvae that are economically important pests of forests and crops due to their feeding habits. The larval body's extreme alkalinity aids in digesting plant proteins, while uninterrupted excretory function is necessary due to the presence of plant secondary metabolites. Studies have shown that epithelial ion transport in lepidopteran larvae can be rapidly adjusted, involving unexpected roles for various ion channels and gap junctions.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jun Xu, Yifang Liu, Hongjie Li, Alexander J. Tarashansky, Colin H. Kalicki, Ruei-Jiun Hung, Yanhui Hu, Aram Comjean, Sai Saroja Kolluru, Bo Wang, Stephen R. Quake, Liqun Luo, Andrew P. McMahon, Julian A. T. Dow, Norbert Perrimon
Summary: The single-nucleus study of the Drosophila renal system identified various cell types and their roles in kidney function and regeneration, providing insights for the generation of disease models.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Andre Medina, Karen Bellec, Sofia Polcownuk, Julia B. Cordero
Summary: Whole body health relies on complex inter-organ signalling networks, with the intestine playing a major role as a signalling center. Research on fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has contributed to our understanding of how the adult intestine interacts with its microenvironment and distant organs. These findings have important implications for understanding intestinal and whole body pathophysiology.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marco Milan
Summary: Drosophila abdomen development relies on matrix metalloproteinases produced by larval cells which drive basement membrane degradation and proliferative growth of progenitor epithelial cells.
Article
Parasitology
Sarah. D. D. Sneed, Sutopa. B. B. Dwivedi, Cameron DiGate, Shane Denecke, Michael Povelones
Summary: This study demonstrates that the Malpighian tubules (MT) in mosquitoes can directly respond to Toll pathway activation and regulate gene silencing through RNA interference. The transcriptional response of the MT significantly overlaps with the changes in the proteome of the hemolymph, suggesting a potential role of the MT in mosquito humoral immunity.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Feimin Yuan, Minjing Su, Tiantian Li, Yalin Zhang, Christopher H. Dietrich, Michael D. Webb, Cong Wei
Summary: This study reveals the chemical and physical characteristics of integumental brochosomes (IBs) in a leafhopper and identifies the constituents and biosynthesis of IBs. The results show that IBs mainly consist of glycine- and tyrosine-rich proteins and some metal elements, containing both essential and non-essential amino acids for insects. These proteins are synthesized in a specialized glandular segment of the Malpighian tubules and may be related to the symbiotic relationship with endosymbionts.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Sima Jonusaite, Aylin R. Rodan
Summary: The paper discusses the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and maintenance of the Malpighian tubules, with a focus on the roles of smooth septate junction (sSJ) proteins and GATAe transcription factor in Drosophila. It also compares the functions of sSJ proteins in the fly midgut versus the Malpighian tubule, emphasizing the importance of cellular context for protein functions.
CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Joshua B. Benoit, Kevin E. McCluney, Matthew J. DeGennaro, Julian A. T. Dow
Summary: Since the transition from water to land, maintaining water balance has been a key challenge for terrestrial arthropods. We explore factors that allow terrestrial arthropods to survive within a variably dry world and how they shape ecological interactions. Dehydration and its avoidance have ecological impacts that extend beyond a single species to alter trophic interactions. As climate changes, evolutionary and ecological processes will be critical to species survival during drought.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jinghua Zhu, Zengxin Li, Meng Zhang, Weiwei Qin, Yoonseong Park, Yueping He
Summary: This study utilized RNA-seq to identify a set of transporter and receptor genes enriched in the excretory organs of the brown planthopper (BPH). RNA interference assays showed that the knockdown of certain genes significantly affected the survival and honeydew secretion of BPH. These genes may serve as potential targets for insect control.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lijing Liu, Dongchao Zhao, Genhong Wang, Qingxiu He, Yuwei Song, Yulu Jiang, Qingyou Xia, Ping Zhao
Summary: The high adaptability of insects to food sources has made them one of the most abundant and diverse species on Earth. However, the molecular mechanisms behind their rapid adaptation to different foods are still not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the changes in gene expression and metabolic composition of silkworms' Malpighian tubules when fed mulberry leaf and artificial diets. The findings suggest that detoxification enzymes and transporters are more abundant in the artificial diet group, and there is an increased content of secondary metabolites and various compounds in this group. These findings provide important insights into the role of the Malpighian tubules in food adaptation and offer guidance for improving artificial diets for silkworm breeding.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Mohamed Kodiha, Nabila Azad, Siwei Chu, Noah Crampton, Ursula Stochaj
Summary: This study reveals that oxidative stress induces the nuclear accumulation of RanBP1 and the signaling pathways mediated by EGFR and PKA play a role in regulating RanBP1 localization during stress. RanBP1 acts as a downstream effector of these signaling routes, positioning it at the intersection of important cellular signaling circuits.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CELL BIOLOGY
(2024)
