Reminiscences on the honeybee genome project and the rise of epigenetic concepts in insect science

Insect Molecular Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(5), P. 444 - 456

Published: Jan. 9, 2024

Abstract The sequencing of the honeybee genome in 2006 was an important technological and logistic achievement experience. But what benefits have flown from project? What does annotated genomic assembly mean for study behavioural complexity organismal function honeybees? Here, I discuss several lines research that arisen this project highlight rapidly expanding studies on insect epigenomics, emergent properties royal jelly, mechanism nutritional control development contribution epigenomic regulation to evolution sociality. also argue term ‘insect epigenetics’ needs be carefully redefined reflect diversity toolkits insects impact lineage‐specific innovations outcomes. helped pioneer advances social molecular biology, fuelled breakthrough into role flexible systems linking genotype phenotype.

Language: Английский

---

Conservation and divergence of the retinal homeobox genetic neural lineage between Drosophila melanogaster and Tribolium castaneum

Published: Jan. 1, 2024

Brains are the central organ integrating sensory information and orchestrating behaviour. Their function development of great scientific interest, but their enormous complexity makes them difficult to study. The reduced size insect brains compared mammal brains, together with extraordinary experimental toolkits, make model organisms an excellent study case. Insect have a conserved structure functional subunits, neuropils, at same time, strong divergence across large number species is observed. These aspects offer opportunity developmental processes responsible for evolutionary divergence. complex (CX) very neuropil navigation by orientation motor control. A curious between shift in timing, so-called heterochrony: some CX larva while others develop it during metamorphosis. It has remained enigmatic, how homologous cells divergently different realise these changes. transcription factor (TF) retinal homeobox (rx) expressed anterior brain many animals involved development. In insects, Rx-positive contribute formation CX. this study, I applied concept genetic neural lineage (GNL) brains. GNL includes all neurons expressing certain regulatory gene likely species, particularly GNLs TFs like rx. genetically labelled rx beetle Tribolium castaneum using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-in reporter GFP, as was previously done Drosophila melanogaster. Using two transgenic lines, able compare stages revealing conservation GNL. Cells were analysed terms number, cell body position, projection pattern neurotransmitter content. Based on factors, defined expression domains clusters assessed basically population. showed association CX, most projections entering upper unit noduli. Additionally, there lateral accessory lobe well involvement neuroendocrine system pars intercerebralis. found several cases including additional clusters, organisation arrangements, numbers diverged roles mushroom that do not express neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin or dopamine, nonetheless, data provided framework homologising clusters. Furthermore, volume larval adult melanogaster discovered set serotonergic tangential lower castaneum, which described before. This work reveals interesting divergences brain, now allows studying underpinnings Further, shows potential powerful tool biology. Expanding approach include more could provide insights into evolution

Language: Английский

---

Unique tau‐ and synuclein‐dependent metabolic reprogramming in neurons distinct from normal aging

Aging Cell, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 23(11)

Published: Aug. 13, 2024

Abstract Neuronal cells are highly specialized and have a specific metabolic profile to support their function. It has been demonstrated that the profiles of different cells/tissues undergo significant reprogramming with advancing age, which often considered contributing factor towards aging‐related diseases including Alzheimer's (AD) Parkinson's (PD) diseases. However, it is unclear if changes associated normal aging predispose neurons disease conditions or distinct set alterations happen in AD PD might contribute pathologies. To decipher neuronal metabolism AD, PD, we performed high‐throughput steady‐state metabolite profiling on heads wildtype Drosophila models relevant PD. Intriguingly, found spectrum affected pathways dramatically between aging, Tau, Synuclein overexpressing neurons. Genetic targeting purine glutamate pathways, were dysregulated both old age partially rescued neurodegenerative phenotype overexpression mutant tau. Our findings “two‐hit model” explain pathological manifestations where aging‐ Tau/Synuclein‐ driven events cooperate each other, could be potent therapeutic strategy.

Language: Английский

---

Transcriptional complexity in the insect central complex: single nuclei RNA-sequencing of adult brain neurons derived from type 2 neuroblasts

Published: Feb. 27, 2025

In both invertebrates such as Drosophila and vertebrates mouse or human, the brain contains most diverse population of cell types any tissue. It is generally accepted that transcriptional diversity an early step in generating neuronal glial diversity, followed by establishment a unique gene expression profile determines morphology, connectivity, function. , there are two neural stem cells, called Type 1 (T1) 2 (T2) neuroblasts. contrast to T1 neuroblasts, T2 neuroblasts generate intermediate progenitors (INPs) expand number types. The T2-derived neurons contributes large portion central complex (CX), conserved region plays role sensorimotor integration. Recent work has revealed much connectome CX, but how this assembled remains unclear. Mapping derived from necessary linking assembly adult brain. Here we perform single nuclei RNA sequencing neuroblast-derived glia. We identify clusters containing all known classes glia, male/female enriched, 161 neuron-specific clusters. map neurotransmitter neuropeptide transcription factor combinatorial codes for each cluster (presumptive neuron subtype). This directs functional studies determine whether code specifies distinct type within CX. several columnar subtypes (NPF+ AstA+) closely related Our data support hypothesis represents one few subtypes.

Language: Английский

---

Precise measurement of motor neuron dysfunction in Drosophila ALS model via climbing assay and leg imaging

Methods in cell biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

---