Genomic analysis of two phlebotomine sand fly vectors of Leishmania from the New and Old World

PLoS neglected tropical diseases, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 17(4), P. e0010862 - e0010862

Published: April 12, 2023

Phlebotomine sand flies are of global significance as important vectors human disease, transmitting bacterial, viral, and protozoan pathogens, including the kinetoplastid parasites genus Leishmania , causative agents devastating diseases collectively termed leishmaniasis. More than 40 pathogenic species transmitted to humans by approximately 35 fly in 98 countries with hundreds millions people at risk around world. No approved efficacious vaccine exists for leishmaniasis available therapeutic drugs either toxic and/or expensive, or becoming resistant more recently developed drugs. Therefore, reservoir control currently most effective strategies break transmission. To better understand biology flies, mechanisms involved their vectorial capacity, insecticide resistance, population structures we sequenced genomes two geographically widespread vector species: Phlebotomus papatasi a that cause cutaneous leishmaniasis, (distributed Europe, Middle East North Africa) Lutzomyia longipalpis visceral across Central South America). We categorized curated genes processes roles disease vectors, chemosensation, blood feeding, circadian rhythm, immunity, detoxification, well mobile genetic elements. also defined gene orthology observed micro-synteny among genomes. Finally, present diversity structure these respective geographical areas. These will be foundation on which base future efforts prevent vector-borne transmission parasites.

Language: Английский

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Pyrethroid resistance mechanisms in the major malaria vector species complex

Entomologia Generalis, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 43(3), P. 515 - 526

Published: June 19, 2023

Pyrethroids remain the most important class of insecticides for controlling malaria mosquitoes.Resistance to pyrethroids in major African vector Anopheles gambiae was detected soon after introduction this insecticide 1970s but strength, and distribution, resistance has greatly accelerated 21 st century.In review we summarise current understanding mechanisms underpinning resistance, including new discoveries on genetic basis established such as changes neuronal target site pyrethroids, latest understandings less well characterized sequestration.Many gaps our pathways these associated genes, many, causal mutations elusive; is a key obstacle development informative panels markers that would aid monitoring management vectors.

Language: Английский

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Unraveling the Molecular Architecture of Mosquito D1‐Like Dopamine Receptors: Insights Into Ligand Binding and Structural Dynamics for Insecticide Development

Proteins Structure Function and Bioinformatics, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Jan. 18, 2025

ABSTRACT Vector‐borne diseases pose a severe threat to human life, contributing significantly global mortality. Understanding the structure–function relationship of vector proteins is pivotal for effective insecticide development due their involvement in drug resistance and disease transmission. This study reports structural dynamic features D1‐like dopamine receptors (DARs) disease‐causing mosquito species, such as Aedes aegypti , Culex quinquefasciatus Anopheles gambiae stephensi . Through molecular modeling simulations, we describe common fold DARs within G‐protein–coupled receptor family, highlighting importance an orthosteric enlarged binding pocket. The pocket, resembling cage‐like structure, situated ~15 Å deep protein, with two serine residues forming roof aspartate residue, along conserved water molecules (W1 W2), floor. side walls are composed phenylalanine on one valine residue other. antagonist site, pocket (EBP) near entrance cavity, can accommodate ligands varying sizes. energy observed be ~2–3 kcal/mol higher than that amitriptyline, asenapine, flupenthixol DARs. These bind EBP, which obstructs movement toward active thereby inhibiting signal transduction. Our findings elucidate architecture pockets versatility accommodating diverse ligands, providing foundational framework future development.

Language: Английский

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A Comparative Analysis of Cockroach and Mosquito, Octopamine Receptor Homologues Produced Using Chimera, Swiss-Model, and AlphaFold Molecular Modeling Tools

ACS Omega, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

Homology modeling can help bridge the gap between missing 3D structures and available primary sequences of protein. More environmentally friendlier insecticides against domestic nuisance target octopamine receptor proteins, only expressed in invertebrates. Herein, homologues from Periplaneta americana Culex quinquefasciatus, which do not have tertiary Protein Data Bank (PDB), were built using homology evaluated with various molecular tools. AlphaFold models (AFM), use artificial intelligence DeepMind, showed structural validity when superimposed on Swiss-Model (SMM) for both insect species. The UCSF Chimera Modeler (CMM) did match those by irrespective species model compared. greatest discrepancy any two resulted AFM CMM 21.46% similarity 14.92% backbone αCs their structures, respectively, cockroach mosquito, yet are highly identical. highest sequence identity occurred SMM at 75%, corresponding mosquito 35.12% just surpassed threshold pairwise set above 30%. local quality obtained ProSA web server ranks that order, even though all had good z-scores. Ramachandran plot paints a different picture where higher percentage residues accepted zone few wrong places. However, data VADAR statistics show more thermodynamically stable lower fraction buried amino acids or charges. Docking studies conducted software active site involved number electrostatic hydrophobic interactions. These include GLU202, LEU102, ASP95, ASP105 VAL24 LEU174 models. protein contains some identical found bound complexes including GLU, LEU, APS, SER, happen to be positions. ANOVA analysis revealed no significant difference docking energies, an indication different, they still conserve essential qualities needed binding. Thus, despite differences based validation evaluation, such unlikely affect binding octopamine. quaternary structure is crucial, preserves full recommendable.

Language: Английский

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Methuselah‐like 2 mediated 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling regulates molting and fecundity in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Pest Management Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 21, 2025

Abstract BACKGROUND G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) are very promising as the targets of endogenous neuropeptides/neuromodulators that, upon binding to receptors, induce profound changes in insect physiology. The Methuselan/Methuselan‐like subfamily GPCRs is reported be associated with longevity and stress resistance. A previous study showed fungicide jingangmycin‐induced expression Mthl2 enhanced resistance Nilaparvata lugens . However, other physiological functions remain unelucidated. RESULTS was highly expressed before molting decreased after that until next ecdysis, showing a cyclical pattern related behavior predominantly distributed cuticle‐producing reproductive tissues N. Silencing by RNAi nymphs disrupted synthesis 20E, caused downregulation 20E signaling‐related genes, further affected transcription cuticular proteins. Moreover, it led malformation integument structure declined emergence rate, whereas exogenous could rescue rate knockdown Furthermore, depletion through nymphal stage influenced development ovaries fecundity female adults. soluble protein content tissues, transcript levels Vitellogenin (Vg) were significantly silencing , ultimately leading decline number offspring an obviously transgenerational consequence. CONCLUSION current revealed which can used RNAi‐based insecticide discovery control this pest. © 2025 Society Chemical Industry.

Language: Английский

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CAPA Neuropeptide and Its Receptor in Insects: A Mini Review

Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 118(5)

Published: April 30, 2025

ABSTRACT A neuropeptide, the CAPA, and its cognate receptor have been diversely characterized in different orders of class Insecta. CAPA peptides are synthesized abdominal neurohemal system activate their corresponding receptor, (CAPA‐R), a type G protein‐coupled (GPCR), to initiate cellular signals for diverse physiological functions insects. Activation CAPA‐R Malpighian tubules results ion‐water homeostasis via antidiuresis majority insect species; however, diuresis myotropic activities also known result. Antidiuretic activity has reported from mosquitoes, assassin bugs, spotted wing drosophila, more; hence, this group holds importance as potential targets when it comes medical agricultural entomology. GPCRs form family cell membrane receptors responsible signal transduction across humans well With advances knowledge human GPCRs, agriculturally important insects offered an opportunity designing implementing GPCR‐targeting compounds integrated pest management programs. In review, we present comprehensive view on factors diuresis/anti‐diuresis with special reference peptide‐receptor interaction. The major focus is role fluid energy homeostasis, stress tolerance, muscle functioning, regulation reproduction, diapause‐related processes. We end by outlining significance excretion respect capa‐r gene silencing management.

Language: Английский

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Current Knowledge on Chemosensory-Related Candidate Molecules Potentially Involved in Tick Olfaction via Haller’s Organ

Insects, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 14(3), P. 294 - 294

Published: March 18, 2023

Ticks are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites and vectors of many animal human pathogens. Chemosensation plays a significant role in tick communication with their environment, including seeking out blood meal hosts. Studies on the structure function Haller's organ its components have improved our understanding regarding olfaction chemical ecology. Compared knowledge insect olfaction, less is known about molecular basis ticks. This review focused chemosensory-related candidate molecules likely involved olfaction. Members ionotropic receptor family new class odorant-binding proteins now to be which appear differ from that insects. These more closely related those mites spiders than other arthropods. The amino acid sequences niemann-pick type C2 microplusin-like ticks exhibit features indicating potential as binding proteins. In future, comprehensive pertinent research considering existing shortcomings will required fully understand olfactory chemoreception. information may contribute development molecular-based control mechanisms reduce populations disease transmission.

Language: Английский

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Honey Bee Larval Hemolymph as a Source of Key Nutrients and Proteins Offers a Promising Medium for Varroa destructor Artificial Rearing

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 24(15), P. 12443 - 12443

Published: Aug. 4, 2023

Varroa destructor, a major ectoparasite of the Western honey bee Apis mellifera, is widespread pest that damages colonies in Northern Hemisphere. Throughout their lifecycle, V. destructor females feed on almost every developmental stage host, from last larval instar to adult. The parasite thought hemolymph and fat body, although its exact diet nutritional requirements are poorly known. Using artificial Parafilm™ dummies, we explored nutrition assessed survival when fed larvae, pupae, or adults. We compared results with mites synthetic solutions filtered hemolymph. showed parasites could survive for several days weeks different diets. Bee yielded highest rates, plasma was sufficient maintain 14 more. This cell-free solution therefore theoretically contains all necessary nutrients mite survival. Because some proteins known be hijacked without being digested by parasite, decided run proteomic analysis highlight most common our samples. A list 54 compiled, including energy metabolism such as Vitellogenin, Hexamerin, Transferrins. These molecules represent key nutrient candidates crucial

Language: Английский

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Resistance to amitraz in the parasitic honey bee mite Varroa destructor is associated with mutations in the β-adrenergic-like octopamine receptor

Journal of Pest Science, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 95(3), P. 1179 - 1195

Published: Dec. 23, 2021

Abstract Varroa destructor is considered a major reason for high loss rate of Western honey bee ( Apis mellifera ) colonies. To prevent colony losses caused by V. destructor, it necessary to actively manage the mite population. Beekeepers, particularly commercial beekeepers, have few alternative treatments other than synthetic acaricides control parasite, resulting in intensive treatment regimens that led evolution resistance populations. investigate mechanism amitraz detected mites from French and U.S. apiaries, we identified characterized octopamine tyramine receptors (the known targets amitraz) this species. The comparison sequences obtained collected different apiaries with regimens, showed amino acid substitutions N87S or Y215H OctβR were associated failures reported respectively. Based on our findings, developed tested two throughput diagnostic assays based TaqMan technology able accurately detect carrying mutations receptor. This valuable information may be help beekeepers when selecting most suitable acaricide .

Language: Английский

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Insecticide discovery–“Chance favors the prepared mind”

Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 192, P. 105412 - 105412

Published: March 26, 2023

Language: Английский

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