Search Results (261)

Pardosa pseudoannulata plays an important role in the biological control of insect pests. The inclusion of yeast in the culture medium is very important for the growth, development, and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster, but there have been few studies on the influence of nutrients in the culture medium on spider development. In order to explore the effects of different yeast treatments on the growth and development of D. melanogaster and as a predator, P.  pseudoannulata, three treatments (no yeast, active yeast added, and inactivated yeast added) were adopted to modify the conventional D. melanogaster culture medium. The addition of yeast to the medium shortened the development time from larva to pupation in D. melanogaster. The emergence and larval developmental times of D. melanogaster reared with activated yeast were shorter than those of the group without yeast addition, which promoted D. melanogaster emergence and increased body weight. The addition of yeast to the medium increased the fat, protein, and glucose content in D. melanogaster. The addition of activated yeast shortened the developmental time of P.  pseudoannulata at the second instar stage but had no effect on other instars. Different yeast treat-ments in the medium had no effect on the body length or body weight of P.  pseudoannulata. Adding yeast to D. melanogaster culture medium can increase the total fat content in P.  pseudoannulata, but it has no effect on glucose and total protein in P.  pseudoannulata. Our study shows the importance of yeast to the growth and development of fruit flies. Full article

Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) poses a global threat to biodiversity and to the health of both animals and humans due to its toxic metabolites and aggressive ecological expansion. In northern Spain, particularly in regions of intensive livestock farming, these risks may be exacerbated, calling for urgent assessment and monitoring strategies. In this study, we implemented a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the toxicological and ecological relevance of P. aquilinum through four key actions: (a) quantification of pterosins A and B in young fronds (croziers) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS); (b) analysis of in vivo genotoxicity of aqueous extracts using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism; (c) a large-scale survey of local livestock farmers to assess awareness and perceived impact of bracken; and (d) the development and field application of a drone-based mapping tool to assess the spatial distribution of the species at the regional level. Our results confirm the consistent presence of pterosins A and B in croziers, with concentrations ranging from 0.17 to 2.20 mg/g dry weight for PtrB and 13.39 to 257 µg/g for PtrA. Both metabolite concentrations and genotoxicity levels were found to correlate with latitude and, importantly, with each other. All tested samples exhibited genotoxic activity, with notable differences among them. The farmer survey (n = 212) revealed that only 50% of respondents were aware of the toxic risks posed by bracken, indicating a need for targeted outreach. The drone-assisted mapping approach proved to be a promising tool for identifying bracken-dominated areas and provides a scalable foundation for future ecological monitoring and land management strategies. Altogether, our findings emphasize that P. aquilinum is not merely a local concern but a globally relevant toxic species whose monitoring and control demand coordinated scientific and policy-based efforts. Full article

Insect metamorphosis is a complex developmental process regulated by hormonal signaling and gene transcription. To elucidate its transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, we examined chromatin accessibility dynamics during metamorphosis in two holometabolous insects, Harmonia axyridis and Drosophila melanogaster, using ATAC-seq. Our analysis revealed distinct stage-specific chromatin accessibility patterns, with peak accessibility during the prepupal stage in H. axyridis and the wandering larval to prepupal transition in D. melanogaster. Through analysis of differential accessibility regions (DARs), we identified enrichment of metamorphosis-related processes including cell morphogenesis, tissue remodeling, and hormone signaling pathways via Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses. Integration of chromatin accessibility with gene expression data revealed 608 conserved genes exhibiting coordinated accessibility and expression changes across both species. Additionally, we constructed a regulatory network centered around four key transcription factors (dsx, E93, REPTOR, and Sox14) that form core regulatory modules controlling metamorphosis. This study provides novel insights into the epigenetic landscape of insect metamorphosis and establishes a foundation for understanding the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms governing this critical developmental process. Full article

Parasitoid wasps are vital for biological control, and while new species continue to be discovered, evaluating their biological characteristics is crucial for realizing their potential for pest management. Pachycrepoideus vindemiae (Rondani) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a well-studied parasitoid of dipteran pests, while Trichomalopsis ovigastra Sureshan & Narendran (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) has been only morphologically described. To assess its biocontrol potential, we compared the biological traits of T. ovigastra and P. vindemiae using Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) as hosts. T. ovigastra showed significantly higher parasitism rates, especially against B. dorsalis, where T. ovigastra achieved nearly 50% parasitism, compared to less than 0.3% by P. vindemiae. When using D. melanogaster as the host, no significant differences were observed between T. ovigastra and P. vindemiae in offspring sex ratio or adult longevity; however, T. ovigastra exhibited a shorter developmental duration and greater tolerance to temperature extremes, starvation, and desiccation. Notably, B. dorsalis has expanded its range from southern to northern China; however, no native parasitoids of this pest have been reported in the newly invaded northern regions. T. ovigastra, collected from northern orchards and capable of parasitizing B. dorsalis, thus shows promise as a biocontrol agent. These findings highlight the potential of locally occurring parasitoids, although field validation is still required. Full article

Olfaction has been extensively studied in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. This species uses its sense of smell to find blood hosts and other resources, contributing to its impact as a vector for human pathogens. Two major families of protein-coding genes, the odorant receptors (Ors) and the ionotropic receptors (Irs), provide the mosquito with sensitivities to distinct classes of volatile compounds in the antennae. Individual tuning receptors in both families require co-receptors for functionality: Orco for all Ors, and Ir8a for many Irs, especially ones that are involved in carboxylic acid detection. In Drosophila melanogaster, disruptions of Orco or Ir8a impair receptor function, tuning receptor expression, and membrane localization, leading to general anosmia. We reasoned that Orco and Ir8a might also be important for coordinated chemosensory receptor expression in the antennal sensory neurons of Ae. aegypti. To test this, we performed RNAseq and differential expression analysis in wildtype versus Orco^−/− and Ir8a^−/− mutant adult female antennae. Our analyses revealed Or and Ir tuning receptors are broadly under-expressed in Orco^−/− mutants, while a subset of tuning Irs are under-expressed in Ir8a mutants. Other chemosensory and non-chemosensory genes are also dysregulated in these mutants. Furthermore, we identify differentially expressed transcription factors including homologs of the Drosophila melanogaster Mip120 gene. These data suggest a previously unknown pleiotropic role for the Orco and Ir8a co-receptors in the coordination of expression of chemosensory receptors within the antennae of Ae. aegypti by participating in a feedback loop involving amos and members of the MMB/dREAM complex. Full article

The red-belted clearwing moth Synanthedon myophaeformis is a deleterious pest of apple orchards, wherein the larvae bore tree bark, resulting in reduced fitness and ultimately death. The main control strategies of this pest still rely on the use of pesticides, while alternative agronomic methods for its control coexist, with the application of the main pheromone (Z,Z)-3,13-octadecadien-1-yl acetate. Until now, the molecular bases of the chemosensory systems of the red-belted clearwing moth have been less explored. With the aim to identify novel ligands that may interfere with the behaviour of S. myophaeformis, in this study, we have isolated and functionally characterised some key odorant receptors (ORs) of this moth by selecting paralogues from two main subgroups of the Lepidopteran pheromone receptor (PR) clade: the OR3 subgroup (OR3.1 to OR3.4) and the OR22 subgroup (OR22.1 to OR22.4). We generated transgenic D. melanogaster expressing SmyoORs in ab3A neurons, which we approached by single sensillum recording (SSR). Among these ORs, we deorphanized SmyoOR3.4 to ligands that we have previously identified for orthologues of the codling moth Cydia pomonella, including the pear ester ethyl-(E,Z)-2,4-decadienoate, its methyl ester analogue methyl-(E,Z)-2,4-decadienote, and the unsaturated aldehyde (Z)-6-undecenal. With this approach, we also identified a wide pattern of activation of SmyoOR22.4 to several apple-emitted ligands. Despite the fact that combining SSR with gas chromatography (GC-SSR) did not unveil the activation of the SmyoORs to compounds present in the headspace from apples, GC-SSR unveiled the enhancement of the SmyoOR3.4 spiking at nanogram doses of both pear ester, methyl ester, and (Z)-6-undecenal. For the first time, this study deorphanized ORs from the red-belted clearwing moth and identified ligands as possible semiochemicals to add to the ongoing strategies for the control of this pest. Full article

Phortica okadai, a vector of Thelazia callipaeda, is associated with an increasing incidence of thelaziasis. The complex habitat and chemosensory system of P. okadai are critical for its proliferation and expansion. However, ultrastructural data across developmental stages remain limited. This study used scanning electron microscopy to examine the ultrastructure of P. okadai developmental stages, with a focus on head sensilla. The results showed that the eggs of P. okadai are dark brown and cylindro-oval. The larvae are vermiform, divided into 11 segments. The pupae are marked by a conspicuous respiratory tubercle, and the posterior spiracle contains three distinct spiracular slits. Among five types of sensilla (trichoid, intermediate, chaetica, coeloconic, and basiconic), coeloconic, intermediate, and trichoid sensilla were predominantly found on the antennae, while basiconic and chaetica sensilla were distributed on both the antennae and the maxillary palps of P. okadai. The analysis revealed that the absence of dorsal appendages on the eggs distinguishes P. okadai from D. melanogaster. Males have longer antennae and exhibit sexual dimorphism in the length of sensilla (ChII, TB, and LB). This study provides the first comprehensive ultrastructural characterization of P. okadai developmental stages and head sensilla, laying a foundation for species identification and olfactory system research. Full article

The intestinal epithelium, which is protected by mucosal surfaces composed of mucins and other glycoproteins, functions as a selective barrier that absorbs nutrients while preventing the translocation of harmful substances. To understand the mechanisms between mucosal disruption and tissue inflammation, we orally administrated a mucus-disrupting agent, dextran sodium sulfate, to Drosophila melanogaster and screened 63 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Through a database search using bioinformatics tools (CHEA3 and WebGestalt), we identified ELK1 as a potential key transcription factor for the selected DEGs, and among the 63 DEGs, ELK1-related genes, B3GAT3, FIBP, and TENT2 (GlcAT-S, Fibp, and Wisp in Drosophila), were selected as the relevant genes that respond to mucus disruption. We confirmed that enterocyte (EC)-specific GlcAT-S knockdown by RNAi significantly reduced gut length and increased intestinal stem cell proliferation in Drosophila. Additionally, in EC-specific GlcAT-S-knockdown flies, it was observed that the mucus-production-related genes, Muc68D and Mur29B, were specifically reduced, whereas the inflammatory cytokines egr and upd3 were overexpressed. This study provides evidence that GlcAT-S is involved in the regulation of intestinal inflammation in Drosophila and plays a protective role against mucus disruption. Our findings suggest that GlcAT-S may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases such as IBD. Full article

Drosophila melanogaster is broadly used to model host–pathogen interactions. Entomopathogenic nematodes are excellent research tools for dissecting the molecular and functional basis of parasitism and the host’s anti-parasitic response. In this work, we used discovery metabolomics to explore the differences in the metabolome composition of wild type D. melanogaster larvae that were infected with symbiotic nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae carrying Xenorhabdus nematophila mutualistic bacteria) or axenic nematodes (S. carpocapsae lacking their bacterial partners). Benefiting from their high separation power, sensitivity, and compatibility with low amounts of the starting metabolome, we leveraged microanalytical capillary electrophoresis electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (CE-ESI-MS) to profile the small (<500 Da) polar portion of the metabolome among these experimental treatments. We detected and quantified 122 different small molecules, of which 50 were identified with high confidence. Supervised multivariate analysis revealed that the infection was paralleled with changes in amino acid biosynthesis (arginine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine), metabolism (alanine, arginine, aspartate, glutamate, glycine, proline, serine, and threonine), and classical signalling (aspartate, γ-aminobutyrate, glutamate, and pyridoxine). This study demonstrates the ability of high-sensitivity CE-ESI-MS to uncover metabolic perturbations during infection. The results from the metadata may facilitate the design of targeted studies to explore small biomolecules and their functions during host–pathogen interaction. Full article

Although the present use of pesticides in plant protection has limited the occurrence and development of plant diseases and pests, resistance to pesticides and their environmental and health hazards indicates an urgent need for new active ingredients in plant protection products. Recently synthesized coumarin-1,2,4-triazole hybrid compounds have been proven effective against plant pathogenic fungi and safe for soil-beneficial bacteria. Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, has been used as a model organism for scientific research. Additionally, it is considered a pest since it damages fruits and serves as a carrier for various plant diseases. On the contrary, Orius laevigatus is a beneficial true bug that biologically controls harmful arthropods in agricultural production. In the present study, we performed an adulticidal bioassay against D. melanogaster and O. laevigatus using coumarin-1,2,4-triazole hybrids. Quantitative structure–activity relationship studies (QSARs) and in silico ecotoxicity evaluation elucidated the structural features underlying the compounds’ insecticidal activity. The derivative of 4-methylcoumarin-1,2,4-triazole with a 3-bromophenyl group showed great insecticidal potential. A molecular docking study indicated that the most active compound probably binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels. Full article

Trichopria drosophilae is a globally distributed pupal parasitoid that targets various species within the Drosophilidae family, including the invasive Drosophila suzukii. The mass rearing of T. drosophilae is a crucial step in ensuring their successful application for field D. suzukii control. The pupae of Drosophila melanogaster are currently used as a host for the mass rearing of T. drosophilae. After irradiation, the immune system function of Drosophila pupae was weakened, leading to an increase in the parasitism efficiency of the T. drosophilae. Our results showed that irradiated pupae had a significant impact on the parasitism rate, offspring eclosion rate, offspring number, and female body size of F1 T. drosophilae, all of which were significantly lower than those in the normal group. However, there was no significant difference in the parasitism rate, body size, offspring eclosion rate, offspring number, or offspring sex ratio between F2 T. drosophilae emerging from treated or untreated Drosophila pupae. Compared with F2, F1 had a significantly higher net reproductive rate (R₀), mean generation time (T), and doubling time (DT), while the intrinsic rate of increase (r) was significantly lower. Using irradiated D. melanogaster pupae provides an efficient method for the mass rearing of T. drosophilae and offers valuable insights into its potential effectiveness in field D. suzukii control. Full article

In addition to energy storage, adipose tissue communication to other organs plays a key role in regulating organismal physiology. While the link between adipose tissue dysfunction and pathophysiology, including diabetes, chronic inflammation, and infertility, is clear, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these associations have not been fully described. We use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to better understand how adipose tissue communicates to the ovary. In this study, we utilized D. melanogaster’s robust genetic toolkit to examine the role of five adipokines known to control larval growth during development, CCHamide-1, CCHamide-2, eiger, Growth-blocking peptide 3, and unpaired 2 in regulating oogenesis. We show that the adult fat body expresses these “larval” adipokines. Our data indicate that ovarian germline stem cell maintenance does not require these adipokines. However, adipocyte-derived CCHamide-1, eiger, Growth-blocking peptide 3, and unpaired 2 influence early and late germline survival as well as ovulation. Thus, this work uncovers several adipokines that mediate fat-to-ovary communication. Full article

The two multi-subunit complexes, Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 and 2 (PRC1/2), act synergistically during development to maintain the gene silencing state among different species. In contrast with mammals and Drosophila melanogaster, the enzyme activities and components of the PRC1 complex in plants are not fully conserved. In addition, the mutual recruitment of PRC1 and PRC2 in plants differs from that observed in mammals and Drosophila. Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins and their catalytic activity play an indispensable role in transcriptional regulation, developmental processes, and the maintenance of cellular identity. In plants, PRC1 and PRC2 deposit H2Aub and H3K27me3, respectively, and also play an important role in influencing three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure. With the development of high-throughput sequencing techniques and computational biology, remarkable progress has been made in the field of plant 3D chromatin structure, and PcG has been found to be involved in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression by mediating the formation of 3D chromatin structures. At the same time, some genetic evidence indicates that PcG enables plants to better adapt to and resist a wide range of stresses by dynamically regulating gene expression. In the following review, we focus on the recruitment relationship between PRC1 and PRC2, the crucial role of PcG enzyme activity, the effect of PcG on 3D chromatin structure, and the vital role of PcG in environmental stress in plants. Full article

Mushrooms are a valuable source of bioactive compounds to develop efficient, secure medicines and environmentally friendly agrochemicals. Cylindracin is a small cysteine-rich protein that is specifically expressed in the immature fruiting body of the edible mushroom Cyclocybe cylindracea. Recombinant protein (rCYL), comprising the C-terminal cysteine-rich domain of cylindracin, inhibits the hyphal growth and conidiogenesis of filamentous fungi. Here, we show that rCYL represses the egg-laying and development of Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. The feeding of rCYL at 16 µM reduced the body volume of C. elegans larvae to approximately 60% when compared to the control. At the same concentration, rCYL repressed the frequencies of pupation and emergence of D. melanogaster to 74% and 40%, respectively, when compared to the control. In virgin adult flies, feeding of rCYL at 47 µM substantially repressed the frequency of egg-laying, and the pupation and emergence of the next generation, especially for females. These inhibitory effects of rCYL gradually disappeared after ceasing the ingestion of rCYL. The use of fluorescence-labeled rCYL revealed that the protein accumulates specifically at the pharynx cuticles of C. elegans. In D. melanogaster, fluorescence-labeled rCYL was detected primarily in the midguts and to a lesser degree in the hindguts, ovaries, testes, and malpighian tubules. rCYL was stable against trypsin, chymotrypsin, and pepsin, whereas it did not inhibit proteolytic and glycolytic enzymes in vitro. rCYL oligomerized and formed amyloid-like aggregates through the binding to heparin and heparan sulfate in vitro. These results suggest that rCYL has potential as a new biocontrol agent against pests. Full article

Bioinsecticides based on essential oils (EOs) are promising alternatives for agricultural insect control. In this study, the main compounds of Baccharis macraei EOs from two geographical areas were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The insecticidal potential against Drosophila melanogaster, Tenebrio molitor, and Galleria mellonella was evaluated, along with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition and molecular docking analysis. GC-MS analysis revealed oxygenated sesquiterpenes, such as spathulenol, caryophyllene oxide, and α-cadinol. The EO from Site 1 (S₁) exhibited insecticidal activity with lethal dose 50 (LD₅₀) values of 46.50, 465.76, and 241.2 µg/mL for D. melanogaster, T. molitor, and G. mellonella, respectively. The EO from Site 2 (S₂) showed LD₅₀ values of 74.81, 385.62, and 195.2 µg/mL for the same pests. AChE inhibition yielded inhibitory concentration 50 (IC₅₀) values of 12.8 ± 0.13 µg/mL for S₁ and 11.7 ± 0.07 µg/mL for S₂. Molecular docking analysis revealed a strong binding energy between α-cadinol and AChE. These results highlight that EOs from B. macraei are effective and serve as a natural alternative to traditional insecticides. Full article