scholarly journals Experimental increase in fecundity causes upregulation of fecundity and body maintenance genes in the fat body of ant queens

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Antoine Negroni ◽  
Barbara Feldmeyer ◽  
Susanne Foitzik
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Molecular Regulation ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Egg Removal ◽  
Opposing Effects ◽  
Queen Larvae ◽  
Reproductive Individual ◽  
The Impact

In most organisms, fecundity and longevity are negatively associated and the molecular regulation of these two life-history traits is highly interconnected. In addition, nutrient intake often has opposing effects on lifespan and reproduction. In contrast to solitary insects, the main reproductive individual of social hymenopterans, the queen, is also the most long-lived. During development, queen larvae are well-nourished, but we are only beginning to understand the impact of nutrition on the queens' adult life and the molecular regulation and connectivity of fecundity and longevity. Here, we used two experimental manipulations to alter queen fecundity in the ant Temnothorax rugatulus and investigated associated changes in fat body gene expression. Egg removal triggered a fecundity increase, leading to expression changes in genes with functions in fecundity such as oogenesis and body maintenance. Dietary restriction lowered the egg production of queens and altered the expression of genes linked to autophagy, Toll signalling, cellular homeostasis and immunity. Our study reveals that an experimental increase in fecundity causes the co-activation of reproduction and body maintenance mechanisms, shedding light on the molecular regulation of the link between longevity and fecundity in social insects.

The impact of Arrenurus danbyensis Mullen (Acari: Prostigmata; Arrenuridae) on a population of Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker) (Diptera: Culicidae)

1984 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. 1121-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce P. Smith ◽  
Susan B. McIver
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Adult Life Span ◽  
Coquillettidia Perturbans ◽  
Host Seeking ◽  
Parasitic Mites ◽  
The Impact

Adult Coquillettidia perturbons (Walker) collected in Algonquin Park, Ontario, Canada, from 1978 to 1980 were parasitized by larval Arrenurus danbyensis Mullen. Up to 87.5% of newly emerged mosquitoes were parasitized. The prevalence of parasites on host-seeking mosquitoes rarely exceeded 30%. This discrepancy is not the result of mites dropping off host-seeking mosquitoes. By comparing pairs of samples over the apparent interval of 1 – 2 days between emergence and host-seeking, it is estimated that 42.5% of the newly emerged were not recruited to the host-seeking population. In the laboratory, no significant effect of parasitic mites on the host's adult life-span or blood-meal size was detected, but there was a significant effect on the host's egg production. The distribution of mites on mosquitoes was characterized by combining the Taylor power law and the negative binomial distribution. With this relationship, the effect of mite parasitism on the host's egg production in the laboratory could be extrapolated to estimate this effect on natural populations. In the population studied, egg production is reduced by approximately 5%. Based on published data, egg production in the first gonotrophic cycle of a population of Anopheles crucians Wiedemann is reduced by up to 35%.

scholarly journals Overexpression of Activated AMPK in the Anopheles stephensi Midgut Impacts Mosquito Metabolism, Reproduction and Plasmodium Resistance

Genes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Chioma Oringanje ◽  
Lillian R. Delacruz ◽  
Yunan Han ◽  
Shirley Luckhart ◽  
Michael A. Riehle
Keyword(s):  
Egg Production ◽  
Anopheles Stephensi ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Blood Feeding ◽  
Pathogen Resistance ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Transgenic Lines ◽  
Ampk Activity

Mitochondrial integrity and homeostasis in the midgut are key factors controlling mosquito fitness and anti-pathogen resistance. Targeting genes that regulate mitochondrial dynamics represents a potential strategy for limiting mosquito-borne diseases. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key cellular energy sensor found in nearly all eukaryotic cells. When activated, AMPK inhibits anabolic pathways that consume ATP and activates catabolic processes that synthesize ATP. In this study, we overexpressed a truncated and constitutively active α-subunit of AMPK under the control of the midgut-specific carboxypeptidase promotor in the midgut of female Anopheles stephensi. As expected, AMPK overexpression in homozygous transgenic mosquitoes was associated with changes in nutrient storage and metabolism, decreasing glycogen levels at 24 h post-blood feeding when transgene expression was maximal, and concurrently increasing circulating trehalose at the same time point. When transgenic lines were challenged with Plasmodium falciparum, we observed a significant decrease in the prevalence and intensity of infection relative to wild type controls. Surprisingly, we did not observe a significant difference in the survival of adult mosquitoes fed either sugar only or both sugar and bloodmeals throughout adult life. This may be due to the limited period that the transgene was activated before homeostasis was restored. However, we did observe a significant decrease in egg production, suggesting that manipulation of AMPK activity in the mosquito midgut resulted in the re-allocation of resources away from egg production. In summary, this work identifies midgut AMPK activity as an important regulator of metabolism, reproduction, and innate immunity in An. stephensi, a highly invasive and important malaria vector species.

scholarly journals Impact of Environmental Stressors on Gene Expression in the Embryo of the Italian Wall Lizard

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 4723
Author(s):  
Rosaria Scudiero ◽  
Chiara Maria Motta ◽  
Palma Simoniello
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Membrane Trafficking ◽  
Translational Regulation ◽  
Cellular Protection ◽  
Terrestrial Vertebrate ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Stress Changes ◽  
Probable Consequence ◽  
The Impact

The cleidoic eggs of oviparous reptiles are protected from the external environment by membranes and a parchment shell permeable to water and dissolved molecules. As a consequence, not only physical but also chemical insults can reach the developing embryos, interfering with gene expression. This review provides information on the impact of the exposure to cadmium contamination or thermal stress on gene expression during the development of Italian wall lizards of the genus Podarcis. The results obtained by transcriptomic analysis, although not exhaustive, allowed to identify some stress-reactive genes and, consequently, the molecular pathways in which these genes are involved. Cadmium-responsive genes encode proteins involved in cellular protection, metabolism and proliferation, membrane trafficking, protein interactions, neuronal transmission and plasticity, immune response, and transcription regulatory factors. Cold stress changes the expression of genes involved in transcriptional/translational regulation and chromatin remodeling and inhibits the transcription of a histone methyltransferase with the probable consequence of modifying the epigenetic control of DNA. These findings provide transcriptome-level evidence of how terrestrial vertebrate embryos cope with stress, giving a key to use in population survival and environmental change studies. A better understanding of the genes contributing to stress tolerance in vertebrates would facilitate methodologies and applications aimed at improving resistance to unfavourable environments.

scholarly journals Developmental up-regulation of NMDA receptors in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mGlu5 receptor knock-out mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziana Imbriglio ◽  
Remy Verhaeghe ◽  
Nico Antenucci ◽  
Stefania Maccari ◽  
Giuseppe Battaglia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Nmda Receptor ◽  
Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Developmental Time ◽  
Postnatal Life ◽  
Developmental Studies ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Nmda Receptor Subunits ◽  
The Impact

AbstractmGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors are highly expressed and functional in the early postnatal life, and are known to positively modulate NMDA receptor function. Here, we examined the expression of NMDA receptor subunits and interneuron-related genes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of mGlu5−/− mice and wild-type littermates at three developmental time points (PND9, − 21, and − 75). We were surprised to find that expression of all NMDA receptor subunits was greatly enhanced in mGlu5−/− mice at PND21. In contrast, at PND9, expression of the GluN2B subunit was enhanced, whereas expression of GluN2A and GluN2D subunits was reduced in both regions. These modifications were transient and disappeared in the adult life (PND75). Changes in the transcripts of interneuron-related genes (encoding parvalbumin, somatostatin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, reelin, and the two isoforms of glutamate decarboxylase) were also observed in mGlu5−/− mice across postnatal development. For example, the transcript encoding parvalbumin was up-regulated in the prefrontal cortex of mGlu5−/− mice at PND9 and PND21, whereas it was significantly reduced at PND75. These findings suggest that in mGlu5−/− mice a transient overexpression of NMDA receptor subunits may compensate for the lack of the NMDA receptor partner, mGlu5. Interestingly, in mGlu5−/− mice the behavioral response to the NMDA channel blocker, MK-801, was significantly increased at PND21, and largely reduced at PND75. The impact of adaptive changes in the expression of NMDA receptor subunits should be taken into account when mGlu5−/− mice are used for developmental studies.

scholarly journals Radical Response: Effects of Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Stress on Lipid Metabolism in the Avian Liver

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Nima K. Emami ◽  
Usuk Jung ◽  
Brynn Voy ◽  
Sami Dridi
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Heat Stress ◽  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Enzymatic Reactions ◽  
Poultry Production ◽  
Hepatic Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Hepatic Lipid ◽  
The Impact

Lipid metabolism in avian species places unique demands on the liver in comparison to most mammals. The avian liver synthesizes the vast majority of fatty acids that provide energy and support cell membrane synthesis throughout the bird. Egg production intensifies demands to the liver as hepatic lipids are needed to create the yolk. The enzymatic reactions that underlie de novo lipogenesis are energetically demanding and require a precise balance of vitamins and cofactors to proceed efficiently. External stressors such as overnutrition or nutrient deficiency can disrupt this balance and compromise the liver’s ability to support metabolic needs. Heat stress is an increasingly prevalent environmental factor that impairs lipid metabolism in the avian liver. The effects of heat stress-induced oxidative stress on hepatic lipid metabolism are of particular concern in modern commercial chickens due to the threat to global poultry production. Chickens are highly vulnerable to heat stress because of their limited capacity to dissipate heat, high metabolic activity, high internal body temperature, and narrow zone of thermal tolerance. Modern lines of both broiler (meat-type) and layer (egg-type) chickens are especially sensitive to heat stress because of the high rates of mitochondrial metabolism. While this oxidative metabolism supports growth and egg production, it also yields oxidative stress that can damage mitochondria, cellular membranes and proteins, making the birds more vulnerable to other stressors in the environment. Studies to date indicate that oxidative and heat stress interact to disrupt hepatic lipid metabolism and compromise performance and well-being in both broilers and layers. The purpose of this review is to summarize the impact of heat stress-induced oxidative stress on lipid metabolism in the avian liver. Recent advances that shed light on molecular mechanisms and potential nutritional/managerial strategies to counteract the negative effects of heat stress-induced oxidative stress to the avian liver are also integrated.

scholarly journals Risk factors for physical inactivity across the adult life span: the impact of depression

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 274-274
Author(s):  
J Walker ◽  
H Christensen ◽  
T Windsor ◽  
A George
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Adult Life Span ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals On the diverse and opposing effects of nutrition on pathogen virulence

2019 ◽  
Vol 286 (1906) ◽  
pp. 20191220 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria L. Pike ◽  
Katrina A. Lythgoe ◽  
Kayla C. King
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Disease ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Anthropogenic Activity ◽  
Pathogen Virulence ◽  
Disease Outcomes ◽  
Host Nutrition ◽  
Opposing Effects ◽  
The Impact

Climate change and anthropogenic activity are currently driving large changes in nutritional availability across ecosystems, with consequences for infectious disease. An increase in host nutrition could lead to more resources for hosts to expend on the immune system or for pathogens to exploit. In this paper, we report a meta-analysis of studies on host–pathogen systems across the tree of life, to examine the impact of host nutritional quality and quantity on pathogen virulence. We did not find broad support across studies for a one-way effect of nutrient availability on pathogen virulence. We thus discuss a hypothesis that there is a balance between the effect of host nutrition on the immune system and on pathogen resources, with the pivot point of the balance differing for vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. Our results suggest that variation in nutrition, caused by natural or anthropogenic factors, can have diverse effects on infectious disease outcomes across species.

The impact of dietary protein:carbohydrate balance on lifespan and reproduction in Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
S.-H. Kim ◽  
H. Park ◽  
W. Kim ◽  
J.-H. Song ◽  
S.J. Roh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Detailed Knowledge ◽  
Reproductive Senescence ◽  
Egg Hatchability ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Medicinal Value ◽  
Egg Production Rate ◽  
The Impact

The establishment of efficient and sustainable production of industrially important insects necessitates the detailed knowledge of the optimal mixture of macronutrients required for maximising their performance and fitness. The white spotted flower chafer, Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae), is one of the most important edible insects in East Asia with high nutritional and medicinal value. Here, we report how the ratio of protein to digestible carbohydrate (P:C) in the diet influenced lifespan and reproductive performance in the adults of P. brevitarsis. Throughout their lifespan, beetles were fed ad libitum one of five diets with differing P:C ratio (0:1, 3:7, 1:1, 7:3, 1:0). Both lifespan and the number of eggs produced over the lifetime were maximised at the P:C ratio of 3:7 and declined as the ratio deviated away from this optimal P:C composition. Beetles fed a diet containing only protein (P:C 1:0) not only had the shortest lifespan but also exhibited substantially reduced lifetime egg production compared to those fed the other diets. However, the effects of dietary P:C ratio on daily egg production rate and egg hatchability were marginal. The number of eggs produced at each age stage peaked at the age of week 2 and then gradually declined with increasing age, showing the sign of reproductive senescence. Age-specific egg production was higher in beetles confined to three intermediate P:C ratios (3:7, 1:1, 7:3) than those confined to two extreme P:C ratios (0:1, 1:0) throughout their lifespan. The speed of age-related decrease in reproductive performance was the slowest at P:C 3:7. Our data have implications for optimising the production of this edible insect with emerging economic importance.

scholarly journals The impact of neighborhood walkability on walking: Does it differ across adult life stage and does neighborhood buffer size matter?

2014 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
pp. 43-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Villanueva ◽  
Matthew Knuiman ◽  
Andrea Nathan ◽  
Billie Giles-Corti ◽  
Hayley Christian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Stage ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Buffer Size ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Size Matter ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Effect of yeast and essential oil-enriched diets on critical determinants of health and immune function in Africanized Apis mellifera

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e12164
Author(s):  
César Canché-Collí ◽  
Humberto Estrella-Maldonado ◽  
Luis A. Medina-Medina ◽  
Humberto Moo-Valle ◽  
Luz Maria Calvo-Irabien ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Apis Mellifera ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Immune Function ◽  
Honey Bees ◽  
Fat Body ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Starmerella Bombicola ◽  
Expression Of Genes ◽  
Brewers Yeast

Nutrition is vital for health and immune function in honey bees (Apis mellifera). The effect of diets enriched with bee-associated yeasts and essential oils of Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) was tested on survival, food intake, accumulated fat body tissue, and gene expression of vitellogenin (Vg), prophenoloxidase (proPO) and glucose oxidase (GOx) in newly emerged worker bees. The enriched diets were provided to bees under the premise that supplementation with yeasts or essential oils can enhance health variables and the expression of genes related to immune function in worker bees. Based on a standard pollen substitute, used as a control diet, enriched diets were formulated, five with added bee-associated yeasts (Starmerella bombicola, Starmerella etchellsii, Starmerella bombicola 2, Zygosaccharomyces mellis, and the brewers’ yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and three with added essential oils from L. graveolens (carvacrol, thymol, and sesquiterpenes). Groups of bees were fed one of the diets for 9 or 12 days. Survival probability was similar in the yeast and essential oils treatments in relation to the control, but median survival was lower in the carvacrol and sesquiterpenes treatments. Food intake was higher in all the yeast treatments than in the control. Fat body percentage in individual bees was slightly lower in all treatments than in the control, with significant decreases in the thymol and carvacrol treatments. Expression of the genes Vg, proPO, and GOx was minimally affected by the yeast treatments but was adversely affected by the carvacrol and thymol treatments.

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