Disruption of midgut homeostasis by microplastics in Spodoptera frugiperda: Insights into inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms.

Microplastics have evolved as widespread contaminants in terrestrial and aquatic environments, raising significant environmental concerns due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. In this study, we investigated the toxicity of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) on the agricultural insect, Spodoptera frugiperda. Maize leaves containing three sizes (0.

The effect of population density on the phenotype, metabolic and immunological adaptations in the cuticle of Spodoptera litura larvae.

Background: Species that experience outbreaks and those that display density-dependent phase polymorphism demonstrate density-dependent prophylaxis (DDP) by increasing their immune investment in response to increasing densities. Despite this phenomenon, the mechanisms of DDP remain largely unexplored.

Results: Here, we showed that Spodoptera litura exhibited heightened cuticular melanization and enhanced cuticular immune responses when reared at higher population density.

Insect Cytochrome P450 Database: An Integrated Resource of Genetic Diversity, Evolution and Function.

Insects, the most numerous and diverse group of animal species on Earth, have important interactions with humans through providing resources, transmitting diseases and damaging agricultural cultivars. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are one of the most important protein families in insects implicated in the endogenous metabolism and detoxification of xenobiotics, including allelochemicals, insecticides and environmental pollutants. To better understand the evolution and function of insect P450s and support the development and application of insecticides for pest control, an integrated bioinformatics platform is highly desirable.

Comparative Analysis of PGRP Family in Polymorphic Worker Castes of .

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are a class of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that activate the innate immune system in response to microbial infection by detection of peptidoglycan, a distinct component of bacterial cell walls. Bioinformatic studies have revealed four PGRPs in the red imported fire ant ; nonetheless, the mechanism of the immune response of induced by pathogens is still poorly understood. The peptidoglycan recognition protein full-length cDNA (designated as -) from was used in this investigation.

A myeloid differentiation-like protein in partnership with Toll5 from the pest insect senses baculovirus infection.

Many types of viruses infect insects and other arthropods. In contrast, little is known about how arthropods sense viruses, although several innate immune pathways including Toll have antiviral functions. Large DNA viruses in the family are used to control a number of pest insects.

Two-Sex Life Table Analysis for Optimizing Application against (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

(Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly dispersive, polyphagous insect pest that severely defoliates crops. Excessive reliance on synthetic insecticides leads to ecological pollution and resistance development, urging scientists to probe eco-friendly biopesticides. Here, we explore the virulence of an entomopathogenic fungus, , against , resulting in 88% larval mortality.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae.

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a notorious pest in agriculture that has developed resistance to almost all chemical types used for its control. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome for the TSSM using Illumina, Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The assembled contigs had a total length of 103.

Gut bacterium Burkholderia cepacia (BsNLG8) and immune gene Defensin A contribute to the resistance against Nicotine-induced stress in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål).

Nicotine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tobacco, is a potent neurotoxin extensively used to control Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a destructive insect pest of rice crops. The insect gut harbors a wide array of resident microorganisms that profoundly influence several biological processes, including host immunity. Maintaining an optimal gut microbiota and immune homeostasis requires a complex network of reciprocal regulatory interactions.

Maintaining Toll signaling in brain is required to sustain autophagy for dopamine neuron survival.

Macroautophagy/autophagy is a conserved process in eukaryotic cells to degrade and recycle damaged intracellular components. Higher level of autophagy in the brain has been observed, and autophagy dysfunction has an impact on neuronal health, but the molecular mechanism is unclear. In this study, we showed that overexpression of Toll-1 and Toll-7 receptors, as well as active Spätzle proteins in a S2 cells enhanced autophagy, and Toll-1/Toll-7 activated autophagy was dependent on Tube-Pelle-PP2A.

MicroRNA Targets PAP1 to Mediate Melanization in (Linnaeus) Infected by .

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in important biological processes by regulating post-transcriptional gene expression and exhibit differential expression patterns during development, immune responses, and stress challenges. The diamondback moth causes significant economic damage to crops worldwide. Despite substantial advancements in understanding the molecular biology of this pest, our knowledge regarding the role of miRNAs in regulating key immunity-related genes remains limited.

MiR-2b-3p Downregulated Expression in the Larval Midgut to Decrease Cry1Ac Susceptibility of the Diamondback Moth, (L.).

Crystal (Cry) toxins, produced by , are widely used as effective biological pesticides in agricultural production. However, insects always quickly evolve adaptations against Cry toxins within a few generations. In this study, we focused on the Cry1Ac protoxin activated by protease.

MicroRNA-Mediated Host Immune Genes Manipulation Benefits AcMNPV Proliferation in .

is a highly destructive migratory pest that threatens various crops globally. multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) is an effective biocontrol agent against lepidopteran pests. Here, we explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the immune response to AcMNPV infection in .

Transcriptomic Analysis of -Induced Immune-Related Long Non-Coding RNAs in Polymorphic Worker Castes of .

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a class of RNA molecules that do not encode proteins. Generally studied for their regulatory potential in model insects, relatively little is known about their immunoregulatory functions in different castes of eusocial insects, including , a notoriously invasive insect pest. In the current study, we used , an entomopathogenic fungus, to infect the polymorphic worker castes (Major and Minor Workers) and subjected them to RNA sequencing at different intervals (6, 24, and 48 h post-infection (hpi)).

Nicotine perturbs the microbiota of brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens stål Hemiptera: Delphinidae).

Bacterial symbionts exhibiting co-evolutionary patterns with insect hosts play a vital role in the nutrient synthesis, metabolism, development, reproduction, and immunity of insects. The brown planthopper (BPH) has a strong ability to adapt to various environmental stresses and can develop resistance to broad-spectrum insecticides. We aimed to investigate whether gut symbionts of BPH play a major role in the detoxification of insecticides and host fitness in unfavorable environments.

Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Impact of the Biopesticide on the Immune System of Major Workers in .

The red imported fire ant ( Buren, 1972) is a globally significant invasive species, causing extensive agricultural, human health, and biodiversity damage amounting to billions of dollars worldwide. The pathogenic fungus (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (1883), widely distributed in natural environments, has been used to control populations. However, the interaction between and the immune system of the social insect remains poorly understood.

Eurycomanone (EN) Activates Transcription Factor FoxO by Inhibiting the Insulin Signaling Pathway to Suppress the Development of .

The insulin-like signaling (IIS) pathway is essential for insect growth and development. In this study, we showed that eurycomanone (EN) is an active compound with growth inhibitory activity against larvae. Experiments in cells and RNA-seq analysis in the midgut showed that EN targeted the IIS pathway in to activate the transcription factor SfFoxO ( forkhead boxO) to regulate mRNA levels associated with nutrient catabolism.

Recent Advances and Future Potential of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Insects.

Over the last decade, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have witnessed a steep rise in interest amongst the scientific community. Because of their functional significance in several biological processes, i.e.

Effect of Diet on the Midgut Microbial Composition and Host Immunity of the Fall Armyworm, .

The fall armyworm (, J.E. Smith) is one of the most important agricultural pests in the world and causes serious damage to many significant crops.

Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNA-Mediated Regulatory Networks of in Response to Infection.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent a diverse class of RNAs that are structurally similar to messenger RNAs (mRNAs) but do not encode proteins. Growing evidence suggests that in response to biotic and abiotic stresses, the lncRNAs play crucial regulatory roles in plants and animals. However, the potential role of lncRNAs during fungal infection has yet to be characterized in , a devastating pest of cruciferous crops.

BmMD-2A responds to 20-hydroxyecdysone and regulates Bombyx mori silkworm innate immunity in larva-to-pupa metamorphosis.

20E-hydroxyecdysone (20E) plays important roles in larval molting and metamorphosis in insects and is also involved in the insect innate immune response. Insect metamorphosis is a highly successful strategy for environmental adaptation and is the most vulnerable stage during which the insect is susceptible to various pathogens. 20E regulates a series of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) through the immunodeficiency (IMD) pathway activation in Drosophila; nevertheless, whether other immune pathways are involved in 20E-regulated insect immunity is unknown.

Control efficiency and mechanism of spinetoram seed-pelleting against the striped flea beetle Phyllotreta striolata.

The striped flea beetle (SFB, Phyllotreta striolata) can cause serious harm to cruciferous crops in both the larval and adult stages. Presently, there are no other sustainable alternatives to the use of chemical pesticides for controlling SFB infestation. In this study, the use of a seed-pelletized coating of spinetoram effectively reduced the numbers of SFB and its feedings on the flowering cabbage seedlings, whereas, in combination with the insect-proof net, it controlled the SFB infestation throughout the cabbage growth period.

Combined transcriptomic and proteomic analysis of developmental features in the immune system of Plutella xylostella during larva-to-adult metamorphosis.

Diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) is considered one of the most destructive worldwide agricultural pests and has developed various defence mechanisms to fight against the available pesticides. Understanding the host-defence system of P.

Spatio-Temporal Profiling of -Responsive microRNAs Involved in Modulation of Immunity and Development.

, a ubiquitous pathogenic fungus, regulates a wide array of the insect pest population. The fungus has been employed to control , an insecticide-resistant destructive lepidopteran pest, which causes substantial economic losses in crops worldwide. Integration of modern gene-silencing technologies in pest control strategies has become more crucial to counter pesticide-resistant insects.

Antimicrobial Peptides: Novel Source and Biological Function With a Special Focus on Entomopathogenic Nematode/Bacterium Symbiotic Complex.

The rapid emergence of multidrug resistant microorganisms has become one of the most critical threats to public health. A decrease in the effectiveness of available antibiotics has led to the failure of infection control, resulting in a high risk of death. Among several alternatives, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) serve as potential alternatives to antibiotics to resolve the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens.