Systematic identification of mitochondrial lysine succinylome in silkworm (Bombyx mori) midgut during the larval gluttonous stage.

Unlabelled: Lysine succinylation is a newly identified protein post-translational modification (PTM) of lysine residues. Increasing evidences demonstrate that this modification is prevalent in mitochondria and regulates many vital cellular processes, especially metabolism. Here, we determined the succinylome of the silkworm (Bombyx mori) midgut mitochondria during the larval gluttonous stage (the fifth instar) using succinylated peptides enrichment coupled with nano HPLC/MS/MS.

Development of chemical isotope labeling liquid chromatography mass spectrometry for silkworm hemolymph metabolomics.

Silkworm (Bombyx mori) is a very useful target insect for evaluation of endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDCs) due to mature breeding techniques, complete endocrine system and broad basic knowledge on developmental biology. Comparative metabolomics of silkworms with and without EDC exposure offers another dimension of studying EDCs. In this work, we report a workflow on metabolomic profiling of silkworm hemolymph based on high-performance chemical isotope labeling (CIL) liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and demonstrate its application in studying the metabolic changes associated with the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) exposure in silkworm.

Transcriptome Analysis of Thermal Parthenogenesis of the Domesticated Silkworm.

Thermal induction of parthenogenesis (also known as thermal parthenogenesis) in silkworms is an important technique that has been used in artificial insemination, expansion of hybridization, transgenesis and sericultural production; however, the exact mechanisms of this induction remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the gene expression profile in silkworms undergoing thermal parthenogenesis using RNA-seq analysis. The transcriptome profiles indicated that in non-induced and induced eggs, the numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for the parthenogenetic line (PL) and amphigenetic line (AL) were 538 and 545, respectively, as determined by fold-change ≥ 2.

Complete mitochondrial genome of a hybrid strain of the domesticated silkworm (Qiufeng × Baiyu).

The hybrid strain of the domesticated silkworm (Qiufeng × Baiyu) is one of the most popular commercial silkworm varieties in China. In this study, we reported its complete mitochondrial genome sequence for the first time. The 15,680 bp long genome contains 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes [PCGs], 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes) and 1 major non-coding A + T-rich region, with the typical arrangement found in Lepidoptera.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Bombyx mori strain Baiyun (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae).

The complete mitochondrial genome of Bombyx mori strain Baiyun (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) was determined in this study. The genome was 15,629 bp long with 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes and 1 non-coding A + T-rich region. Its gene content and order were identical to those of other lepidopteran mitochondrial genomes.

[Preparation and immunogenicity of silk fibroin/chitosan microspheres for DNA vaccine delivery against infectious bursal disease virus].

To evaluate the immunities of biodegradable microsphere as a release delivery system for DNA vaccine against Infectious Bursal Disease Virus, in our study, silk fibroin/chitosan microsphere adjuvant was prepared with a precipitation/coacervation method. Both glutaraldehyde and Na2SO4 solution were used in cross-linking. No immune chicken were intramuscularly inoculated at 14 day-old and boosted 2 weeks later.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the Japanese pine sawyer, Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

We determined the complete mitochondrial genome of the Japanese pine sawyer Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), which is a major forest pest in Asia. The genome is 15,874 bp in length containing 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes and one non-coding A+T-rich region. Its gene content and order are typical of other coleopteran mitochondrial genomes described to date.

DNA microarray analysis reveals that antibiotic resistance-gene diversity in human gut microbiota is age related.

The human gut is a reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes. In this report, we used a DNA microarray chip covering 369 resistance types to investigate the relationship between antibiotic resistance-gene diversity and human age. Metagenomic DNA from fecal samples from 124 healthy volunteers of four different age groups (pre-school-aged children (CH), school-aged children (SC), high school students (HSS) and adults (AD)) were hybridized to the microarray chip.

PDP1 regulates energy metabolism through the IIS-TOR pathway in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum.

The PAR-domain protein 1 (PDP1) is essential for locomotor activity of insects. However, its functions in insect growth and development have not been studied extensively, which prompted our hypothesis that PDP1 acts in energy metabolism. Here we report identification of TcPDP1 in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, and its functional analysis by RNAi.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

We determined the complete mitochondrial genome of the oriental armyworm Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which is one of the serious cereal pests in Asia and Australia. The circular genome of 15,332 bp in length contains 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes and a non-coding A+T-rich region. Its gene content and order are typical of lepidopteran mitochondrial genomes described to date.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the common cutworm Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

We determined the complete mitochondrial genome of the common cutworm Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), which is one of the most destructive polyphagous insect pests worldwide. The genome is 15,383 bp in length (GenBank accession number: KF701043) with an A+T content of 81.08%, and contains 37 typical animal mitochondrial genes (13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes and 22 tRNA genes) with the typical arrangement found in Lepidoptera.

Cloning and characterization of two EcR isoforms from Japanese pine sawyer, Monochamus alternates.

The ecdysone receptor (EcR) is the hormonal receptor of ecdysteroids, which regulates insect growth and development. In this study, we cloned and characterized two isoforms of EcR in Monochamus alternates named MaEcR A and MaEcR B. The cDNAs of MaEcR A and MaEcR B have open repeating frames of 1,695 and 1,392 bp, respectively.

Metagenome-wide analysis of antibiotic resistance genes in a large cohort of human gut microbiota.

The human gut microbiota is a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes, but little is known about their diversity and richness within the gut. Here we analyse the antibiotic resistance genes of gut microbiota from 162 individuals. We identify a total of 1,093 antibiotic resistance genes and find that Chinese individuals harbour the highest number and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes, followed by Danish and Spanish individuals.

Transgene-based, female-specific lethality system for genetic sexing of the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

Transgene-based genetic sexing methods are being developed for insects of agricultural and public health importance. Male-only rearing has long been sought in sericulture because males show superior economic characteristics, such as better fitness, lower food consumption, and higher silk yield. Here we report the establishment of a transgene-based genetic sexing system for the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

[Modification and biological role of histone].

Histone is one of critical components of chromatin, which amino acid residues at the N-terminus can be covalently modified. Histone modification (HM) can change the chromatin conformation and induce transcription or gene silencing. Not only can HM control gene expression, but also participate in cell division, cell apoptosis and memory formation by recruiting protein complex and affecting downstream proteins.

Application of high-resolution DNA melting for genotyping in lepidopteran non-model species: Ostrinia furnacalis (Crambidae).

Development of an ideal marker system facilitates a better understanding of the genetic diversity in lepidopteran non-model organisms, which have abundant species, but relatively limited genomic resources. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) discovered within single-copy genes have proved to be desired markers, but SNP genotyping by current techniques remain laborious and expensive. High resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis represents a simple, rapid and inexpensive genotyping method that is primarily confined to clinical and diagnostic studies.

[Mapping of the lethal genes in the sex-linkaged balanced lethal silkworm Bombyx mori using SSR markers].

The males of sex-linkaged balanced lethal silkworm strain (S-14) has two non-allelic recessive genes (lethal gene 1, l1 and lethal gene 2, l2). The two genes are located on two different Z chromosomes and cause death of embryos at body pigmentation stage and end reversal embryo stage, respectively. We firstly hybridized the males of S-14 strain with the females having wild-type genes of P50 strain and then backcrossed the males of F1 with females of P50 strain.

[Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of the pathogen of Botrytis cinerea].

Employing gfp as a reporter gene and hygromycin gene (hph) as a selection marker, the recombinant vector pKPG was constructed and transformed into fresh conidia of Botrytis cinerea via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Transformants were identified by PCR analysis of gfp and hph cassette, green fluorescence observation with microscope and Southern hybridization. Results confirmed that target genes were successfully integrated into the genome of Botrytis cinerea.

[Cloning and analysis of adenine nucleotide translocase gene in Helicoverpa armigera].

A cDNA clone encoding the ADP/ATP translocase in Helicoverpa armigera has been identified by RT-PCR, 5'and 3'RACE methods. Sequence analysis shows that it is 1,190 bp long and contains a single open reading frame (ORF, 133-1,033 bp) encoding a protein of 300 amino acids (GenBank submission number, AY253868). The protein has a 22 aa signal peptide on its N-terminal, which leads the protein locating onto the inner membrane of the mitochondria.

Molecular cloning and analysis of the tryptophan oxygenase gene in the silkworm, Bombyx mori.

A Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) gene encoding tryptophan oxygenase has been molecularly cloned and analyzed. The tryptophan oxygenase cDNA had 1374 nucleotides that encoded a 401 amino acid protein with an estimated molecular mass of 46.

[Cloning and structural analysis of MLP in the silkworm, Bombyx mori].

The LIM domain is found in a wide variety of eukaryotic proteins that regulate gene expression and cell differentiation during development. Muscle LIM protein (MLP) gene in Bombyx mori has been cloned by blasting its EST database and PCR test in present report. The resulting sequence covers 2 327 bp of cDNA (GenBank accession No.

[Cloning and mapping of DpKettin gene on Z chromosome of the pine caterpillar by real-time quantitative PCR].

The ratio of Z chromosome number to autosomal chromosome (A) is different between male and female lepidoptera insects. In males: 2Z : 2A=1, and in females: Z : 2A=0.5.

[The antibacterial effect of cecropin B on pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of wounds in mice].

Objective: To investigate the antibacterial effect of a particular antimicrobial peptide Cecropin B(CB) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of wound in mice.

Methods: Thirty ICR mice were enrolled in the study, and the Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection model was reproduced by excision of the full layer of dorsal skin with an area of 1 cm x 1 cm. Then they were randomly divided into C ( control, n = 10, with wet compress of isotonic saline at 3 postinjury hour( PIH) ) , M (with hydropathic compress of 100 g/L mafenide at 3 PIH), A (with wet compress of 1 000 mg/L Cecropin B at 3 PIH) groups.

Cloning and alternative splicing analysis of Bombyx mori transformer-2 gene using silkworm EST database.

We have identified Bombyx mori transformer-2 gene (Bmtra-2) cDNA by blasting the EST database of B. mori. It was expressed in the whole life of the male and female silkworm and was observed as a band of 1.

[Cloning and expression of the cecropin B-thanatin hybrid antimicrobial peptide in Escherichia coli].

A 44-residue hybrid peptide (CB (1-24)-Arg-Ser-Tyr-Tan (4-21)) incorporating 1-24 residues of cecropin B (CB) and 4-21 residues of thanatin (Tan) was designed and constructed. The CB-Tan gene was cloned into expression plasmid pGEX-3X and expressed in E. coli BL21.