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Abstract Background The fungus Metarhizium brunneum has evolved a remarkable ability to switch between different lifestyles. It develops as a saprophyte, an endophyte establishing mutualistic relationships with plants, or a parasite, enabling its use for the control of insect pests such as the aphid Myzus persicae. We tested our hypothesis that switches between lifestyles must be accompanied by fundamental transcriptional reprogramming, reflecting adaptations to different environmental settings. Results We combined high throughput RNA sequencing of M. brunneum in vitro and at different stages of pathogenesis to validate the modulation of genes in the fungus and its host during the course of infection. In agreement with our hypothesis, we observed transcriptional reprogramming in M. brunneum following conidial attachment, germination on the cuticle, and early-stage growth within the host. This involved the upregulation of genes encoding degrading enzymes and gene clusters involved in synthesis of secondary metabolites that act as virulence factors. The transcriptional response of the aphid host included the upregulation of genes potentially involved in antifungal activity, but antifungal peptides were not induced. We also observed the induction of a host flightin gene, which may be involved in wing formation and flight muscle development. Conclusions The switch from saprophytic to parasitic development in M. brunneum is accompanied by fundamental transcriptional reprogramming during the course of the infection. The aphid host responds to fungal infection with its own transcriptional reprogramming, reflecting its inability to express antifungal peptides but featuring the induction of genes involved in winged morphs that may enable offspring to avoid the contaminated environment.

Abstract Spiders produce highly adapted venoms featuring a complex mixture of biomolecules used mainly for hunting and defense. The most prominent components are peptidic neurotoxins, a major focus of research and drug development, whereas venom enzymes have been largely neglected. Nevertheless, investigation of venom enzymes not only reveals insights into their biological functions, but also provides templates for future industrial applications. Here we compared spider venom enzymes validated at protein level contained in the VenomZone database and from all publicly available proteo-transcriptomic spider venom datasets. We assigned reported enzymes to cellular processes and known venom functions, including toxicity, prey pre-digestion, venom preservation, venom component activation, and spreading factors. Our study unveiled extensive discrepancy between public databases and publications with regard to enzyme coverage, which impedes the development of novel spider venom enzyme-based applications. Uncovering the previously unrecognized abundance and diversity of venom enzymes will open new avenues for spider venom biodiscovery.

Abstract Neuropteran larvae are fierce predators that use venom to attack and feed on arthropod prey. Neuropterans have adapted to diverse and sometimes extreme habitats, suggesting their venom may have evolved accordingly, but the ecology and evolution of venom deployment in different families is poorly understood. We applied spatial transcriptomics, proteomics, morphological analysis, and bioassays to investigate the venom systems in the antlion Euroleon nostras and the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea, which occupy distinct niches. Although the venom system morphology was similar in both species, we observed remarkable differences at the molecular level. E. nostras produces particularly complex venom secreted from three different glands, indicating functional compartmentalization. Furthermore, E. nostras venom and digestive tissues were devoid of bacteria, strongly suggesting that all venom proteins are of insect origin rather than the products of bacterial symbionts. We identified several toxins exclusive to E. nostras venom, including phospholipase A2 and several undescribed proteins with no homologs in the C. carnea genome. The compositional differences have significant ecological implications because only antlion venom conferred insecticidal activity, indicating its use for the immobilization of large prey. Our results indicate that molecular venom evolution plays a role in the adaptation of antlions to their unique ecological niche.

Abstract Background The identification of novel toxins from overlooked and taxonomically exceptional species bears potential for various pharmacological applications. The remipede Xibalbanus tulumensis, an underwater cave-dwelling crustacean, is the only crustacean for which a venom system has been described. Its venom contains several xibalbin peptides that have an inhibitor cysteine knot (ICK) scaffold. Results Our screenings revealed that all tested xibalbin variants particularly inhibit potassium channels. Xib1 and xib13 with their eight-cysteine domain similar to spider knottins also inhibit voltage-gated sodium channels. No activity was noted on calcium channels. Expanding the functional testing, we demonstrate that xib1 and xib13 increase PKA-II and Erk1/2 sensitization signaling in nociceptive neurons, which may initiate pain sensitization. Our phylogenetic analysis suggests that xib13 either originates from the common ancestor of pancrustaceans or earlier while xib1 is more restricted to remipedes. The ten-cysteine scaffolded xib2 emerged from xib1, a result that is supported by our phylogenetic and machine learning-based analyses. Conclusions Our functional characterization of synthesized variants of xib1, xib2, and xib13 elucidates their potential as inhibitors of potassium channels in mammalian systems. The specific interaction of xib2 with Kv1.6 channels, which are relevant to treating variants of epilepsy, shows potential for further studies. At higher concentrations, xib1 and xib13 activate the kinases PKA-II and ERK1/2 in mammalian sensory neurons, suggesting pain sensitization and potential applications related to pain research and therapy. While tested insect channels suggest that all probably act as neurotoxins, the biological function of xib1, xib2, and xib13 requires further elucidation. A novel finding on their evolutionary origin is the apparent emergence of X. tulumensis-specific xib2 from xib1. Our study is an important cornerstone for future studies to untangle the origin and function of these enigmatic proteins as important components of remipede but also other pancrustacean and arthropod venoms.

Abstract Background RNA interference (RNAi) is a target-specific gene silencing method that can be used to determine gene functions and investigate host–pathogen interactions, as well as facilitating the development of ecofriendly pesticides. Commercially available transfection reagents (TRs) can improve the efficacy of RNAi. However, we currently lack a product and protocol for the transfection of insect cell lines with long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Methods We used agarose gel electrophoresis to determine the capacity of eight TRs to form complexes with long dsRNA. A CellTiter-Glo assay was then used to assess the cytotoxicity of the resulting lipoplexes. We also measured the cellular uptake of dsRNA by fluorescence microscopy using the fluorophore Cy3 as a label. Finally, we analyzed the TRs based on their transfection efficacy and compared the RNAi responses of Aedes albopictus C6/36 and U4.4 cells by knocking down an mCherry reporter Semliki Forest virus in both cell lines. Results The TRs from Biontex (K4, Metafectene Pro, and Metafectene SI+) showed the best complexing capacity and the lowest dsRNA:TR ratio needed for complete complex formation. Only HiPerFect was unable to complex the dsRNA completely, even at a ratio of 1:9. Most of the complexes containing mCherry-dsRNA were nontoxic at 2 ng/µL, but Lipofectamine 2000 was toxic at 1 ng/µL in U4.4 cells and at 2 ng/µL in C6/36 cells. The transfection of U4.4 cells with mCherry-dsRNA/TR complexes achieved significant knockdown of the virus reporter. Comparison of the RNAi response in C6/36 and U4.4 cells suggested that C6/36 cells lack the antiviral RNAi response because there was no significant knockdown of the virus reporter in any of the treatments. Conclusions C6/36 cells have an impaired RNAi response as previously reported. This investigation provides valuable information for future RNAi experiments by showing how to mitigate the adverse effects attributed to TRs. This will facilitate the judicious selection of TRs and transfection conditions conducive to RNAi research in mosquitoes. Graphical Abstract

Snake venom is an ecologically relevant functional trait directly linked with a snake’s fitness and survival, facilitating predation and defence. Snake venom variation occurs at all taxonomic levels, but the study at the intraspecific level is still in its early stages. The common adder (Vipera berus) exhibits considerable variation in colour phenotypes across its distribution range. Melanistic (fully black) individuals are the subject of myths and fairytales, and in German folklore such ‘hell adders’ are considered more toxic than their normally coloured conspecifics despite any formal investigation. Here, we provide the first comparative analysis of venoms from melanistic and normally coloured common adders. Specifically, we compared the venom profiles by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and tested the venoms’ protease, phospholipase A2 and cytotoxic activities. Phospholipase A2 activity was similar in both phenotypes, whereas general protease activity was higher in the melanistic venom, which was also more cytotoxic at two concentrations (6.25 and 12.5 µg ml−1). These minor differences between the venoms of melanistic and normally coloured adders are unlikely to be of clinical relevance in the context of human envenomation. In light of our results, the claim that melanistic adders produce more toxic venom than their normally coloured conspecifics appears rooted entirely in folklore.

Spiders are ancient and highly successful predators, which use venom for both predation and defense. Their venoms are complex mixtures of potent biological molecules, emerging as a prolific source of biomolecular innovation in agriculture, biomedicine, and bioeconomy. While small cysteine-rich neurotoxins are typically considered the main components of spider venoms, recent research has shown that spider venoms also contain many high-molecular-weight proteins, especially enzymes. To date, very little is known about the diversity, biochemistry and ecology of these components. Here, we provide the first systematic overview of spider venom enzymes, describing all known examples in terms of their properties and functions in the spider venom system. We argue that the sheer diversity of these neglected spider venom compounds offers significant translational potential and holds great potential for the bioeconomy, reflecting a wide range of technical applications such as industrial production, food processing, and waste management.

Summary: Arthropod venoms contain bioactive molecules attractive for biomedical applications. However, few of these have been isolated, and only a tiny number has been characterized. Pseudoscorpions are small arachnids whose venom has been largely overlooked. Here, we present the first structural and functional assessment of the checacin toxin family, discovered in the venom of the house pseudoscorpion (Chelifer cancroides). We combined in silico and in vitro analyses to establish their bioactivity profile against microbes and various cell lines. This revealed inhibitory effects against bacteria and fungi. We observed cytotoxicity against specific cell types and effects involving second messengers. Our work provides insight into the biomedical potential and evolution of pseudoscorpion venoms. We propose that plesiotypic checacins evolved to defend the venom gland against infection, whereas apotypic descendants evolved additional functions. Our work highlights the importance of considering small and neglected species in biodiscovery programs.

“True” cobras (genus Naja) are among the venomous snakes most frequently involved in snakebite accidents in Africa and Asia. The Cape cobra (Naja nivea) is one of the African cobras of highest medical importance, but much remains to be learned about its venom. Here, we used a shotgun proteomics approach to better understand the qualitative composition of N. nivea venom and tested its cytotoxicity and protease activity as well as its effect on intracellular Ca2+ release and NO synthesis. We identified 156 venom components representing 17 protein families, with the dominant ones being three-finger toxins, mostly of the short-chain type. Two-thirds of the three-finger toxin entries identified were assigned as cytotoxins, while the remainder were categorized as neurotoxins, including short-chain, long-chain, and ancestral three-finger toxins. We also identified snake venom metalloproteinases and members of CRISP, l-amino acid oxidase, and other families. Protease activity and its effect on intracellular Ca2+ release and NO synthesis were low. Phospholipase A2 activity was surprisingly high, despite this toxin family being marginally recovered in the analyzed venom. Cytotoxicity was relevant only at higher venom concentrations, with macrophage and neuroblastoma cell lines showing the lowest viability. These results are in line with the predominantly neurotoxic envenomation symptoms caused by Cape cobra bites. The present overview of the qualitatively complex and functionally intriguing venom of N. nivea may provide insights into the pathobiochemistry of this species’ venom.

Summary: The tobacco hornworm is a laboratory model that is particularly suitable for analyzing gut inflammation, but a physiological reference standard is currently unavailable. Here, we present a surface atlas of the healthy hornworm gut generated by scanning electron microscopy and nano-computed tomography. This comprehensive overview of the gut surface reveals morphological differences between the anterior, middle, and posterior midgut, allowing the screening of aberrant gut phenotypes while accommodating normal physiological variations. We estimated a total resorptive midgut surface of 0.42 m2 for L5d6 larvae, revealing its remarkable size. Our data will support allometric scaling and dose conversion from Manduca sexta to mammals in preclinical research, embracing the 3R principles. We also observed non-uniform gut colonization by enterococci, characterized by dense biofilms in the pyloric cone and downstream of the pylorus associated with pore and spine structures in the hindgut intima, indicating a putative immunosurveillance function in the lepidopteran hindgut.

Abstract Semiochemicals such as pheromones play a major role in communication between insects, influencing their spatial orientation, aggregation, defense, and mating. The rational chemical design of precision pheromone‐releasing materials are increased the efficiency of pheromone‐based plant protection agents. Decades of research is begun to unravel the complex communication structures regulated by semiochemicals, from the neuronal perception of specific chemical substances to the behavioral responses in hundreds of species, including many devastating pest insects. This article summarizes the most effective uses of semiochemicals in agriculture, the behavioral responses of selected target species, and controlled‐release strategies based on formulations such as novel fibrous polymer carriers. This study helps scientists, decision‐makers, farmers, and the public understand the importance of appropriate mating disruption techniques that reduce the need for broad‐spectrum insecticides and limit their impact on non‐target and beneficial insects.

Abstract Background Venoms, which have evolved numerous times in animals, are ideal models of convergent trait evolution. However, detailed genomic studies of toxin-encoding genes exist for only a few animal groups. The hyper-diverse hymenopteran insects are the most speciose venomous clade, but investigation of the origin of their venom genes has been largely neglected. Results Utilizing a combination of genomic and proteo-transcriptomic data, we investigated the origin of 11 toxin genes in 29 published and 3 new hymenopteran genomes and compiled an up-to-date list of prevalent bee venom proteins. Observed patterns indicate that bee venom genes predominantly originate through single gene co-option with gene duplication contributing to subsequent diversification. Conclusions Most Hymenoptera venom genes are shared by all members of the clade and only melittin and the new venom protein family anthophilin1 appear unique to the bee lineage. Most venom proteins thus predate the mega-radiation of hymenopterans and the evolution of the aculeate stinger.

Venoms are a complex cocktail of potent biomolecules and are present in many animal lineages. Owed to their translational potential in biomedicine, agriculture and industrial applications, they have been targeted by several biodiscovery programs in the past. That said, many venomous animals are relatively small and deliver minuscule venom yields. Thus, the most commonly employed activity-guided biodiscovery pipeline cannot be applied effectively. Cell-free protein production may represent an attractive tool to produce selected venom components at high speed and without the creation of genetically modified organisms, promising rapid and highly efficient access to biomolecules for bioactivity studies. However, these methods have only sporadically been used in venom research and their potential remains to be established. Here, we explore the ability of a prokaryote-based cell-free system to produce a range of venom toxins of different types and from various source organisms. We show that only a very limited number of toxins could be expressed in small amounts. Paired with known problems to facilitate correct folding, our preliminary investigation underpins that venom-tailored cell-free systems probably need to be developed before this technology can be employed effectively in venom biodiscovery.

Abstract Background Gene expression in eukaryotes is regulated by histone acetylation/deacetylation, an epigenetic process mediated by histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) whose opposing activities are tightly regulated. The acetylation of histones by HATs increases DNA accessibility and promotes gene expression, whereas the removal of acetyl groups by HDACs has the opposite effect. Results We explored the role of HDACs and HATs in epigenetic reprogramming during metamorphosis, wounding and infection in the lepidopteran model host Galleria mellonella. We measured the expression of genes encoding components of HATs and HDACs to monitor the transcriptional activity of each enzyme complex and found that both enzymes were upregulated during pupation. Specific HAT inhibitors were able to postpone pupation and to reduce insect survival following wounding, whereas HDAC inhibitors accelerated pupation and increased survival. The administration of HDAC inhibitors modulated the expression of effector genes with key roles in tissue remodeling (matrix metalloproteinase), the regulation of sepsis (inhibitor of metalloproteinases from insects) and host defense (antimicrobial peptides), and simultaneously induced HAT activity, suggesting that histone acetylation is regulated by a feedback mechanism. We also discovered that both the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae and the human bacterial pathogen Listeria monocytogenes can delay metamorphosis in G. mellonella by skewing the HDAC/HAT balance. Conclusions Our study provides for the first evidence that pathogenic bacteria can interfere with the regulation of HDACs and HATs in insects which appear to manipulate host immunity and development. We conclude that histone acetylation/deacetylation in insects mediates transcriptional reprogramming during metamorphosis and in response to wounding and infection.

Abstract Background The larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella are increasingly used (i) as mini-hosts to study pathogenesis and virulence factors of prominent bacterial and fungal human pathogens, (ii) as a whole-animal high throughput infection system for testing pathogen mutant libraries, and (iii) as a reliable host model to evaluate the efficacy of antibiotics against human pathogens. In order to compensate for the lack of genomic information in Galleria, we subjected the transcriptome of different developmental stages and immune-challenged larvae to next generation sequencing. Results We performed a Galleria transcriptome characterization on the Roche 454-FLX platform combined with traditional Sanger sequencing to obtain a comprehensive transcriptome. To maximize sequence diversity, we pooled RNA extracted from different developmental stages, larval tissues including hemocytes, and from immune-challenged larvae and normalized the cDNA pool. We generated a total of 789,105 pyrosequencing and 12,032 high-quality Sanger EST sequences which clustered into 18,690 contigs with an average length of 1,132 bases. Approximately 40% of the ESTs were significantly similar (E ≤ e-03) to proteins of other insects, of which 45% have a reported function. We identified a large number of genes encoding proteins with established functions in immunity related sensing of microbial signatures and signaling, as well as effector molecules such as antimicrobial peptides and inhibitors of microbial proteinases. In addition, we found genes known as mediators of melanization or contributing to stress responses. Using the transcriptomic data, we identified hemolymph peptides and proteins induced upon immune challenge by 2D-gelelectrophoresis combined with mass spectrometric analysis. Conclusion Here, we have developed extensive transcriptomic resources for Galleria. The data obtained is rich in gene transcripts related to immunity, expanding remarkably our knowledge about immune and stress-inducible genes in Galleria and providing the complete sequences of genes whose primary structure have only partially been characterized using proteomic methods. The generated data provide for the first time access to the genetic architecture of immunity in this model host, allowing us to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogen and parasite response and detailed analyses of both its immune responses against human pathogens, and its coevolution with entomopathogens.

Abstract Background The planarian Schmidtea mediterranea and the cnidarian Hydra vulgaris have emerged as valuable model organisms in regeneration and stem cell research because of their prominent ability to regenerate a complete organism from any small body fragment. Under natural conditions wounding may result from predator attacks. These injuries open their innermost to a wide array of microbes present in the environment. Therefore, we established the hypothesis that regeneration processes may be linked to or at least accompanied by innate immune responses. In order to screen for septic wounding inducible genes we dissected individuals using a scalpel in the presence of a crude bacterial lipopolysaccharide preparation that is commonly used to elicit innate immune responses in animals and applied the suppression subtractive hybridization technique that selectively amplifies cDNAs of differentially expressed genes. Results This analysis revealed the induced expression of 27 genes in immune challenged Schmidtea and 35 genes in immune challenged Hydra. Identified genes from both animals encode proteins that share sequence similarities with potential homologues from other organisms known to be involved in signaling (e.g. calreticulin in Schmidtea and major vault protein in Hydra), stress responses (e.g. Hsp20 in Schmidtea and a PRP19/PSO4 DNA repair protein in Hydra), or to represent potential antimicrobial effectors (e.g. perforin-like protein in Schmidtea and PR-1-like protein and neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 in Hydra). As expected, septic wounding also induces expression of genes in Schmidtea and Hydra potentially involved in tissue remodeling associated with regeneration processes (e.g. matrix metalloproteinase in Schmidtea and a potential von Willebrand factor in Hydra). Conclusion We identified numerous immune-inducible genes in Hydra and Schmidtea that show a similar distribution corresponding to their physiological roles, although lineages of both animals split from their common ancestor for more than five hundred millions of years. The present study is the first analysis of immune-inducible genes of these two phylogenetically distant model organisms of regeneration and provide numerous candidate genes that we can use as a starting point for comparative examination of interrelationships between immunity and homeostasis.

BACKGROUND:The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum has emerged as an important model organism for the study of gene function in development and physiology, for ecological and evolutionary genomics, for pest control and a plethora of other topics. RNA interference (RNAi), transgenesis and genome editing are well established and the resources for genome-wide RNAi screening have become available in this model. All these techniques depend on a high quality genome assembly and precise gene models. However, the first version of the genome assembly was generated by Sanger sequencing, and with a small set of RNA sequence data limiting annotation quality. RESULTS:Here, we present an improved genome assembly (Tcas5.2) and an enhanced genome annotation resulting in a new official gene set (OGS3) for Tribolium castaneum, which significantly increase the quality of the genomic resources. By adding large-distance jumping library DNA sequencing to join scaffolds and fill small gaps, the gaps in the genome assembly were reduced and the N50 increased to 4753kbp. The precision of the gene models was enhanced by the use of a large body of RNA-Seq reads of different life history stages and tissue types, leading to the discovery of 1452 novel gene sequences. We also added new features such as alternative splicing, well defined UTRs and microRNA target predictions. For quality control, 399 gene models were evaluated by manual inspection. The current gene set was submitted to Genbank and accepted as a RefSeq genome by NCBI. CONCLUSIONS:The new genome assembly (Tcas5.2) and the official gene set (OGS3) provide enhanced genomic resources for genetic work in Tribolium castaneum. The much improved information on transcription start sites supports transgenic and gene editing approaches. Further, novel types of information such as splice variants and microRNA target genes open additional possibilities for analysis.

Abstract Background The saprophagous and coprophagous maggots of the drone fly Eristalis tenax (Insecta, Diptera) have evolved the unique ability to survive in aquatic habitats with extreme microbial stress such as drains, sewage pools, and farmyard liquid manure storage pits. Therefore, they represent suitable models for the investigation of trade-offs between the benefits resulting from colonization of habitats lacking predators, parasitoids, or competitors and the investment in immunity against microbial stress. In this study, we screened for genes in E. tenax that are induced upon septic injury. Suppression subtractive hybridization was performed to selectively amplify and identify cDNAs that are differentially expressed in response to injected crude bacterial endotoxin (LPS). Results Untreated E. tenax maggots exhibit significant antibacterial activity in the hemolymph which strongly increases upon challenge with LPS. In order to identify effector molecules contributing to this microbial defense we constructed a subtractive cDNA library using RNA samples from untreated and LPS injected maggots. Analysis of 288 cDNAs revealed induced expression of 117 cDNAs corresponding to 30 novel gene clusters in E. tenax. Among these immune-inducible transcripts we found homologues of known genes from other Diptera such as Drosophila and Anopheles that mediate pathogen recognition (e.g. peptidoglycan recognition protein) or immune-related signaling (e.g. relish). As predicted, we determined a high diversity of novel putative antimicrobial peptides including one E. tenax defensin. Conclusion We identified 30 novel genes of E. tenax that were induced in response to septic injury including novel putative antimicrobial peptides. Further analysis of these immune-related effector molecules from Eristalis may help to elucidate the interdependency of ecological adaptation and molecular evolution of the innate immunity in Diptera.

Abstract Background The marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii (Polychaeta, Nereididae) has been recognized as a slow-evolving lophotrochozoan that attracts increasing attention as a valuable model for evolutionary and developmental research. Here, we analyzed its immune-related transcriptome. For targeted identification of immune-induced genes we injected bacterial lipopolysaccharide, a commonly used elicitor of innate immune responses, and applied the suppression subtractive hybridization technique that selectively amplifies cDNAs of differentially expressed genes. Results Sequence analysis of 288 cDNAs revealed induced expression of numerous genes whose potential homologues from other animals mediate recognition of infection (e.g. complement receptor CD35), signaling (e.g. myc and SOCS), or act as effector molecules like ferritins and the bactericidal permeability-increasing protein. Interestingly, phylogenetic analyses implicate that immune-related genes identified in P. dumerilii are more related to counterparts from Deuterostomia than are those from Ecdysozoa, similarly as recently described for opsin and intron-rich genes. Conclusion Obtained results may allow for a better understanding of Platynereis immunity and support the view that P. dumerilii represents a suitable model for analyzing immune responses of Lophotrochozoa.

The effect of pesticides on insects is often discussed in terms of acute and chronic toxicity, but an important and often overlooked aspect is the impact of sublethal doses on insect physiology and behavior. Pesticides can influence various physiological parameters of insects, including the innate immune system, development, and reproduction, through a combination of direct effects on specific exposed tissues and the modification of behaviors that contribute to health and reproductive success. Such behaviors include mobility, feeding, oviposition, navigation, and the ability to detect pheromones. Pesticides also have a profound effect on insect learning and memory. The precise effects depend on many different factors, including the insect species, age, sex, caste, physiological condition, as well as the type and concentration of the active ingredients and the exposure route. More studies are needed to assess the effects of different active ingredients (and combinations thereof) on a wider range of species to understand how sublethal doses of pesticides can contribute to insect decline. This review reflects our current knowledge about sublethal effects of pesticides on insects and advancements in the development of innovative methods to detect them.

The planthopper Pentastiridius leporinus (Hempiptera: Cixiidae) is the main vector of two bacterial pathogens: the γ-proteobacterium ‘Candidatus Arsenophonus phytopathogenicus’ and the stolbur phytoplasma ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’. These pathogens cause the disease syndrome basses richesses (SBR) in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), which reduces the yields and sugar content. In 2022, potato (Solanum tuberosum) fields were found to be colonized by P. leporinus, and the transmission of Arsenophonus was confirmed, resulting in symptoms like wilting, yellow leaves, and rubbery tubers. We monitored both pathogens in Southwest Germany in 2022 and 2023. This revealed their widespread presence in potato tubers, although there were differences in regional prevalence. The broad prevalence of Arsenophonus was maintained in 2023, whereas the prevalence of stolbur increased in most locations. We confirmed that P. leporinus adults can transmit both pathogens to potatoes, but neither pathogen reduced the germination rate of tubers, and no plants showed abnormal growth after germination. Arsenophonus was not detected in germinated shoots, but 5.4% contained stolbur, emphasizing the need for plant material testing to maintain phytosanitary conditions.

Here, combining diagnostic imaging modalities and in vivo assays, Windfelder and colleagues established tobacco hornworm larvae Manduca sexta as an alternative high-throughput platform to study the innate immunity of the gut and host-pathogen interactions. Using the platform, the authors identify mediators of gut inflammation, differentiate pathogens from gut mutualist bacteria, and demonstrate pharmacological interventions.

Introduction: Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease and a globally important driver of death and morbidity. Vipers of the genus Macrovipera (Viperidae: Viperinae) are among the snakes of higher medical importance in the Old World. Despite the medical relevance of Macrovipera venoms, the knowledge regarding them is heterogeneously distributed with virtually all works conducted so far focusing on subspecies of Macrovipera lebetinus, while other species within the genus are largely overlooked. Here we present the first proteomic evaluation of the venom from the Greek endemic Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri). In line with clinical symptoms typically elicited by Macrovipera envenomations, Milos viper venom primarily comprises coagulotoxic and cytotoxic protein families, such as metalloproteinases (svMP) and serine proteases (svSP).Methods: We conducted comparative bioactivity assays on venoms from M. schweizeri and the M. lebetinus subspecies M. lebetinus cernovi, M. lebetinus obtusa, and M. lebetinus turanica, and showed that they all exhibit similarities in levels of cytotoxicity proteolytic activity, and inhibition of prokaryotic growth. Lastly, we compared Macrovipera venom profiles by 1D-SDS-PAGE and RP-HPLC, as well as our proteomic data with previously published Macrovipera venom proteomes.Results and discussion: The analyzes performed to reveal that a general venom profile seems to be conserved across blunt-nosed vipers, and that, M. schweizeri envenomations, similarly to those caused by other blunt-nosed vipers, are able to cause significant tissue damage. The present work represents an important starting point for the development of comparative studies across the full taxonomic range of the genus Macrovipera and can potentially help optimize the treatment of envenomations caused by M. schweizeri.

In recent years, many governments around the world have placed a stronger emphasis on people’s wellbeing with the aim of making societies more inclusive and cohesive. As part of this approach, the public sector has introduced a number of initiatives to measure and support students’ psychological flourishing. Previous research reported that students’ flourishing could be linked to certain positive/negative cognitions, but the specifics of these links were under-researched. This study aimed to reveal links between students’ automatic thoughts and flourishing in a sample of public sector university students (n = 226), where 75.7% of participants (n = 171) were 18 to 24 years old and 24.3% (n = 55) were aged 25+. The participants represented four fields of study: Life Sciences (n = 35), Humanities (n = 71), Social Sciences (n = 85), and Technology Sciences (n = 31). The Flourishing Scale (FS) was used to assess students’ flourishing, and the Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Revised (ATQ-R) was applied to measure participants’ positive and negative automatic thoughts. The findings revealed that students’ negative self-concepts and negative expectations negatively predicted flourishing, while positive automatic thoughts and positive self-statements positively predicted flourishing. The findings also revealed that positive automatic thoughts and self-statements mediate the link between negative self-concept, negative expectations, and flourishing. Moreover, the results show that strengthening students’ positive cognitions can contribute to students’ increased flourishing, despite coexisting negative cognitions. Based on these findings, fostering a positive and supportive educational environment that promotes mental wellbeing is recommended. This can be achieved by implementing policies prioritizing students’ mental health and providing resources such as counseling services and support systems. Creating an environment where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged can help counteract their negative cognitions, leading to improved flourishing.

ABSTRACT After the first total synthesis combined with structure revision, we performed thorough in vitro and in vivo profiling of the underexplored tetrapeptide GE81112A. From the determination of the biological activity spectrum and physicochemical and early absorption-distribution-metabolism-excretion-toxicity (eADMET) properties, as well as in vivo data regarding tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) in mice and efficacy in an Escherichia coli-induced septicemia model, we were able to identify the critical and limiting parameters of the original hit compound. Thus, the generated data will serve as the basis for further compound optimization programs and developability assessments to identify candidates for preclinical/clinical development derived from GE81112A as the lead structure. IMPORTANCE The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is becoming a more and more important global threat to human health. With regard to current medical needs, penetration into the site of infection represents the major challenge in the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Considering infections associated with Gram-negative bacteria, resistance is a major issue. Obviously, novel scaffolds for the design of new antibacterials in this arena are urgently needed to overcome this crisis. Such a novel potential lead structure is represented by the GE81112 compounds, which inhibit protein synthesis by interacting with the small 30S ribosomal subunit using a binding site distinct from that of other known ribosome-targeting antibiotics. Therefore, the tetrapeptide antibiotic GE81112A was chosen for further exploration as a potential lead for the development of antibiotics with a new mode of action against Gram-negative bacteria.

Summary: The tobacco hornworm is used extensively as a model system for ecotoxicology, immunology and gut physiology. Here, we established a micro-computed tomography approach based on the oral application of the clinical contrast agent iodixanol, allowing for a high-resolution quantitative analysis of the Manduca sexta gut. This technique permitted the identification of previously unknown and understudied structures, such as the crop or gastric ceca, and revealed the underlying complexity of the hindgut folding pattern, which is involved in fecal pellet formation. The acquired data enabled the volume rendering of all gut parts, the reliable calculation of their volumes, and the virtual endoscopy of the entire alimentary tract. It can provide information for accurate orientation in histology uses, enable quantitative anatomical phenotyping in three dimensions, and allow the calculation of locally effective midgut concentrations of applied chemicals. This atlas will provide critical insights into the evolution of the alimentary tract in lepidopterans.

Crayfish plague is a devastating disease of European freshwater crayfish and is caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci (Ap. astaci), believed to have been introduced to Europe around 1860. All European species of freshwater crayfish are susceptible to the disease, including the white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. Ap. astaci is primarily spread by North American crayfish species and can also disperse rapidly through contaminated wet gear moved between water bodies. This spread, coupled with competition from non-indigenous crayfish, has drastically reduced and fragmented native crayfish populations across Europe. Remarkably, the island of Ireland remained free from the crayfish plague pathogen for over 100 years, providing a refuge for A. pallipes. However, this changed in 1987 when a mass mortality event was linked to the pathogen, marking its introduction to the region. Fortunately, crayfish plague was not detected again in Ireland until 2015 when a molecular analysis linked a mass mortality event in the Erne catchment to Ap. astaci. Since then, the pathogen has appeared across the island. Between 2015 and 2023, Ap. astaci was detected in 18 water catchments, revealing multiple genotypes. Intriguingly, the pathogen in Ireland is present without its natural host species. The uneven distribution of various genetic lineages strongly suggests the human-mediated transport of zoospores via contaminated water equipment as a primary cause of spread. This review details the timeline of these events, Ap. astaci’s introduction into Ireland, and its rapid spread. As well, this review references the genotypes that have been determined, and discusses the issue of non-indigenous crayfish species in Ireland and management efforts.

Venoms are complex chemical arsenals that have evolved independently many times in the animal kingdom. Venoms have attracted the interest of researchers because they are an important innovation that has contributed greatly to the evolutionary success of many animals, and their medical relevance offers significant potential for drug discovery. During the last decade, venom research has been revolutionized by the application of systems biology, giving rise to a novel field known as venomics. More recently, biotechnology has also made an increasing impact in this field. Its methods provide the means to disentangle and study venom systems across all levels of biological organization and, given their tremendous impact on the life sciences, these pivotal tools greatly facilitate the coherent understanding of venom system organization, development, biochemistry, and therapeutic activity. Even so, we lack a comprehensive overview of major advances achieved by applying biotechnology to venom systems. This review therefore considers the methods, insights, and potential future developments of biotechnological applications in the field of venom research. We follow the levels of biological organization and structure, starting with the methods used to study the genomic blueprint and genetic machinery of venoms, followed gene products and their functional phenotypes. We argue that biotechnology can answer some of the most urgent questions in venom research, particularly when multiple approaches are combined together, and with other venomics technologies.

"True" cobras (genus Naja) are among the venomous snakes most frequently involved in snakebite accidents in Africa and Asia. The Cape cobra (Naja nivea) is one of the African cobras of highest medical importance, but much remains to be learned about its venom. Here, we used a shotgun proteomics approach to better understand the qualitative composition of N. nivea venom and tested its cytotoxicity and protease activity as well as its effect on intracellular Ca2+ release and NO synthesis. We identified 156 venom components representing 17 protein families, with the dominant ones being three-finger toxins, mostly of the short-chain type. Two-thirds of the three-finger toxin entries identified were assigned as cytotoxins, while the remainder were categorized as neurotoxins, including short-chain, long-chain, and ancestral three-finger toxins. We also identified snake venom metalloproteinases and members of CRISP, l-amino acid oxidase, and other families. Protease activity and its effect on intracellular Ca2+ release and NO synthesis were low. Phospholipase A2 activity was surprisingly high, despite this toxin family being marginally recovered in the analyzed venom. Cytotoxicity was relevant only at higher venom concentrations, with macrophage and neuroblastoma cell lines showing the lowest viability. These results are in line with the predominantly neurotoxic envenomation symptoms caused by Cape cobra bites. The present overview of the qualitatively complex and functionally intriguing venom of N. nivea may provide insights into the pathobiochemistry of this species' venom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]