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Monoclonal antibodies to elongation factor-1alpha inhibit in vitro translation in lysates of Sf21 cells.

Elongation factor-1alpha (EF-1alpha) is an enzyme that is essential for protein synthesis. Although EF-1alpha offers an excellent target for the disruption of insect metabolism, agents known to interfere with EF-1alpha activity are toxic to humans. In this article, we describe the development of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that can disrupt the activity of insect EF-1alpha without cross-reacting with the human enzyme. MAbs were generated to EF-1alpha from Sf21 cells derived from the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, by immunizing mice with EF-1alpha eluted from SDS-PAGE gels. The MAbs reacted with EF-1alpha in eggs and first through fifth instars of the fall armyworm in immunoblots of SDS-PAGE gels, but did not recognize EF-1alpha in human carcinoma cells and normal tissues. MAbs with the ability to recognize EF-1alpha in its native conformation, identified through immunoprecipitation experiments, were added to Sf21 cell lysates to determine whether the antibodies could inhibit incorporation of [(35)S]methionine into newly synthesized in vitro translation products. Of the four EF-1alpha-specific MAbs tested, three significantly inhibited protein synthesis when compared to the negative control antibody (P < 0.001, one-way ANOVA; followed by Dunnett's test, P < 0.05).

Animals↗

Novaluron (Rimon), a novel IGR: potency and cross-resistance.

The potency of novaluron on laboratory susceptible and field strains of S. littoralis resembles that of chlorfluazuron and both compounds are about 20-fold more potent than teflubenzuron. No appreciable resistance to novaluron or chlorfluazuron was observed in a field strain of Spodoptera littoralis collected from cucumber field in the central part of Israel. On the other hand, the field strain showed a mild resistance of about 4-fold to teflubenzuron as compared to the laboratory susceptible strain. A very resistant colony of Bemisia tabaci to pyriproxyfen (1,200- to 2,000-fold) showed no appreciable cross-resistance to novaluron. Two field colonies of B. tabaci pressurized with acetamiprid or thiamethoxam for 22 generations, resulting in a 30- to 50-fold resistance to acetamiprid and thiamethoxam, has no cross-resistance to novaluron. The above results are of special interest, indicating a possible alternation between novaluron, pyriproxyfen, and neonicotinoids in insecticide-resistance management programs aiming at preventing resistance development to these novel groups of insecticides against important pests such as whitefly and lepidopteran species.

Anabasine↗

Significance of absorption, oxidation, and binding to toxicity of four ecdysone agonists in multi-resistant cotton leafworm.

Treatment of last-instar larvae of multi-resistant cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis with four dibenzoylhydrazines, methoxyfenozide (RH-2485), tebufenozide (RH-5992), halofenozide (RH-0345), and RH-5849, resulted in premature molting leading to death. Methoxyfenozide was the most toxic followed by tebufenozide, halofenozide, and RH-5849. To explain differences in toxicity, especially between multi-resistant and laboratory strains, absorption in the body tissues and oxidative metabolism were tested with 14C-labeled ecdysone agonist and a Lineweaver-Burk assay, respectively. Then to address different compound potencies in multi-resistant strains, the potency of the four ecdysone agonists was measured based on their ability to mimic the natural insect molting hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) by inducing evagination in isolated imaginal wing discs. Using monoclonal antibody 9B9, the presence of ecdysteroid receptors in imaginal discs in vitro was confirmed. In parallel, Scatchard plot analysis with whole imaginal wing discs cultured with different concentrations of 3H-labeled ponasterone A indicated no significant difference in affinity and in number of target sites for binding between multi-resistant and susceptible laboratory strains. The four compounds tested caused the effect as agonists of 20E in vitro, and typically the order of their toxicities (LC50s) corresponded with that for evagination-induction with whole imaginal discs.

Absorption↗

The angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril reduces oviposition and ecdysteroid levels in Lepidoptera.

The role of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE, peptidyl dipeptidase A) in metamorphic- and reproductive-related events in the Egyptian cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) was studied by using the selective ACE inhibitor captopril. Although oral administration of captopril had no effect on larval growth, topical administration to new pupae resulted in a large decrease of successful adult formation. Oviposition and overall appearance of adults emerging from treated larvae did not differ significantly from those emerging from non-treated larvae. In contrast, topical or oral administration of captopril to newly emerged adults caused a reduction in oviposition. By evaluating the effect of captopril on ecdysteroid titers and trypsin activity, we revealed an additional physiological role for ACE. Captopril exerted an inhibitory effect on ecdysteroid levels in female but not in male adults. Larvae fed a diet containing captopril exhibited increased trypsin activity. A similar captopril-induced increase in trypsin activity was observed in female adults. In male adults, however, captopril elicited reduced levels of trypsin activity. Our results suggest that captopril downregulates oviposition by two independent pathways, one through ecdysteroid biosynthesis regulation, and the other through regulation of trypsin activity. Apparently, fecundity is influenced by a complex interaction of ACE, trypsin activity, and ecdysteroid levels.

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors↗

Growth and mitogenic effects of arylphorin in vivo and in vitro.

In insects, developmental responses are organ- and tissue-specific. In previous studies of insect midgut cells in primary tissue cultures, growth-promoting and differentiation factors were identified from the growth media, hemolymph, and fat body. Recently, it was determined that the mitogenic effect of a Manduca sexta fat body extract on midgut stem cells of Heliothis virescens was due to the presence of monomeric alpha-arylphorin. Here we report that in primary midgut cell cultures, this same arylphorin stimulates stem cell proliferation in the lepidopterans M. sexta and Spodoptera littoralis, and in the beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata. Studies using S. littoralis cells confirm that the mitogenic effect is due to free alpha-arylphorin subunits. In addition, feeding artificial diets containing arylphorin increased the growth rates of several insect species. When tested against continuous cell lines, including some with midgut and fat body origins, arylphorin had no effect; however, a cell line derived from Lymantria dispar fat body grew more rapidly in medium containing a chymotryptic digest of arylphorin.

Animals↗

Effects of bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, on bile salt export pump and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2.

The bile salt export pump (BSEP/Bsep/ABCB11) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2/Mrp2/ABCC2) are involved in bile acid-dependent and -independent bile secretion, respectively. It has been reported that bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, inhibits Bsep, which may lead to cholestatic liver injury due to the intracellular accumulation of bile salts, while increasing bile salt-independent bile flow. Thus, in this study, the effects of bosentan on BSEP/Bsep and MRP2/Mrp2 were evaluated using membrane vesicles derived from Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf) 9 cells, which express these transporters. The adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP)-dependent uptake of (3)H-taurocholic acid into membrane vesicles for BSEP/Bsep was inhibited by bosentan, and its IC(50) values were 76.8 and 101 microM for BSEP and Bsep, respectively. In contrast, bosentan stimulated the MRP2/Mrp2-mediated ATP-dependent vesicular transport of (3)H-estradiol 17beta-glucuronide by shifting the sigmoidal dependence of transport rate on substrate concentration to a more hyperbolic one. Collectively, these results suggest that bosentan inhibits BSEP in humans with a similar potency to rats, and that increased bile salt-independent flow in rats by bosentan is at least partly attributable to the activation of Mrp2.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B↗

The effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on the glycosylation of recombinant protein produced by the insect cell-baculovirus expression system.

The effect of dissolved oxygen concentration on human secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) glycosylation by the insect cell-baculovirus expression system was investigated in a well-controlled bioreactor. Oligomannose-type N-linked glycans (i.e., Man2 to Man6 and Man3F) were present in SEAP produced by Spodoptera frusiperda Sf-9 (Sf-9) and Trichoplusia ni BTI-Tn-5B1-4 (Tn-5B1-4) insect cell lines. The relative amounts of the most highly processed glycans (i.e., Man3F and Man2 in the SEAP from Sf-9 and Tn-5B1-4 cells, respectively) were significantly higher at 50% of air saturation than at either 10% or 190% of air saturation. That is, glycan processing was inhibited at both low and high dissolved oxygen concentrations.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

The response of virally infected insect cells to dissolved oxygen concentration: recombinant protein production and oxidative damage.

The effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration on virally infected insect cells were investigated in 3-L bioreactor culture. Specifically, cultures of Spodoptera frugiperda Sf-9 (Sf-9) and Trichoplusia ni BTI-Tn-5B1-4 (Tn-5B1-4) were infected with Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus expressing secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP). Following infection at a DO concentration of 50% air saturation, the DO concentration was adjusted to a final value of either 190%, 50%, or 10% air saturation. Recombinant SEAP production, cell viability, protein carbonyl content, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content were monitored. The increases in protein carbonyl and TBARS contents are taken to be indicators of protein oxidation and lipid oxidation, respectively. DO concentration was found to have no noticeable effect on SEAP production or cell viability decline in the Sf-9 cell line. In the Tn-5B1-4 cell line, cells displayed an increased peak SEAP production rate for 190% air saturation and displayed an increased rate of viability decline at increased DO concentration. Protein carbonyl content showed no significant increase in the Sf-9 cell line by 72 h postinfection (pi) at any DO concentration but showed a twofold increase at 10% and 50% DO concentration and a threefold increase at 190% DO concentration by 72 h pi in Tn-5B1-4 cells. TBARS content was found to increase by approximately 50% in Sf-9 cells and by approximately twofold in Tn-5B1-4 cells by 72 h pi with no clear relationship to DO concentration. It is hypothesized that oxygen uptake changes due to the viral infection process may bear a relation to the observed increases in protein and lipid oxidation and that lipid oxidation may play an important role in the death of virally infected insect cells.

Animals↗

Effect of MOI ratio on the composition and yield of chimeric infectious bursal disease virus-like particles by baculovirus co-infection: deterministic predictions and experimental results.

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are empty particles consisting of virus capsid proteins that closely resemble native virus but are devoid of the native viral nucleic acids and therefore have attracted significant attention as noninfectious vaccines. A recombinant baculovirus, vIBD-7, which encodes the structural proteins (VP2, VP3, and VP4) of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), produces native IBD VLPs in infected Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells. Another baculovirus, vEDLH-22, encodes VP2 that is fused with a histidine affinity-tag (VP2H) at the C-terminus. By co-infection with these two baculoviruses, hybrid VLPs with histidine tags were formed and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography (Hu et al., 1999). Also, we demonstrated that varying the MOI ratio of these infecting viruses altered the extent of VP2H incorporated into the particles. A dynamic mathematical model that described baculovirus infection and VLP synthesis (Hu and Bentley, 2000) was adapted here for co-infection and validated by immunofluorescence labeling. It was shown to predict the VLP composition as a dynamic function of MOI. A constraint in the VP2H content incorporated into the particles was predicted and shown by experiments. Also, the MOI ratio of both infecting viruses was shown to be the major factor influencing the composition of the hybrid particles and an important factor in determining the overall yield. ELISA results confirmed that VP2H was exhibited to a varied extent on the outer surface of the particles. This model provides insight on the use of virus co-infection in virus-mediated recombinant protein expression systems and aids in the optimization of chimeric VLP synthesis.

Animals↗

A novel method for in vitro radiolabeling and testing enveloped viruses by phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase and host cell-specific binding.

The present study developed a novel virus labeling and testing method, referred to as an envelope-labeled virus assay (ELVA), in which virus envelope is labeled in vitro by the action of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) and tested through a host cell-specific binding. A recombinant strain (vGFPuv) of Autographa californica multiple nuclear polyhedrosis virus (AcMNPV) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9) insect cells were used as a model of viruses and host cells, respectively. The labeling mixture, which contained PEMT, [methyl-3H]S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and a trace amount of detergent Triton X-100, brought about little change in virus titer of vGFPuv on a 1-h incubation, but was so toxic to Sf-9 cells as to immediately cause cell death. After being incubated with vGFPuv, therefore, the labeling mixture was neutralized by adsorptive removal of PEMT and Triton X-100 before Sf-9 cells were contacted with the mixture to extract the virus. The Sf-9 cells were then washed with a phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and lipid extracts with a 1% SDS solution were subjected to a liquid scintillation analysis for the determination of labeling efficiency. As a result, a significant amount of radioactivity was determined in the extracts, demonstrating the validity of ELVA for labeling and testing enveloped viruses. The conditions for the PEMT reaction and cell-virus binding were examined, and the lower detection limit of AcMNPV by ELVA was found to lie in the order of 10(3) plaque forming unit (pfu) per milliliter. Since the labeling reaction and detection of virus are based on neither immunological nor genetic characteristics of virus, ELVA is also expected to be a convenient and comprehensive test of other enveloped viruses.

Animals↗

Rapid enzymatic isomerization of 12-oxophytodienoic acid in the gut of lepidopteran larvae.

In response to feeding larvae of the Mediterranean climbing cutworm (Spodoptera littoralis), leaves of the lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) produce fatty acid-derived signaling compounds (oxylipins). The major products are the phytohormones jasmonic acid and its biosynthetic precursor 12-oxophytodienoic acid (OPDA), along with 13-hydroxy-12-oxooctadeca-9,15-dienoic acid, 9-hydroxy-12-oxooctadeca-10,15-dienoic acid (alpha- and gamma-ketol), as well as unsaturated aldehydes. Oxylipin production is highest at the feeding zone of the insect and decreases with distance from the damaged area. Accordingly, the feeding insect experiences high local concentrations of oxylipins, which are taken up into the alimentary canal and are finally excreted with the feces. In contrast to most other oxylipins, OPDA was not detectable in the insect's gut; instead the structurally related tetrahydrodicranenone B (iso-OPDA) was identified. Feeding experiments with deuterium-labeled OPDA proved that the isomerization is catalyzed by an enzyme from the insect's gut tissue. The phenomenon appears to be widespread among Lepidopteran larvae.

Animals↗

Spatial representation of odorant structure in the moth antennal lobe: a study of structure-response relationships at low doses.

How odorant structure and concentration are spatially represented within the primary olfactory integration center, the antennal lobe (AL) or olfactory bulb (OB) in invertebrates and vertebrates, respectively, is currently a topic of high interest. Here, we show the spatial representation of odorant structure in the antennal lobe of the moth Spodoptera littoralis by imaging calcium activity evoked by straight chain aliphatic alcohols and aldehydes at low doses. Activity patterns of a given odor were most similar to compounds with the same functional group, differing in chain length by only one carbon atom. A chain length dependency was present as the most activated glomerulus in the lobe shifted from a medial to a lateral position with increasing chain length of the molecule. Statistical analysis revealed that in both classes of chemicals the chain length of the molecule was represented in a similar way. No topographically fixed domains were observed for any of the classes. However, activity patterns evoked by lower chain length molecules were spatially more distinct than patterns evoked by higher chain length molecules. The number of activated glomeruli for both classes of chemicals increased with increasing chain length to reach a maximum at eight or nine C atoms followed by a decrease as the chain length further increased.

Alcohols↗

Developmental expression of a tyramine receptor gene in the brain of the honey bee, Apis mellifera.

This study reveals that the tyramine receptor gene, Amtyr1, is expressed in the developing brain, as well as in the brain of the adult worker honey bee. Changes in levels of Amtyr1 expression were examined using Northern analysis. Age-related increases in Amtyr1 transcript levels were observed not only during metamorphic adult development, but also in the brain of the adult worker bee. RNA in situ hybridization revealed the pattern of Amtyr1 expression. Cell bodies staining intensely for tyramine receptor-gene transcript were observed throughout the somata rind, with well-defined clusters of cells associated with developing mushroom bodies, optic lobes, and antennal lobes of the brain. Staining for Amtyr1 transcript was particularly intense within the three major divisions of mushroom body intrinsic neurons (outer compact, noncompact, and inner compact cells), suggesting that Amtyr1 is highly expressed in these structures. Activation of AmTYR1 receptors heterologously expressed in insect (Spodoptera frugiperda) cells led to a reduction in intracellular levels of cAMP similar to that reported for AmTYR1 receptors expressed in mammalian (HEK 293) cells (Blenau et al. [2000] J Neurochem 74:900-908). Taken together, these results suggest that AmTYR1 receptors may play a role in the developing brain as well as in the brain of the adult worker bee. The actions of tyramine are likely to be mediated, at least in part, via the cAMP-signaling pathway.

Animals↗

The mast cell function-associated antigen exhibits saccharide binding capacity.

The mast cell function-associated antigen (MAFA) is a membrane glycoprotein first identified on rat mucosal type mast cells (line RBL-2H3) and known to inhibit the Fc epsilon RI-mediated secretory response. In its extracellular domain, an amino acid stretch homologous to the carbohydrate binding domain of calcium-dependent animal lectins has been found. To investigate its carbohydrate binding capacity, the MAFA has been expressed in the Spodoptera frugiperda insect cell line (Sf9) using the baculovirus expression system. Analysis by flow cytometry and surface labeling with 125I showed that the recombinant MAFA (rMAFA) was expressed as a monomeric and disulfide-linked homodimeric glycoprotein in the membrane of the insect cells, and both forms exhibited the same epitopes as the protein isolated from RBL-2H3 cells. Immunoaffinity-purified rMAFA was then employed for studies of its saccharide binding capacity by using different neoglycans and glycoproteins. The rMAFA was found to bind specifically terminal mannose residues in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. These results support the notion that the extracellular domain of the MAFA is indeed able to bind ligands, which may be modulatory for the mast cell response.

Animals↗

Single cell manipulation, analytics, and label-free protein detection in microfluidic devices for systems nanobiology.

Single cell analytics for proteomic analysis is considered a key method in the framework of systems nanobiology which allows a novel proteomics without being subjected to ensemble-averaging, cell-cycle, or cell-population effects. We are currently developing a single cell analytical method for protein fingerprinting combining a structured microfluidic device with latest optical laser technology for single cell manipulation (trapping and steering), free-solution electrophoretical protein separation, and (label-free) protein detection. In this paper we report on first results of this novel analytical device focusing on three main issues. First, single biological cells were trapped, injected, steered, and deposited by means of optical tweezers in a poly(dimethylsiloxane) microfluidic device and consecutively lysed with SDS at a predefined position. Second, separation and detection of fluorescent dyes, amino acids, and proteins were achieved with LIF detection in the visible (VIS) (488 nm) as well as in the deep UV (266 nm) spectral range for label-free, native protein detection. Minute concentrations of 100 fM injected fluorescein could be detected in the VIS and a first protein separation and label-free detection could be achieved in the UV spectral range. Third, first analytical experiments with single Sf9 insect cells (Spodoptera frugiperda) in a tailored microfluidic device exhibiting distinct electropherograms of a green fluorescent protein-construct proved the validity of the concept. Thus, the presented microfluidic concept allows novel and fascinating single cell experiments for systems nanobiology in the future.

Animals↗

Isolation of highly purified, functional carboxy-terminally truncated hepatitis B virus middle surface protein activators from eucaryotic expression systems.

Carboxy-terminally truncated hepatitis B virus (HBV) middle surface proteins (MHBst) show a transcriptional activator function. Two different subtypes of MHBst activators can be distinguished: an ER-localized type, represented here by MHBst76 (truncated at amino acid 76), and a cytosol-localized type, represented here by MHBst63. To characterize the MHBst activator on the protein level and to analyze posttranslational modifications, we established recombinant baculoviruses encoding for fusion proteins of MHBst76 or MHBst63 and of an amino terminal hexa-his tag. Both proteins could be obtained in high purity by affinity chromatography using Ni-nitrilo-tri-acetate agarose. In addition, 6H-MHBst76 was also isolated from transiently transfected HepG2 cells. Both the Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cell-derived and the HepG2 cell-derived MHBst proteins were found to be unglycosylated. A detailed analysis of Sf9 cell-derived 6H-MHFBst76 by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry showed that a fraction of this protein is N-terminally acetylated and phosphorylated or sulfated. Electric-field-mediated transfer of the highly purified proteins into reporter cells demonstrated that the isolated proteins are functional transcriptional activators. These experiments further showed that Sf9 cell-derived and HepG2 cell-derived 6H-MHBst do not differ in their functionality. This system allowed production and purification of functional 6H-MHBst in amounts sufficient enough to allow a further detailed analysis of MHBst activators on the protein level.

Animals↗

Purification and partial characterization of R5, R5X4, and X4 HIV-1 subtype C envelope glycoproteins expressed in insect cells.

Biological properties of four recombinant HIV-1 subtype C envelope glycoproteins from viruses with different phenotypic characteristics (CCR5 and/or CXCR4-utilizing) were investigated. The gp160 genes were cloned, expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda insect cells, purified, and their biological characteristics were examined. The conformational and functional integrity of the HIV-1 subtype C rgp160 was intact since they reacted with the A32, C11, IgG1b12, 7B2, and 17b conformational dependant monoclonal antibodies (MAb), sCD4, and patient sera. Baculovirus derived rgp160 can be used for further structural, functional, antigenic, and immunological studies.

Animals↗

Isolation and identification of neo-clerodane diterpenes from Ajuga remota by high-performance liquid chromatography.

In order to explore the suitability of reversed-phase HPLC for the rapid isolation, identification and semi-preparative fractionation of neo-clerodane diterpenes from Ajuga remota, an extract from aerial parts of the plant was examined using a C18 column with UV detection and gradient elution with water:methanol. In addition to the known diterpenes ajugarins I, II, IV and V and clerodin, the presence and chromatographic behaviours of ajugapitin, dihydroajugapitin, dihydroclerodin and deacetylajugarin IV, not previously isolated from A. remota, were established. Presence of the epimeric mixture of 14-hydro-15-hydroxyclerodin (scutecyprol A) was also demonstrated together with that of 14-hydro-15-hydroxyajugapitin, the latter only in trace amounts. The structures of all isolated diterpenes were determined from NMR data. The anti-feedant activities of the isolated compounds against Spodoptera littoralis are also reported here.

Ajuga↗