Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the non‐neuronal cholinergic system in the ovary of the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Acetylcholine (ACh), as a classical neurotransmitter, plays great roles in the nervous system. There is increasing evidence of its non‐neuronal roles in regulating basic cell functions in vertebrates. However, knowledge about the non‐neuronal cholinergic system in insects is scarce. RESULTS A comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to investigate differences in the key molecular components of the cholinergic system between the head and ovary. The results showed that expression levels of most cholinergic system‐related genes were higher in the head than in the ovary, and some cholinergic components were absent in the ovary. ACh contents ranged from 0.1 to 1.3 μg mg−1 of wet weight during the development of the ovary, and weak acetylcholinesterase activity was also detected. Moreover, the ovary has a capacity for ACh synthesis. Bromoacetylcarnitine (BrACar), a specific carnitine acetyltransferase (CarAT) inhibitor, greatly inhibits ACh synthesis by 83.83% in ovary homogenates, but bromoacetylcholine (BrACh), a specific choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) inhibitor, has no effect on ACh synthesis in the ovary. These findings indicate that non‐neuronal ACh in the ovary is only catalyzed by CarAT. CONCLUSION This study reveals the existence of the non‐neuronal cholinergic system in the ovary of M. separata, whose synthesis and release mechanisms are different from those of the head. These results provide novel insights into the non‐neuronal cholinergic system in insects, and will be valuable in the discovery of new target genes and the future development of green pest control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimization of Osthole in the Lactone Ring as an Agrochemical Candidate: Synthesis, Characterization, and Pesticidal Activities of Osthole Amide/Ester Derivatives and Their Effects on Morphological Changes of Mite Epidermis

“…Data for 2 (Z/E = 73:27). Yield: 57%, white solid; mp 138−140 °C; IR cm −1 (KBr): 3488, 2942, 1652, 1266, 1091; 1 General Procedure for Preparation of Target Compounds 4a−m and 6a−m. A mixture of compound 2 or 3 (0.3 mmol), various amines (0.36 mmol), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDCI) (0.36 mmol), and hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) (0.36 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 (5 mL) at room temperature was stirred for 6−22 h. Then, the mixture was diluted with CH 2 Cl 2 (20 mL), washed with brine (10 mL), dried over anhydrous Na 2 SO 4 , and concentrated in vacuo.…”

“…On the other hand, compounds 2 and 3 reacting with different alcohols in the presence of EDCI and DMAP afforded ester derivatives 5a−m and 7a−m. Their structures were determined by 1 H NMR, IR, HRMS, and mp. Moreover, the three-dimensional structure of E isomer of 3 was unambiguously confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (CCDC: 2054338; Figure 3).…”

“…Mythimna separata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a typical long-distance migratory pest that poses a serious threat to the safe production of maize, wheat, and rice. It has a wide range of occurrences and many generations of damage, leading to crop yield reduction and failure in severe cases. − Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval (Acari: Tetranychidae) is one of the most harmful mites in the world of agriculture and forest production, with a short life history, high reproductive capacity, and high resistance to many chemical active ingredients. − Blind pesticide abuse frequently occurs in an effort to increase crop yields, and manage pests and illnesses, which results in the emergence of pest resistance , and major environmental pollution issues. − Obviously, the development of new pesticides is still on the way. Botanical pesticides can control or obstruct pest development, reproduction, and behavior by nontoxic processes, thereby lowering the use of chemical pesticides, assuring the quality and safety of agricultural goods, and preserving ecological security. − Recently, the discovery of novel pesticides from natural products has received much attention. − …”

Transcriptomic Identification and Characterization of Trehalose-6-Phosphate Synthase in Fat Body of the Oriental Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis

“…Recently, the rapid development of omics technology has provided excellent platforms for exploring molecular mechanisms underlying biological and physiological processes in cells, tissues, and organisms. , Hence, omics technology was widely applied to analyze functions of the insect fat body. For instance, the fat body of B.…”

“…14,18−21 Recently, the rapid development of omics technology has provided excellent platforms for exploring molecular mechanisms underlying biological and physiological processes in cells, tissues, and organisms. 22,23 Hence, omics technology was widely applied to analyze functions of the insect fat body. For instance, the fat body of B. dorsalis was speculated to be involved in immunity, detoxification, and energy metabolism as transcriptomic analysis revealed that a large amount of relevant genes are expressed there.…”