Glycoside hydrolase Ma3360 mediates immune evasion by Metarhizium anisopliae in insects.

Entomopathogenic fungi can precisely inhibit the cellular and humoral immune responses of host insects by secreting effector proteins, allowing them to overcome the innate immune barriers of their hosts. Nodule formation is an immune response primarily mediated by insect hemocytes, which can rapidly and efficiently capture invading pathogenic fungi in the hemocoel. However, the molecular mechanisms by which fungi inhibit insect nodule formation through the secretion of effector proteins remain unclear.

Molecular mechanism of Tralopyril-induced enteritis in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) through multi-pathway modulation: Network toxicology and experimental validation.

Tralopyril (TP), a representative bromopyrrolonitrile, functions as a broad-spectrum insecticide, raising growing concerns about its potential impact on aquatic organisms and human intestinal health. However, the key targets and toxicity mechanisms underlying TP-induced enteritis remain unclear. In this study, we utilized network toxicology combined with molecular docking to comprehensively explore the potential molecular mechanisms underlying TP-induced enteritis.

Juvenile hormone signaling regulates apoptosis mediated chlorantraniliprole sensitivity in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda, FAW) has developed varying degrees of resistance to chlorantraniliprole (CAP). Apoptosis serves as a critical defense mechanism against pesticide stress in insects. Here, we identified a juvenile hormone (JH)-mediated apoptotic pathway through RNA-seq, revealing nine JH-induced apoptosis-related genes (four positively correlated and five negatively correlated).

Molecular characterization of Spodoptera frugiperda nose resistant to fluoxetine protein 6 and its putative involvement in tolerance to cyantraniliprole.

Spodoptera frugiperda (FAW) is a notorious polyphagous pest that has developed resistance to various insecticides including diamide insecticides. Our previous study established a FAW cyantraniliprole-resistant (SfCYAN-R) strain by laboratory resistance selection of susceptible strain (SfCYAN-S), however, the potential resistance mechanisms of FAW to cyantraniliprole remain unclear. In this study, SfNrf6 encoding nose resistant to fluoxetine (Nrf) protein 6 was identified to be upregulated in SfCYAN-R strain compared with SfCYAN-S strain based on RNA-Seq data and RT-qPCR.

Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles: A promising nano-antimicrobial agent for sustainable management of bacterial leaf streak in rice.

Rice bacterial leaf streak (BLS) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) significantly reduces rice yield and quality. Traditional chemical control methods often have limited efficacy and raise environmental concerns, highlighting the need for safer and more effective alternatives.

Comparison of the toxicity and pharmacological effects of two insecticides against the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis.

The Asian Corn Borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) is a devastating pest of maize, causing significant yield and economic losses in Asia. GABA receptor inhibitors have served as effective tools for controlling ACB larvae over the past several decades. However, the toxicity levels and pharmacological properties of two insecticides, fluxametamide and fipronil against the ACB are still unclear.

Risk assessment and underlying mechanisms of pydiflumetofen resistance in Alternaria tenuissima and Alternaria alternata.

Potato early blight is a prevalent disease that significantly impacts potato cultivation. Pydiflumetofen, a new succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor developed by Syngenta, has been registered for use on multiple crops in China. However, its resistance risk and mechanisms in Alternaria tenuissima and Alternaria alternata are still poorly understood.

RNAi bioassays targeting bursicon reveal potential targets for pest control of Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata.

Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata represents a significant economic pest, typically controlled through the use of chemical insecticides. The introduction of RNA interference (RNAi) technology has opened new avenues for biopesticide development, leading to the identification of various genes that are crucial for the growth and development of insects. However, the efficient screening of target genes in H.

Environmental stressor-induced functional and expression dynamics of glutathione S-transferase genes in bees.

As key pollinators, bees are increasingly threatened by environmental stressors such as heavy metals, pesticides, and temperature fluctuations, which can cause oxidative stress and disrupt cellular homeostasis. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play crucial roles in antioxidant defense and detoxification, yet systematic studies on bee GST families remain limited. Here, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of cytosolic GST genes in 13 bee species, identifying 146 genes in total.

Indole-based natural product for plant protection: Discovery of alkaloid barrettin and its derivatives as novel antiviral and antifungal agents.

The extensive use of highly toxic and residual pesticides has a significant negative impact on agricultural production and the ecological environment. The development of new green antiviral agents has become a major demand for ensuring the development of green ecological agriculture. Indole alkaloids are widely present in nature and have diverse biological activities.

The pleiotropic odorant binding protein CaspOBP12 involved in perception of Ceutorhynchus asper for plant volatiles and pesticides.

The olfactory system of insects plays a vital role in their survival by enabling them to detect chemical cues and adapt to changing environments. The rape stem weevil, Ceutorhynchus asper, is a significant pest posing a challenge for rapeseed production due to its destructive feeding habit and increasing resistance to insecticides. So far, there's still limited knowledge about structure and function of odorant binding proteins (OBPs) in beetles like C.

Applying natural product repurposing strategy to identify baicalein as novel caseinolytic protease P inhibitor and its application in the treatment of rice bacterial diseases.

Plant diseases caused by bacteria affect the yield of crop, greatly reduce the quality of food, and thus posing a great threat to food safety. To fill the gap that no report about ClpP inhibitor is applied in agri-food production field, engineering natural-product repurposing strategy, 55 of natural products were screened using the combination of ClpP inhibitors of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) screening assay and anti-Xoo activity experiment.

A novel antifungal actinomycete Streptomyces haidianensis sp. nov. LX-29 effectively controls tomato Fusarium wilt.

Tomato Fusarium wilt, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol), poses a significant threat to global tomato production, resulting in severe losses in both yield and quality.

Knockdown of Clavesin family genes NlClvs1l, NlClvs1t, and NlClvs2l in Nilaparvata lugens reveals their potential as novel targets for pest control strategies.

The brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens is one of the most destructive pests of rice, and its management has primarily relied on chemical insecticides. Currently, the chemical management of BPH is facing challenges due to the development of pesticide resistance. RNA interference (RNAi) provides attractive alternative to chemical insecticides, provided that suitable target genes are identified.

ATP synthase subunit γ mediates Cry1Ac binding and toxicity in Grapholita molesta.

The insect midgut peritrophic membrane (PM) plays important roles in insect-microbe interactions. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and its proteinaceous toxins are widely used for insect control. To understand the role of PM in insects against Bt toxins, this study selected Grapholita molesta Busck (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a worldwide pest infesting fruit trees, as the research subject.

Cyetpyrafen, chlorfenapyr and spirodiclofen affect the olfactory recognition of Dastarcus helophoroides by acting on DhelOBP4 and DhelOBP21.

The pine-forest guardian Dastarcus helophoroides mainly rely on olfaction to locate its host accurately and interact socially. Odorant binding proteins of D. helophoroides play an important role in olfactory recognition and transporting odors to olfactory receptors to trigger signal transduction.

Functional analysis of Sf-NPF1 in food intake and antifeedant induction by azadirachtin in Spodoptera frugiperda larvae.

Azadirachtin, a highly effective botanical pesticide, demonstrated notable biological activities against Spodoptera frugiperda, including mortality induction, growth and development inhibition, and antifeedant effects. Neuropeptide F (NPF) has been shown to play a role in various physiological processes in insects. Nonetheless, the functions of Sf-NPF1 in regulating food intake and antifeedant induction by azadirachtin in S.

Functional characterization of odorant binding proteins in Pharsalia antennata provides insights into diverse binding properties and the importance of C-terminal residues.

The cerambycid beetles are important components in the terrestrial ecosystem as they play a dual role in both degrading dying trees and killing healthy plants. The factors including human activity, habitat contraction, climate changes and pesticide use have been shaping the adaptation of beetles to host plants and the environment. As suggested in research on the functions of beetles' olfactory proteins, odorant binding proteins (OBPs) have been found to be involved in insecticide resistance other than chemoreception.

Adsorption-desorption behavior of difenoconazole onto soils: Kinetics, isotherms, and influencing factors.

Difenoconazole (DFC) is a commonly used triazole fungicide known for its high efficiency and environmental persistence. A thorough understanding of its environmental behavior, particularly sorption in soil, is critical to obtain a comprehensive assessment of the ecological risk of DFC. In this study, three soils with distinct physicochemical properties (brown soil, cinnamon soil, and fluvo-aquic soil) were used to elucidate the adsorption mechanisms of DFC on soil.

Environmental concentration effects of imidacloprid on the renal system of Xenopus laevis: Multifaceted insights from histopathology to molecular biology.

Given the widespread presence of imidacloprid in aquatic environments and the limited research on its impact on amphibian renal health, in this study, we investigated the effects of this commonly used neonicotinoid insecticide on kidney function and molecular mechanisms in Xenopus laevis. Employing a 28-day exposure model, histopathological changes and enzymatic responses induced by two concentrations of imidacloprid were examined, along with gene expression alterations and metabolic disruptions at environmentally relevant levels. The results highlighted significant renal histopathological damage and changes in key enzymes involved in oxidative stress and neurotoxicity, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and acetylcholinesterase.

Competitive exclusion of insect parasitic fungi: Enhanced metabolite biosynthesis in Beauveria bassiana and fatty acid production in Metarhizium robertsii during host coinfection.

Microbial consortia, involving two or more microorganisms, have been explored for pest management purposes, despite concerns regarding competitive exclusion among entomopathogenic fungi that may undermine synergistic effects. However, the precise molecular mechanisms governing entomopathogen competition in vivo remain inadequately elucidated. Here, we investigate competitive exclusion dynamics between two prominent entomopathogens, Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana.

BmeIF4E2 promotes AcMNPV infection in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, by direct interaction.

The molecular mechanism of baculovirus infection is the basis of baculovirus wide application. Identifying and elucidating the functional genes of virus replication is the focus of research. Eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) is a key component of the translation initiation process to synthesize proteins required for replication.

Disruption of egg and nymph development via RNAi-mediated Glutamine: fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase knockdown in Locusta migratoria: A promising strategy for pest management.

Glutamine: fructose-6-phosphate aminotransferase (GFAT) is the first rate-limiting enzyme in the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, which plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including chitin metabolism in insects. Locusta migratoria, a widespread and highly destructive agricultural pest, poses a significant threat due to its rapid reproduction and long-distance migration. In this study, we identified and characterized LmGFAT as a key regulator of locust development.

Splicing factor Nova regulates the splice variants in exons 3 and 6 of GABA receptor subunit RDL from Chilo suppressalis Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae).

The insect ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor is an important insecticide target, and alternative splicing (AS) among exons 3a, 3b, 6a, and 6b of its RDL subunit is ubiquitous in insects; however, the AS factors and mechanisms remain unclear. While the neuro-oncological ventral antigen (Nova) is known to regulate AS of the γ2 subunit of mammalian GABA receptors, its role in insects remains unexplored. Two CsNova isoforms, CsNova-X1 and CsNova-X3, were identified by BLAST in the third-generation transcriptome of Chilo suppressalis.

Virtual screening of potato virus Y coat protein for discovering lead inhibitors of viral intercellular traffic.

Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most economically detrimental phytoviruses affecting global Solanaceae, possessing challenges in agrochemical control. The structural elucidation of PVY coat protein (CP) offers opportunities for the rational design of CP-targeted antivirals; however, the feasibility of identifying lead compounds via virtual screening remains largely unexplored. Herein, we report the successful case of structure-based virtual screening leveraging PVY CP, enabling the identification of a structurally novel lead with a unique mechanism of action.