Inspection of frass ejection could decrease the risk of white-spotted longicorn beetle Anoplophora malasiaca (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) infestation of Japanese pine bonsais to negligible levels

Applied Entomology and Zoology - To evaluate the infection risk of Anoplophora malasiaca (Thomson) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in two species of Japanese pine bonsais (Japanese black pine and...     

The Drosophila DOCK family protein sponge is involved in differentiation of R7 photoreceptor cells

The Drosophila sponge (spg)/CG31048 gene belongs to the dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) family genes that are conserved in a wide variety of species. DOCK family members are known as DOCK1–DOCK11 in mammals. Although DOCK1 and DOCK2 involve neurite elongation and immunocyte differentiation, respectively, the functions of other DOCK family members are not fully understood. Spg is a Drosophila homolog of mammalian DOCK3 and DOCK4. Specific knockdown of spg by the GMR-GAL4 driver in eye imaginal discs induced abnormal eye morphology in adults. To mark the photoreceptor cells in eye imaginal discs, we used a set of enhancer trap strains that express lacZ in various sets of photoreceptor cells. Immunostaining with anti-Spg antibodies and anti-lacZ antibodies revealed that Spg is localized mainly in R7 photoreceptor cells. Knockdown of spg by the GMR-GAL4 driver reduced signals of R7 photoreceptor cells, suggesting involvement of Spg in R7 cell differentiation. Furthermore, immunostaining with anti-dpERK antibodies showed the level of activated ERK signal was reduced extensively by knockdown of spg in eye discs, and both the defects in eye morphology and dpERK signals were rescued by over-expression of the Drosophila raf gene, a component of the ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, the Duolink in situ Proximity Ligation Assay method detected interaction signals between Spg and Rap1 in and around the plasma membrane of the eye disc cells. Together, these results indicate Spg positively regulates the ERK pathway that is required for R7 photoreceptor cell differentiation and the regulation is mediated by interaction with Rap1 during development of the compound eye.     

The effects of foods consumed after adult eclosion on the mate-searching behavior and feeding preferences of the white-spotted longicorn beetle Anoplophora malasiaca (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)

The effects of changes in host plants on the mate-searching behavior and feeding preferences of the white-spotted longicorn beetle Anoplophora malasiaca (Thomson) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) were examined. All individuals were raised on the same artificial diet until they became pupae. Analysis of the mate-searching behavior of the males showed that many more newly emerged males were attracted to the odor of the artificial diet than to an unbaited control. We prepared three groups of beetles and fed each group on different host plants for one week. The host plants used included the following: an artificial diet (containing Morus alba Linné), Citrus unshiu Marc. branches, and Vaccinium spp. branches. The mate-searching behavior of the males changed in relation to the plant supplied for feeding. Simultaneously, the preference among the three host plants was tested. The newly emerged males preferred the artificial diet. After a week of feeding on one of the three plants, however, the adult males selected and consumed significantly more of the plant that they had just experienced than the other plants. These results suggest that the male mate-location cue can be acquired after adult eclosion. In addition, the male beetles are capable of changing their host-plant preference. If they do so, they use different odor cues for mate location. Newly emerged A. malasiaca females showed no preference for their first choice of food among the three host plants presented, whereas the consumption was significantly larger on C. unshiu branches. After one week of feeding on different host plants, females chose their host plant after the adult stage as well as C. unshiu, but consumed mostly C. unshiu. These results suggest that the food preferences of females are different from those of males. The behavior of females may not be affected by chemical signals from their original host-plant species (as pupae) or from the host-plant species acquired when they emerge as adults.     

Detection of eggs in the living white grub beetle Dasylepida ishigakiensis (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) by magnetic resonance imaging

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a tool for in vivo detection of eggs in living Dasylepida ishigakiensis Niijima et Kinoshita, a major pest of sugarcane, was explored using females with an ovary at different developmental stages. MRI measurements of beetles were performed at 13 °C to avoid motion artifacts on the MR images. Spin–lattice relaxation time-weighted images allowed the observation of eggs at short acquisition times (2 min, 8 s). By comparing MR images with dissection data, criteria for determining mature eggs in MR images were a clear circular or ellipsoidal shape surrounded by a relatively bright rim and a size typically larger than 1.3 mm in the minor axis. Although small oocytes could not be detected, females with a developed or undeveloped ovary could be clearly distinguished based on MR images. The possibility of confusing the digestive tract as eggs in a female with a less developed ovary can be eliminated using a proton density weighted image.     

A new Early Cretaceous eutherian mammal from the Sasayama Group,Hyogo, Japan

We here describe a new Early Cretaceous (early Albian) eutherian mammal, Sasayamamylos kawaii gen. et sp. nov., from the ‘Lower Formation’ of the Sasayama Group, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Sasayamamylos kawaii is characterized by a robust dentary, a distinct angle on the ventral margin of the dentary at the posterior end of the mandibular symphysis, a lower dental formula of 3–4 : 1 : 4 : 3, a robust lower canine, a non-molariform lower ultimate premolar, and a secondarily reduced entoconid on the molars. To date, S. kawaii is the earliest known eutherian mammal possessing only four premolars, which demonstrates that the reduction in the premolar count in eutherians started in the late Early Cretaceous. The occurrence of S. kawaii implies that the relatively rapid diversification of eutherians in the mid-Cretaceous had already started by the early Albian.     

A design for the control of apoptosis in genetically modified Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have engineered a system that holds potential for use as a safety switch in genetically modified yeasts. Human apoptotic factor BAX (no homolog in yeast), under the control of the FBP1 (gluconeogenesis enzyme) promoter, was conditionally expressed to induce yeast cell apoptosis after glucose depletion. Such systems might prove useful for the safe use of genetically modified organisms.     

Cytotoxicity analysis of staphylococcal bi-component β-pore forming toxins using the CHO cells expressing human lymphocyte receptor CCR5

ABSTRACT

CCR5-mediated cytotoxicity of staphylococcal bi-component toxins was investigated using human CCR5-expressing CHO cells. Cytotoxicity of rim domain loop-exchange mutants between LukE and Hlg2 indicated that loop-4 of LukE is essential for cytotoxicity in combination with LukD. Interestingly, Hlg2 showed LukF-dependent CCR5-mediated cytotoxicity, suggesting that the F-components of toxins also play a role in the cell-specific cytotoxicity.