Destruxin A Induces and Binds HSPs in Bombyx mori Bm12 Cells

Huanhuan Zhang1, Weina Hu1, Miaomiao Xiao1

  • 1Key Laboratory of Bio-Pesticide Innovation and Application of Guangdong Province, College of Agriculture, South China Agricultural University , Guangzhou 510642, China.

Insights

Destruxin A (DA) up-regulates four heat shock proteins (HSPs) in Bombyx mori cells. While DA only directly binds to BmHSCP, it induces expression of all four HSPs, offering insights into its insecticidal mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Entomology

Background:

  • Destruxin A (DA) is a mycotoxin from Metarhizium anisopliae with insecticidal properties.
  • The molecular mechanisms underlying DA's effects on insect immunity are not fully understood.
  • Previous studies suggested potential interactions between DA and heat shock proteins (HSPs) in Bombyx mori cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the direct binding interactions between DA and specific HSPs (BmHSP70-3, BmHSP75, BmHSP83, BmHSCP).
  • To determine the effect of DA on the gene expression levels of these HSPs in Bombyx mori Bm12 cells.

Main Methods:

  • Bio-layer interferometry (BLI) was used to analyze the binding affinity between DA and purified HSPs.
  • Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to measure the expression levels of HSP genes after DA treatment.

Main Results:

  • BLI analysis revealed that DA directly binds only to BmHSCP, with a dissociation constant (KD) of 88.1 μM.
  • DA treatment significantly up-regulated the gene expression of all four investigated HSPs (BmHSP70-3, BmHSP75, BmHSP83, and BmHSCP) in Bm12 cells.
  • DA showed no direct binding affinity to BmHSP70-3, BmHSP75, and BmHSP83.

Conclusions:

  • Destruxin A induces the expression of four heat shock proteins in Bombyx mori Bm12 cells.
  • DA exhibits specific binding only to BmHSCP among the tested HSPs.
  • These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of destruxin A's action and its insecticidal activity.