Interaction of Destruxin A with Three Silkworm Proteins: BmCRT, BmDPP3, and BmPDIA5

Xuyu Yin1, Haitao Peng1, Qunfang Weng1

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

Insights

Destruxin A (DA), a mycotoxin, binds strongly to three insect proteins: calreticulin (BmCRT), dipeptidyl peptidase III (BmDPP3), and protein disulfide isomerase A5 (BmPDIA5), revealing potential insecticidal mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Mycotoxicology

Background:

  • Destruxin A (DA) is a mycotoxin from *Metarhizium anisopliae* with insecticidal properties.
  • The precise molecular mechanism underlying DA's insecticidal activity remains largely unelucidated.
  • Understanding DA's interactions with host proteins is crucial for deciphering its mode of action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the interaction between Destruxin A (DA) and three specific insect proteins: calreticulin (BmCRT), dipeptidyl peptidase III (BmDPP3), and protein disulfide isomerase A5 (BmPDIA5).
  • To elucidate the functional consequences of these interactions on protein activity and expression.
  • To provide insights into the molecular basis of DA's insecticidal effects.

Main Methods:

  • Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) were employed to measure the kinetic binding parameters (KD) between DA and the target proteins.
  • Insect two-hybrid assays in SF-9 cells were conducted to assess the impact of DA on protein-protein interactions in a cellular context.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to evaluate the effects of DA on the enzymatic activities of BmDPP3 and BmPDIA5.
  • Quantitative analysis of protein expression levels (upregulation/downregulation) was performed.

Main Results:

  • DA exhibited strong binding affinities (KD values in the 10-4 to 10-5 mol/L range) with BmCRT, BmDPP3, and BmPDIA5.
  • DA modulated protein-protein interactions involving BmCRT, BmDPP3, and BmPDIA5 in a dose-dependent manner.
  • DA inhibited the enzymatic activity of BmDPP3 but did not significantly affect BmPDIA5.
  • DA induced the upregulation of BmDPP3 and the downregulation of BmCRT expression.

Conclusions:

  • BmCRT, BmDPP3, and BmPDIA5 are identified as direct binding partners of Destruxin A.
  • DA's interaction with these proteins influences their activity and expression levels, contributing to its insecticidal effects.
  • This study provides novel molecular insights into the mechanism of action of Destruxin A, potentially paving the way for targeted pest control strategies.