Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2025
Lung microRNA Profiling Across the Estrous Cycle in Ozone-exposed Mice
Published on: January 7, 2019
The selective regulation of immune responses by matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 in Ostrinia furnacalis
Kangkang Chen1, Shiqi Lu1, Jiahui Song1
1Department of Plant Protection, College of Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
Abstract:
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are crucial for tissue remodeling and immune responses in insects, yet it remains unclear how MMPs affect the various immune processes against pathogenic infections and whether the responses vary among insects. In this study, we used the lepidopteran pest Ostrinia furnacalis larvae to address these questions by examining the changes of immune-related gene expression and antimicrobial activity after the knockdown of MMP14 and bacterial infections. We identified MMP14 in O. furnacalis using the rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends (RACE), and found that it was conserved and belonged to the MMP1 subfamily. Our functional investigations revealed that MMP14 is an infection-responsive gene, and its knockdown reduces phenoloxidase (PO) activity and Cecropin expression, while the expressions of Lysozyme, Attacin, Gloverin, and Moricin are enhanced after MMP14 knockdown. Further PO and lysozyme activity determinations showed consistent results with gene expression of these immune-related genes. Finally, the knockdown of MMP14 decreased larvae survival to bacterial infections. Taken together, our data indicate that MMP14 selectively regulates the immune responses, and is required to defend against bacterial infections in O. furnacalis larvae. Conserved MMPs may serve as a potential target for pest control using a combination of double-stranded RNA and bacterial infection.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a key role in insect immunity. This study shows that MMP14 knockdown in Ostrinia furnacalis larvae impairs immune responses and reduces survival against bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Insect immunology
- Molecular biology
- Pest control
Background:
- Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are vital for tissue remodeling and immune functions in insects.
- The specific roles of MMPs in insect immune responses against pathogens are not fully understood.
- Investigating MMP function can reveal new strategies for pest management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of MMP14 in the immune response of Ostrinia furnacalis larvae against bacterial infections.
- To determine how MMP14 knockdown affects immune gene expression and antimicrobial activity.
- To assess the impact of MMP14 on larval survival following bacterial challenge.
Main Methods:
- Identification of MMP14 in O. furnacalis using RACE.
- Knockdown of MMP14 using RNA interference.
- Analysis of immune-related gene expression (Cecropin, Lysozyme, Attacin, Gloverin, Moricin) via RT-qPCR.
- Measurement of phenoloxidase (PO) and lysozyme activity.
- Assessment of larval survival rates after bacterial infection.
Main Results:
- MMP14 was identified and found to be conserved within the MMP1 subfamily.
- MMP14 knockdown significantly reduced phenoloxidase activity and Cecropin expression.
- Expressions of Lysozyme, Attacin, Gloverin, and Moricin were enhanced post-MMP14 knockdown.
- MMP14 knockdown led to decreased larval survival rates when challenged with bacteria.
Conclusions:
- MMP14 selectively regulates immune responses in O. furnacalis larvae.
- MMP14 is essential for effective defense against bacterial infections in this insect species.
- Conserved MMPs represent potential targets for RNAi-based pest control strategies.
