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Bombyx mori voltage-dependent anion-selective channel induces programmed cell death to defend against Bombyx mori
Jun-Li Lv1, Wen-Qing Lai1, Yu-Quan Gong1
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Sericultural and Animal Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China.
Background:
Voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDACs) serve as pore proteins within the mitochondrial membrane, aiding in the regulation of cell life and cell death. Although the occurrence of cell death is crucial for defense against virus infection, the function played by VDAC in Bombyx mori, in response to the influence of Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV), remains unclear.
Results:
BmVDAC was found to be relatively highly expressed both during embryonic development, and in the Malpighian tubule and midgut. Additionally, the expression levels of BmVDAC were found to be different among silkworm strains with varying levels of resistance to BmNPV, strongly suggesting a connection between BmVDAC and virus infection. To gain further insight into the function of BmVDAC in BmNPV, we employed RNA interference (RNAi) to silence and overexpress it by pIZT/V5-His-mCherry. The results revealed that BmVDAC is instrumental in developing the resistance of host cells to BmNPV infection in BmN cell-line cells, which was further validated as likely to be associated with initiating programmed cell death (PCD). Furthermore, we evaluated the function of BmVDAC in another insect, Spodoptera exigua. Knockdown of the BmVDAC homolog in S. exigua, SeVDAC, made the larvae more sensitive to BmNPV.
Conclusion:
We have substantiated the pivotal role of BmVDAC in conferring resistance against BmNPV infection, primarily associated with the initiation of PCD. The findings of this study shine new light on the molecular mechanisms governing the silkworm's response to BmNPV infection, thereby supporting innovative approaches for pest biocontrol. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Insights
The voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) in silkworms, BmVDAC, plays a key role in resisting Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) infection by initiating programmed cell death (PCD). This discovery offers new insights into silkworm antiviral defense mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Mitochondrial Biology
- Insect Pathology
- Molecular Virology
Background:
- Voltage-dependent anion-selective channels (VDACs) are mitochondrial proteins regulating cell life and death.
- The role of VDAC in Bombyx mori (silkworm) response to Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of BmVDAC in Bombyx mori's defense against BmNPV infection.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying silkworm antiviral immunity.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative expression analysis of BmVDAC in different silkworm tissues and strains.
- RNA interference (RNAi) to silence and overexpress BmVDAC in BmN cells.
- Functional analysis of BmVDAC homolog (SeVDAC) in Spodoptera exigua larvae.
Main Results:
- BmVDAC expression is high in embryonic development, Malpighian tubules, and midgut.
- BmVDAC expression levels correlate with silkworm resistance to BmNPV.
- BmVDAC is crucial for host cell resistance to BmNPV, likely by initiating programmed cell death (PCD).
- Knockdown of SeVDAC in Spodoptera exigua increased sensitivity to BmNPV.
Conclusions:
- BmVDAC is pivotal in conferring resistance against BmNPV infection, primarily through PCD initiation.
- This study illuminates the molecular mechanisms of silkworm antiviral response to BmNPV.
- Findings support novel strategies for insect pest biocontrol.
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