Insecticidal action of mammalian galectin-1-transfected Arabidopsis thaliana

Zhen Hao Liao, Hsien Tzung Shih, Yaw Jen Dong, Mei Jung Tseng, Siou Hua Wang, Shiang Jiuun Chen, Shaw Jye Wu, Rong Nan Huang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Galectins (GALs) are a family of mammalian sugar-binding proteins specific for β-galactosides. Our previous studies have shown that the larval development of the diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is significantly disturbed when fed with recombinant mammalian galectin 1 (GAL1) derived from Escherichia coli. To further explore its applicability, two GAL1-overexpressed Arabidopsis [GAL1-Arabidopsis (whole plant) and GAL1-Arabidopsis-vas (vascular bundle-specific)] lines were established for insecticidal activity and mechanism studies. RESULTS: The expression level of GAL1 in transgenic Arabidopsis is 1–0.5% (GAL1-Arabidopsis) and 0.08–0.01% (GAL1-Arabidopsis-vas) of total leaf soluble protein. Survival, body weight, and food consumption significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner in P. xylostella larvae (with chewing mouthparts) fed on GAL1-Arabidopsis. The mortality of Kolla paulula (with piercing-sucking mouthparts and xylem feeder) fed on GAL1-Arabidopsis-vas was also significantly higher than that fed on wild-type Arabidopsis (WT-Arabidopsis), but was lower than that fed on GAL1-Arabidopsis. The histochemical structure and results of immunostaining suggested that the binding of GAL1 to the midgut epithelium of P. xylostella fed on GAL1-Arabidopsis was dose- and time-dependent. Ultrastructural studies further showed the disruption of microvilli, abnormalities in epithelial cells, and fragments of the peritrophic membrane (PM) in P. xylostella larvae fed on GAL1-Arabidopsis. CONCLUSION: The insecticidal mechanism of GAL1 involves interference with PM integrity and suggests that GAL1 is a potential candidate for bioinsecticide development.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4024-4033
Number of pages10
JournalPest Management Science
Volume80
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • bioinsecticide
  • galectin
  • Kolla paulula
  • Plutella xylostella

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