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Molecular Signalling in Multitrophic Systems Involving Arthropods
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Molecular Signalling in Multitrophic Systems Involving Arthropods

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Biology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2025 | Viewed by 2103

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francesca Barbero

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
Interests: plant–insect interactions; coevolution; eusociality; communication; butterflies; ants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The study of molecular signaling in multitrophic systems is a rapidly evolving field with significant implications for ecology, agriculture, pest management, and biodiversity conservation. The interactions among distantly related organisms, including those from different domains, can strongly impact ecological networks and ecosystem resilience. To fully understand these complex interactions, it is necessary to integrate approaches from various disciplines such as molecular biology, physiology, ecology, genomics, chemistry, microbiology, and ethology.

This interdisciplinary Special Issue aims to collect cutting-edge research and comprehensive reviews that enhance our understanding of the intricate molecular interactions within multitrophic systems involving arthropods. We welcome studies that provide insights into genomics and transcriptomics to uncover the genetic basis of signaling mechanisms and their evolutionary adaptations. Additionally, investigations on pheromones, kairomones, allomones, and other semiochemicals that mediate interactions between arthropods and other organisms, including plants, predators, and symbiotic partners, are encouraged. Surveys on the role of microbiomes in shaping signaling pathways and interactions within arthropod communities are also welcomed. Studies exploring these topics, among others, will contribute to advancing our understanding of multilayer communication in arthropods and their biotic and abiotic networks.

Dr. Francesca Barbero
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • insects
  • plants
  • microorganisms
  • communication
  • symbioses
  • eavesdropping

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 14402 KiB  
Article
Pheromone-Binding Protein 1 Performs a Dual Function for Intra- and Intersexual Signaling in a Moth
by Yidi Zhan, Jiahui Zhang, Mengxian Xu, Frederic Francis and Yong Liu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313125 - 6 Dec 2024
Viewed by 338
Abstract
Moths use pheromones to ensure intraspecific communication. Nevertheless, few studies are focused on both intra- and intersexual communication based on pheromone recognition. Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are generally believed pivotal for male moths in recognizing female pheromones. Our research revealed that PBP1 of Agriphila [...] Read more.
Moths use pheromones to ensure intraspecific communication. Nevertheless, few studies are focused on both intra- and intersexual communication based on pheromone recognition. Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) are generally believed pivotal for male moths in recognizing female pheromones. Our research revealed that PBP1 of Agriphila aeneociliella (AaenPBP1) serves a dual function in both intra- and intersexual pheromone recognition. Here, a total of 20 odorant-binding protein (OBP) family genes from A. aeneociliella were identified and subjected to transcriptional analysis. Among these, AaenPBP1 was primarily highly expressed in the antennae. Competitive fluorescence binding assays and molecular docking analyses demonstrated that AaenPBP1 exhibits a strong binding affinity for the female sex pheromone (Z)-9-Hexadecenyl acetate and the male pheromone 1-Nonanal. Notably, hydrogen bonds were observed between Ser56 and the ligands. The analysis of pheromone components and PBPs in lepidopteran lineage suggested that their strong and precise interactions, shaped by coevolution, may play a crucial role in facilitating reproductive isolation in moths. Our findings provide valuable insight into the functional significance of PBPs in invertebrates and support the development of behavioral regulation tools as part of an integrated pest management strategy targeting crambid pests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Signalling in Multitrophic Systems Involving Arthropods)
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12 pages, 1355 KiB  
Article
Asymmetric Synthesis and Biological Activity of Contact Pheromone of Western Flower Thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis
by Chuanwen Lin, Wenya Zhu, Shuai Wu, Qinghua Bian and Jiangchun Zhong
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(21), 11699; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252111699 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 534
Abstract
Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is a serious worldwide pest of agriculture and horticulture, and its contact pheromone is 7-methyltricosane. Two enantiomers of 7-methyltricosane were synthesized for the first time. The centra of our strategy were chiral auxiliaries to introduce stereocenter, and [...] Read more.
Western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, is a serious worldwide pest of agriculture and horticulture, and its contact pheromone is 7-methyltricosane. Two enantiomers of 7-methyltricosane were synthesized for the first time. The centra of our strategy were chiral auxiliaries to introduce stereocenter, and Wittig coupling to connect two blocks. The overall yields of our synthesis were 29–30% with seven steps. The electroantennogram (EAG) and the contact behavioral responses revealed that (R)-, (S)- and racemic 7-methyltricosane were separately bioactive, and the racemate was the most bioactive in the male arrestant activity and the female EAG test. This result provides valuable insights, showing that the racemate could be used for the support of the control of western flower thrips, which could be more easily prepared relative to more expensive enantiopure pheromone. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Signalling in Multitrophic Systems Involving Arthropods)
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24 pages, 7372 KiB  
Article
Insights into the Detoxification of Spruce Monoterpenes by the Eurasian Spruce Bark Beetle
by Aisha Naseer, Vivek Vikram Singh, Gothandapani Sellamuthu, Jiří Synek, Kanakachari Mogilicherla, Ladislav Kokoska and Amit Roy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 10209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251810209 - 23 Sep 2024
Viewed by 852
Abstract
Plant defence mechanisms, including physical barriers like toughened bark and chemical defences like allelochemicals, are essential for protecting them against pests. Trees allocate non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) to produce secondary metabolites like monoterpenes, which increase during biotic stress to fend off pests like the [...] Read more.
Plant defence mechanisms, including physical barriers like toughened bark and chemical defences like allelochemicals, are essential for protecting them against pests. Trees allocate non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) to produce secondary metabolites like monoterpenes, which increase during biotic stress to fend off pests like the Eurasian spruce bark beetle, ESBB (Ips typographus). Despite these defences, the ESBB infests Norway spruce, causing significant ecological damage by exploiting weakened trees and using pheromones for aggregation. However, the mechanism of sensing and resistance towards host allelochemicals in ESBB is poorly understood. We hypothesised that the exposure of ESBB to spruce allelochemicals, especially monoterpenes, leads to an upsurge in the important detoxification genes like P450s, GSTs, UGTs, and transporters, and at the same time, genes responsible for development must be compromised. The current study demonstrates that exposure to monoterpenes like R-limonene and sabiene effectively elevated detoxification enzyme activities. The differential gene expression (DGE) analysis revealed 294 differentially expressed (DE) detoxification genes in response to R-limonene and 426 DE detoxification genes in response to sabiene treatments, with 209 common genes between the treatments. Amongst these, genes from the cytochrome P450 family 4 and 6 genes (CP4 and CP6), esterases, glutathione S-transferases family 1 (GSTT1), UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2B genes (UDB), and glucose synthesis-related dehydrogenases were highly upregulated. We further validated 19 genes using RT-qPCR. Additionally, we observed similar high expression levels of detoxification genes across different monoterpene treatments, including myrcene and α-pinene, suggesting a conserved detoxification mechanism in ESBB, which demands further investigation. These findings highlight the potential for molecular target-based beetle management strategies targeting these key detoxification genes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Signalling in Multitrophic Systems Involving Arthropods)
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