The synergistic regulatory effect of PTP1B and PTK inhibitors on the development of Oedaleus decorus asiaticus Bei-Bienko

Abstract

Tyrosine phosphorylation is crucial for controlling normal cell growth, survival, intercellular communication, gene transcription, immune responses, and other processes. PTP (protein tyrosine phosphatase) and PTK (protein tyrosine kinases) can achieve this goal by regulating multiple signaling pathways. Oedaleus decorus asiaticus is an important pest that infests the Mongolian Plateau grassland. We aimed to evaluate the survival rate, growth rate, overall performance, and ovarian developmental morphology of the 4th instar nymphs of O. decorus asiaticus while inhibiting the activity of PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B) and PTK. In addition, the expression and protein phosphorylation levels of key genes in the MAPK signaling pathway and antioxidant enzyme activity were assessed. The results showed no significant differences in survival rate, growth rate, or overall performance between PTP1B inhibitor treatment and control. However, after PTK inhibitor treatment, these indexes were significantly lower than in the control. The ovarian size of female larvae after 15 days of treatment with PTK inhibitors showed significantly slower development, while female larvae treated with PTP1B exhibited faster ovarian growth than the control group. In comparison to controls and nymphs treated with PTK inhibitors, the expression and phosphorylation levels of key genes in the MAPK signaling pathway under PTP1B inhibitor treatments were significantly higher in 4th instar nymphs. However, ROS levels and the activities of NADPH oxidase and other antioxidant enzymes were considerably reduced, although they were significantly greater in the PTK inhibitor treatment. The results suggest that PTP1B and PTK feedback inhibition in the MAPK signal transfer can regulate the physiological metabolism of the insect as well as its developmental rate. These findings can facilitate future uses of PTP1B and PTK inhibitors in controlling insect development to help control pest populations.