Cuticle Formation Research Articles

OsMS1 functions as a transcriptional activator to regulate programmed tapetum development and pollen exine formation in rice.

OsMS1 functions as a transcriptional activator and interacts with known tapetal regulatory factors through its plant homeodomain (PHD) regulating tapetal programmed cell death (PCD) and pollen exine formation in rice. The tapetum, a hallmark tissue in the stamen, undergoes degradation triggered by PCD during post-meiotic anther development. This degradation process is indispensable for anther cuticle and pollen exine formation. Previous study has shown that PTC1 plays a critical role in the regulation of tapetal PCD. However, it remained unclear how this occurs. To further investigate the role of this gene in rice, we used CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate the homozygous mutant named as osms1, which showed complete male sterility with slightly yellow and small anthers, as well as invisible pollen grains. In addition, cytological observation revealed delayed tapetal PCD, defective pollen exine formation and a lack of DNA fragmentation according to a TUNEL analysis in the anthers of osms1 mutant. OsMS1, which encodes a PHD finger protein, was located in the nucleus of rice protoplasts and functioned as a transcription factor with transcriptional activation activity. Y2H and BiFC assays demonstrated that OsMS1 can interact with OsMADS15 and TDR INTERACTING PROTEIN2 (TIP2). It has been reported that TIP2 coordinated with TDR to modulate the expression of EAT1 and further regulated tapetal PCD in rice. Results of qPCR suggested that the expression of the genes associated with tapetal PCD and pollen wall biosynthesis, such as EAT1, AP37, AP25, OsC6 and OsC4, were significantly reduced in osms1 mutant. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the interaction of OsMS1 with known tapetal regulatory factors through its PHD finger regulates tapetal PCD and pollen exine formation in rice.

Maize male sterile 33 encodes a putative glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase that mediates anther cuticle formation and microspore development

BackgroundThe anther cuticle, which is primarily composed of lipid polymers, is crucial for pollen development and plays important roles in sexual reproduction in higher plants. However, the mechanism underlying the biosynthesis of lipid polymers in maize (Zea mays. L.) remains unclear.ResultsHere, we report that the maize male-sterile mutant shrinking anther 1 (sa1), which is allelic to the classic mutant male sterile 33 (ms33), displays defective anther cuticle development and premature microspore degradation. We isolated MS33 via map-based cloning. MS33 encodes a putative glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase and is preferentially expressed in tapetal cells during anther development. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed a substantial reduction in wax and cutin in ms33 anthers compared to wild type. Accordingly, RNA-sequencing analysis showed that many genes involved in wax and cutin biosynthesis are differentially expressed in ms33 compared to wild type.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that MS33 may contribute to anther cuticle and microspore development by affecting lipid polyester biosynthesis in maize.

Current Advances in Molecular Basis and Mechanisms Regulating Leaf Morphology in Rice.

Yield is majorly affected by photosynthetic efficiency. Leaves are essential structure for photosynthesis and their morphology especially size and shape in a plant canopy can affect the rate of transpiration, carbon fixation and photosynthesis. Leaf rolling and size are considered key agronomic traits in plant architecture that can subsidize yield parameters. In last era, a number of genes controlling leaf morphology have been molecularly characterized. Despite of several findings, our understanding toward molecular mechanism of leaf rolling and size are under-developed. Here, we proposed a model to apprehend the physiological basis of different genes organized in a complex fashion and govern the final phenotype of leaf morphology. According to this leaf rolling is mainly controlled by regulation of bulliform cells by SRL1, ROC5, OsRRK1, SLL2, CLD1, OsZHD1/2, and NRL1, structure and processes of sclerenchyma cells by SLL1 and SRL2, leaf polarity by ADL1, RFS and cuticle formation by CFL1, and CLD1. Many of above mentioned and several other genes interact in a complex manner in order to sustain cellular integrity and homeostasis for optimum leaf rolling. While, leaf size is synchronized by multifarious interaction of PLA1, PLA2, OsGASR1, and OsEXPA8 in cell division, NAL1, NAL9, NRL1, NRL2 in regulation of number of veins, OsCOW1, OsPIN1, OsARF19, OsOFP2, D1 and GID in regulation of phytohormones and HDT702 in epigenetic aspects. In this review, we curtailed recent advances engrossing regulation and functions of those genes that directly or indirectly can distress leaf rolling or size by encoding different types of proteins and genic expression. Moreover, this effort could be used further to develop comprehensive learning and directing our molecular breeding of rice.

Toxicogenomic responses to zearalenone in Caenorhabditis elegans reveal possible molecular mechanisms of reproductive toxicity

In this study, the possible molecular mechanisms of zearalenone (ZEA)-induced reproductive and developmental toxic effects in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) were investigated. Differential gene expression profiles were identified, and 171, 245, and 3149 genes were down- or up-regulated (>2.0 fold) in 10, 20, and 40 μg/ml ZEA treated groups, respectively, as compared to untreated controls. Pathway specific mapping showed that the major differentially expressed genes were collagen synthetic pathways regulating genes, col-121 and dpy-17. Real-time PCR reconfirmation of key genes, related to cuticle collagen synthetic pathway, found dramatic changes in the expression of the genes dpy-31, sqt-3, col-121, and dpy-17 following exposure to ZEA (40 μg/ml), which indicated the significance of these genes in ZEA-induced toxicity. Cuticle collagen plays many key roles in the development and reproduction of C. elegans. The hypersensitive responses in transgenic and mutant worms also confirmed the roles of these genes in lethality and reproductive response to ZEA exposure, which indicates that ZEA blocked the normal collagen processing and cuticle formation. Taken together, our results demonstrate that disruption of the collagen biosynthetic pathway might be a key mechanism in ZEA-induced reproductive and developmental toxic effects in C. elegans.

Relationships between attentional network functioning and spontaneous EEG activity in patients with coronary artery disease

Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is an important aquaculture species in Crustacea. Functional analysis, although essential, has been hindered due to the lack of sufficient genomic or transcriptomic resources. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on 59 samples representing diverse developmental stages (fertilized eggs, zoea, megalopa, three sub-stages of larvae, juvenile crabs, and adult crabs) and different tissues (eyestalk, hepatopancreas, and muscle from juvenile crabs, and eyestalk, hepatopancreas, muscle, heart, stomach, gill, thoracic ganglia, intestine, ovary, and testis from adult crabs) of E. sinensis. A comprehensive reference transcriptome was assembled, including 19,023 protein-coding genes. Hierarchical clustering based on 128 differentially expressed cuticle-related genes revealed two distinct expression patterns during the early larval developmental stages, demonstrating the distinct roles of these genes in “crab-like” cuticle formation during metamorphosis and cuticle calcification after molting. Phylogenetic analysis of 1406 one-to-one orthologous gene families identified from seven arthropod species and Caenorhabditis elegans strongly supported the hypothesis that Malacostraca and Branchiopoda do not form a monophyletic group. Furthermore, Branchiopoda is more phylogenetically closely related to Hexapoda, and the clade of Hexapoda and Branchiopoda and the clade of Malacostraca belong to the Pancrustacea. This study offers a high-quality transcriptome resource for E. sinensis and demonstrates the evolutionary relationships of major arthropod groups. The differentially expressed genes identified in this study facilitate further investigation of the cuticle-related gene expression networks which are likely associated with “crab-like” cuticle formation during metamorphosis and cuticle calcification after molting.

The search for proteins involved in the formation of crustacean cuticular structures

Crustacean cuticular structures are key features formed during a molt cycle. These structures are complex biomaterials comprising chitin and different mineral forms in distinct scaffold organizations. The formation of these complex biomaterials is controlled by the organic extracellular matrix including structural proteins. Since cuticular structures are formed de novo during each molt cycle, the spatial and temporal expression patterns of structural proteins are tightly linked to molt cycle events. As a model scenario, we demonstrate the molt-related pattern of expression of the gene encoding GAP65, a core structural protein involved in the formation of the cuticular structures of Cherax quadricarinatus. Based on this typical pattern of expression and using a binary-patterning approach, which is a specialized tool for the study of molt-related proteins, we revealed and characterized additional candidate proteins involved in the formation of crustacean cuticular structures. We propose that our approach be applied as a framework in the search for proteins involved in the formation of the crustacean cuticle. To stimulate research on this important aspect of structural biology, we put forward a schematic representation of the extracellular matrix and its proteins in three cuticular structures of C. quadricarinatus, the gastroliths, the mandibles, and the mineralized cuticle.

Exogenous Melatonin Improves Tolerance to Water Deficit by Promoting Cuticle Formation in Tomato Plants.

The plant cuticle, composed of cutin and waxes, is a hydrophobic layer coating the aerial organs of terrestrial plants and playing a critical role in limiting water loss. While melatonin has been recently demonstrated to be involved in responses to drought stress in plants, its relationship with cuticle formation is not known. In the present work, we report the effects of melatonin on the formation of cuticle in tomato leaves subjected to water deficit. Preliminary analysis by light microscope showed that tomato leaves pretreated with exogenous melatonin might have thicker cutin than tomato leaves without melatonin pretreatment under water deficit condition. Chemical characterization showed that exogenous application of melatonin increased the level of cuticular waxes in tomato leaves under water deficit. Consistent with the change in cuticular waxes was the increased abundance of wax-associated gene transcripts. Further, assessment of water loss and chlorophyll leaching in tomato leaves revealed the association of cuticle deposition with reduced leaf permeability, which is important in restricting water loss in water deficit-stressed tomato plants. These results suggest a role for melatonin in regulating leaf cuticle formation and non-stomatal water loss in leaves.

A Maternally Deposited Endosperm Cuticle Contributes to the Physiological Defects of transparent testa Seeds.

Mature dry seeds are highly resilient plant structures where the encapsulated embryo is kept protected and dormant to facilitate its ultimate dispersion. Seed viability is heavily dependent on the seed coat's capacity to shield living tissues from mechanical and oxidative stress. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the seed coat, also called the testa, arises after the differentiation of maternal ovular integuments during seed development. We recently described a thick cuticle tightly embedded in the mature seed's endosperm cell wall. We show here that it is produced by the maternal inner integument 1 layer and, remarkably, transferred to the developing endosperm. Arabidopsis transparent testa (tt) mutations cause maternally derived seed coat pigmentation defects. TT gene products encode proteins involved in flavonoid metabolism and regulators of seed coat development. tt mutants have abnormally high seed coat permeability, resulting in lower seed viability and dormancy. However, the biochemical basis of this high permeability is not fully understood. We show that the cuticles of developing tt mutant integuments have profound structural defects, which are associated with enhanced cuticle permeability. Genetic analysis indicates that a functional proanthocyanidin synthesis pathway is required to limit cuticle permeability, and our results suggest that proanthocyanidins could be intrinsic components of the cuticle. Together, these results show that the formation of a maternal cuticle is an intrinsic part of the normal integumental differentiation program leading to testa formation and is essential for the seed's physiological properties.

A Lignin Molecular Brace Controls Precision Processing of Cell Walls Critical for Surface Integrity in Arabidopsis

The cell wall, a defining feature of plants, provides a rigid structure critical for bonding cells together. To overcome this physical constraint, plants must process cell wall linkages during growth and development. However, little is known about the mechanism guiding cell-cell detachment and cell wall remodeling. Here, we identify two neighboring cell types inArabidopsis that coordinate their activities to control cell wall processing, thereby ensuring precise abscission to discard organs. One cell type produces a honeycomb structure of lignin, which acts as a mechanical "brace" to localize cell wall breakdown and spatially limit abscising cells. The second cell type undergoes transdifferentiation into epidermal cells, forming protective cuticle, demonstrating de novo specification of epidermal cells, previously thought to be restricted to embryogenesis. Loss of the lignin brace leads to inadequate cuticle formation, resulting in surface barrier defects and susceptible to infection. Together, we show how plants precisely accomplish abscission.

Identification of candidate genes mediating apple fruit-cracking resistance following the application of gibberellic acids 4 + 7 and the cytokinin 6-benzyladenine

Calyx-end cracking in 'Pink Lady' apple is treated by a solution of gibberellic acids 4 and 7 (GA4+7) and the cytokinin 6-benzyladenine (BA). Although the GA4+7 and BA mixture is applied early in apple fruit development, it mitigates cracking that becomes evident in the mature fruit, implying a long-term treatment effect. The reduced incidence of peel cracking is associated with increased epidermal cell density, which is maintained until fruit maturation. Presently, the expression of genes that have been previously reported to be associated with epidermal cell patterning and cuticle formation, or cracking resistance, was monitored in the peel during fruit development and following GA4+7 and BA treatment. For most of the genes whose expression is naturally upregulated during fruit development, the early GA4+7 and BA treatment maintained or further increased the high expression level in the mature peel. Where the expression of a gene was downregulated during development, no change was detected in the treated mature peel. Gene-networking analysis supported the interaction between gene clusters of cell-wall synthesis, cuticle formation and GA signaling. Overall, the data suggested that the GA4+7 and BA treatment did not modify developmental cues, but promoted or enhanced the innate developmental program.

Морфо-анатомічні показники хвої Pinus pallasiana D. Don. у різних лісорослинних умовах протиерозійного насадження

<p>The paper studies morpho-anatomical parameters of the needles of <em>Pinus pallasiana</em> D. Don. in different forest growth conditions of the antierosion afforestation in the steppe Prydniprovya. The research objects are 25-27-year-old plants, which grow in cross-sectional rows on the northern slope of wooded ravine Viyskovyi. The test Plots differ in forest growth conditions especially in the extent of water supply.In spite of the relatively high drought tolerance of <em>P. pallasiana</em>, such morphometric indices of needles as length, width and thickness are reduced in dry forest conditions. Quantitative changes in a number of indicators of the structural elements of the anatomical structure of the needles indicate adaptive changes to the lack of moisture. The formation of needles in dry forest conditions causes the formation of a thicker cuticle, an increase in the thickness of the cells of the epidermis and the hypodermis (radially in the transverse section), which reduces the loss of moisture. However, reducing the size of the conducting beams limits both the flow of water into the needle and the outflow of assimilates. In arid growing conditions, the number of resin canals in needles is reduced compared to plants of thalweg, the layer of folded parenchyma, both the adaxial and abaxial parts of the needles, is thinned.</p>

High level efficacy of lufenuron against sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) linked to rapid impact on moulting processes

Drug resistance in the salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis is a global issue for Atlantic salmon aquaculture. Multiple resistance has been described across most available compound classes with the exception of the benzoylureas. To target this gap in effective management of L. salmonis and other species of sea lice (e.g. Caligus spp.), Elanco Animal Health is developing an in-feed treatment containing lufenuron (a benzoylurea) to be administered prior to seawater transfer of salmon smolts and to provide long-term protection of salmon against sea lice infestations. Benzoylureas disrupt chitin synthesis, formation, and deposition during all moulting events. However, the mechanism(s) of action are not yet fully understood and most research completed to date has focused on insects. We exposed the first parasitic stage of L. salmonis to 700 ppb lufenuron for three hours and observed over 90% reduction in survival to the chalimus II life stage on the host, as compared to vehicle controls. This agrees with a follow up in vivo administration study on the host, which showed >95% reduction by the chalimus I stage. Transcriptomic responses of salmon lice exposed to lufenuron included genes related to moulting, epithelial differentiation, solute transport, and general developmental processes. Global metabolite profiles also suggest that membrane stability and fluidity is impacted in treated lice. These molecular signals are likely the underpinnings of an abnormal moulting process and cuticle formation observed ultrastructurally using transmission electron microscopy. Treated nauplii-staged lice exhibited multiple abnormalities in the integument, suggesting that the coordinated assembly of the epi- and procuticle is impaired. In all cases, treatment with lufenuron had rapid impacts on L. salmonis development. We describe multiple experiments to characterize the efficacy of lufenuron on eggs, larvae, and parasitic stages of L. salmonis, and provide the most comprehensive assessment of the physiological responses of a marine arthropod to a benzoylurea chemical.

Identification of ZHOUPI Orthologs in Rice Involved in Endosperm Development and Cuticle Formation.

The endosperm occupies most of the available space within mature rice seeds, contains abundant nutrients, and directly influences both the quality and quantity of rice production. Initial reports noted that AtZHOUPI (AtZOU) coordinates endosperm breakdown and the concomitant separation of the embryo from this structure in Arabidopsis. The results of this study show that rice genomes contain two most closely related homologs of AtZOU, OsZOU-1 and OsZOU-2; of these, OsZOU-1 expression is limited to within the endosperm where it can be detected throughout this structure 5 days after pollination (DAP). Its expression gradually decreases from seven DAP to nine DAP. The second of the two most closely related homologs, OsZOU-2, is highly expressed in leaves and stem, but is not detected in developing seeds. Heterologous expression of OsZOU-1 and OsZOU-2 in Atzou-4 mutants also revealed that OsZOU-1 partially complements the seed phenotypes of these individuals, while its counterpart, OsZOU-2, was unable to recover these phenotypes. The over-expression of OsZOU-1 severely disrupts both seed development and plant growth in transgenic rice lines, as plants in which this gene has been knocked down failed in the separation of endosperm from embryo and cuticle formation during seed development. The results of this study therefore suggest that OsZOU-1 is orthologous to the AtZOU, and regulates both endosperm development and cuticle formation in rice.

CPAP3 proteins in the mineralized cuticle of a decapod crustacean

The pancrustacean theory groups crustaceans and hexapods (once thought to comprise separate clades within the Arthropoda) into a single clade. A key feature common to all pancrustaceans is their chitinous exoskeleton, with a major contribution by cuticular proteins. Among these, are the CPAP3’s, a family of cuticular proteins, first identified in the hexapod Drosophila melanogaster and characterized by an N-terminal signaling peptide and three chitin-binding domains. In this study, CPAP3 proteins were mined from a transcriptomic library of a decapod crustacean, the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. Phylogenetic analysis of other CPAP3 proteins from hexapods and other crustaceans showed a high degree of conservation. Characterization of the crayfish proteins, designated CqCPAP3’s, suggested a major role for CPAP3’sin cuticle formation. Loss-of-function experiments using RNAi supported such a notion by demonstrating crucial roles for several CqCPAP3 proteins during molting. A putative mode of action for the CqCPAP3 proteins –theoretically binding three chitin strands– was suggested by the structural data obtained from a representative recombinant CqCPAP3. The similarities between the CqCPAP3 proteins and their hexapod homologues further demonstrated common genetic and proteinaceous features of cuticle formation in pancrustaceans, thereby reinforcing the linkage between these two highly important phylogenetic groups.

Genome‐wide identification of chitin‐binding proteins and characterization of BmCBP1 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori

The insect cuticle plays important roles in numerous physiological functions to protect the body from invasion of pathogens, physical injury and dehydration. In this report, we conducted a comprehensive genome‐wide search for genes encoding proteins with peritrophin A‐type (ChtBD2) chitin‐binding domain (CBD) in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. One of these genes, which encodes the cuticle protein BmCBP1, was additionally cloned, and its expression and location during the process of development and molting in B. mori were investigated. In total, 46 protein‐coding genes were identified in the silkworm genome, including those encoding 15 cuticle proteins analogous to peritrophins with one CBD (CPAP1s), nine cuticle proteins analogous to peritrophins with three CBD (CPAP3s), 15 peritrophic membrane proteins (PMPs), four chitinases, and three chitin deacetylases, which contained at least one ChtBD2 domain. Microarray analysis indicated that CPAP‐encoding genes were widely expressed in various tissues, whereas PMP genes were highly expressed in the midgut. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting showed that the cuticle protein BmCBP1 was highly expressed in the epidermis and head, particularly during molting and metamorphosis. An immunofluorescence study revealed that chitin co‐localized with BmCBP1 at the epidermal surface during molting. Additionally, BmCBP1 was notably up‐regulated by 20‐hydroxyecdysone treatment. These results provide a genome‐level view of the chitin‐binding protein in silkworm and suggest that BmCBP1 participates in the formation of the new cuticle during molting.

Conserved roles of Osiris genes in insect development, polymorphism and protection.

Much of the variation among insects is derived from the different ways that chitin has been moulded to form rigid structures, both internal and external. In this study, we identify a highly conserved expression pattern in an insect-only gene family, the Osiris genes, that is essential for development, but also plays a significant role in phenotypic plasticity and in immunity/toxicity responses. The majority of Osiris genes exist in a highly syntenic cluster, and the cluster itself appears to have arisen very early in the evolution of insects. We used developmental gene expression in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, the bumble bee, Bombus terrestris, the harvester ant, Pogonomyrmex barbatus, and the wood ant, Formica exsecta, to compare patterns of Osiris gene expression both during development and between alternate caste phenotypes in the polymorphic social insects. Developmental gene expression of Osiris genes is highly conserved across species and correlated with gene location and evolutionary history. The social insect castes are highly divergent in pupal Osiris gene expression. Sets of co-expressed genes that include Osiris genes are enriched in gene ontology terms related to chitin/cuticle and peptidase activity. Osiris genes are essential for cuticle formation in both embryos and pupae, and genes co-expressed with Osiris genes affect wing development. Additionally, Osiris genes and those co-expressed seem to play a conserved role in insect toxicology defences and digestion. Given their role in development, plasticity, and protection, we propose that the Osiris genes play a central role in insect adaptive evolution.

A novel HD-ZIP IV/MIXTA complex promotes glandular trichome initiation and cuticle development in Artemisia annua.

Glandular trichomes and cuticles are both specialized structures that cover the epidermis of aerial plant organs. The former are commonly regarded as 'biofactories' for producing valuable natural products. The latter are generally considered as natural barriers for defending plants against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, the regulatory network for their formation and relationship remains largely elusive. Here we identify a homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-ZIP) IV transcription factor, AaHD8, directly promoting the expression of AaHD1 for glandular trichome initiation in Artemisia annua. We found that AaHD8 positively regulated leaf cuticle development in A.annua via controlling the expression of cuticle-related enzyme genes. Furthermore, AaHD8 interacted with a MIXTA-like protein AaMIXTA1, a positive regulator of trichome initiation and cuticle development, forming a regulatory complex and leading to enhanced transcriptional activity in regulating the expression of AaHD1 and cuticle development genes. Our results reveal a molecular mechanism by which a novel HD-ZIP IV/MIXTA complex plays a significant role in regulating epidermal development, including glandular trichome initiation and cuticle formation.

Regulation of Epithelial Cell Proliferation, Differentiation, and Plasticity by Grainyhead-Like 2 During Oral Carcinogenesis.

Grainyhead-Like 2 (GRHL2) was originally described as one of the three mammalian isoforms with sequence homology to Grainyhead (GRH) in Drosophila, which determines the cuticle formation in fruit flies. Earlier studies characterized GRHL2 as an epithelial-specific transcription factor that regulates epithelial morphogenesis and differentiation. Using a high-throughput proteomic approach, we discovered GRHL2 as a novel trans-regulator of the hTERT gene, which codes for the catalytic subunit of the human telomerase. GRHL2 was found to be necessary and sufficient for hTERT expression and telomerase activity in human oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and in primary normal human keratinocytes. Subsequently, we found numerous other direct transcription targets of GRHL2, including p63, microRNA (miR)-200 family genes, FoxM1, and epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) genes. These target molecules mediate the phenotypic effects of GRHL2 on epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and epithelial plasticity. The pro-carcinogenic role of GRHL2 was implicated by its aberrant overexpression in OSCC cells and tissues, although several other studies also suggested the tumor suppressive effects of GRHL2. Using the novel Grhl2 cKO model, we recently reported the first genetic study in which Grhl2 knockout completely abolished oral carcinogenesis induced by a potent carcinogen, 4-nitroquinoline N-oxide (NQO). In this review, we discuss the mechanistic insights underlying the phenotypic effects of GRHL2 on epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as possibly mechanisms by which GRHL2 may promote oral carcinogenesis.

Cell Wall Proteome of Sugarcane Young and Mature Leaves and Stems.

By characterizing the cell wall proteomes of different sugarcane organs (leaves and stems) at two developmental stages (young vs mature/apical vs basal), it is possible to address unique characteristics in each of them. Four-month-old leaves show a higher proportion of oxido-reductases and proteins related to lipid metabolism (LM), besides a lower proportion of proteins acting on polysaccharides, in comparison to 4-month-old internodes. It is possible to note that sugarcane leaves and young stems have the highest LM rate than all species, which is assumed to be linked to cuticle formation. The data generated enrich the number of cell wall proteins (CWPs) identified in sugarcane, reaching 277. To our knowledge, sugarcane has now the second higher coverage of monocot CWP in plants.

A Varroa destructor protein atlas reveals molecular underpinnings of developmental transitions and sexual differentiation

Varroa destructor is the most economically damaging honey bee pest, weakening colonies by simultaneously parasitizing bees and transmitting harmful viruses. Despite these impacts on honey bee health, surprisingly little is known about its fundamental molecular biology. Here, we present a Varroa protein atlas crossing all major developmental stages (egg, protonymph, deutonymph, and adult) for both male and female mites as a web-based interactive tool (http://foster.nce.ubc.ca/varroa/index.html). We used intensity-based label-free quantitation to find 1,433 differentially expressed proteins across developmental stages. Enzymes for processing carbohydrates and amino acids were among many of these differences as well as proteins involved in cuticle formation. Lipid transport involving vitellogenin was the most significantly enriched biological process in the foundress (reproductive female) and young mites. In addition, we found that 101 proteins were sexually regulated and functional enrichment analysis suggests that chromatin remodeling may be a key feature of sex determination. In a proteogenomic effort, we identified 519 protein-coding regions, 301 of which were supported by two or more peptides and 169 of which were differentially expressed. Overall, this work provides a first-of-its-kind interrogation of the patterns of protein expression that govern the Varroa life cycle and the tools we have developed will support further research on this threatening honey bee pest.