E75, a member of the nuclear receptor gene family, regulates diverse biological processes, including ovarian development and fat body remodelling. The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stål) (Hemiptera:Delphacidae), a major rice pest, poses a significant threat to rice production. However, the role of Nilaparvata lugens E75 (NlE75) in development, particularly ovarian development and its underlying mechanisms, remains largely unknown. In this study, we found that downregulation of NlE75 expression significantly reduced the eclosion rate, especially in the third-, fourth- and fifth-instar nymphs. Moreover, decreased NlE75 levels affected fat body morphology as well as ovarian and testicular development, leading to delayed ovarian maturation and reduced egg production. NlE75 knockdown drastically reduced the total number of eggs laid. We also found that NlE75 may participate in the transcriptional regulation of Vitellogenin (Vg), Vitellogenin-like1 (Vg-like1) and Vitellogenin-like2 (Vg-like2) and that downregulation of NlE75 significantly reduced Vg protein expression. In summary, we found that NlE75 is required for lipid droplet formation in the fat body, as well as for ovary and vas deferens development. Furthermore, downregulation of NlE75 altered fat body morphology and reduced lipid content, suggesting decreased energy reserves. Importantly, NlE75 was found to be involved in the transcriptional regulation of cell cycle-related genes, influencing DNA replication and the expression of genes controlling cell cycle progression. Flow cytometry analysis further revealed significant disruption of ovarian cell cycles following NlE75 downregulation, suggesting that E75 may function in cell cycle progression to coordinate development and reproduction in N. lugens. The involvement of NlE75 in regulating cell cycle-related genes and cell cycle progression in N. lugens represents a novel finding. This study provides a valuable reference for related research in other species, offering new insights into the mechanisms of NlE75 function and its interaction with both JH and ecdysone signalling.

Chemical defense is a pivotal strategy for predator, pathogen, and parasite avoidance in amphibians. Although most defensive chemicals in amphibians are obtained through biosynthesis, poison frogs sequester dietary alkaloids, in some cases hydroxylating or N-methylating the ingested alkaloids to form more potent chemicals. Although more than 1200 lipophilic alkaloids have been isolated in anuran secretions, the mechanisms underlying alkaloid sequestration and biotransformation remain largely unknown. This study investigates the biochemical pathways employed by Adelphobates galactonotus to sequester and transform ingested alkaloids. Specifically, we focused on the hydroxylation of orally administered pumiliotoxin (+)-251D to form allopumiliotoxin (+)267A using ultra performance liquid chromatography - triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. We examined the distribution of these alkaloids across several organs, including the liver, skin, digestive tract, gallbladder, kidney, and fat bodies. Using a novel protocol for sample preparation via solid-phase extraction, our study elucidates the translocation patterns of these alkaloids, along with differences in their ratios. We detected pumiliotoxin (+)-251D, and its hydroxylated derivate in the liver, suggesting hepatic involvement in processing, while the skin was the primary site of storage for both alkaloids. Additionally, we report the presence of these alkaloids in the urine and fat bodies, suggesting a passive storage mechanism. This study advances our understanding of anuran chemical defense and metabolic adaptations.

Evaluation of carotenoid bioaccumulation in black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), and its influence on nutritional characteristics and antioxidant capacity.

Isolation, characterization, and host specificity of Solenopsis invicta virus 6 (Cripavirus porteri), a dicistrovirus from the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta.

Dipeptidyl peptidase IV processing activates Manduca sexta pro-moricin-6: structural basis of enhanced antimicrobial activity.

The entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium robertsii are natural pathogens of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) and hold promise for biocontrol. However, the insect's immune responses to fungal infections remain poorly understood. In this study, we performed transcriptomic analyses of haemocytes and fat body tissue from CPB larvae topically infected with B. bassiana and M. robertsii at the stage of pathogen encapsulation. Quantitative PCR validation of gene expression, along with complementary physiological and biochemical assays, was also conducted. Reference gene annotations were expanded using both the classical bioinformatic tool InterProScan and the AI-based tool ProteInfer. For the first time, pathogen-specific differences in CPB tissue responses to fungal infections were revealed. Gene Ontology enrichment and expression profiles of immune-related genes indicated a stronger antifungal response to M. robertsii, whereas infection with B. bassiana was associated with enhanced protection against self-damage. Pathogen-specific responses were linked to the expression of genes encoding certain receptors, serine proteases, serpins, Toll signalling components, antimicrobial peptides, chitin deacetylases, chitin synthases, laccases, as well as to the production of phenoloxidases and reactive oxygen species. The most diverse and pathogen-specific gene expression changes occurred in haemocytes rather than in the fat body. We propose that the observed differences in immune responses are mainly driven by the fungal enzymatic machinery, secondary metabolites and pigments. The differentially expressed genes identified in this study provide novel insights into insect-pathogen interactions and represent promising molecular targets for advancing both fundamental research on insect immunity and the applied development of innovative biocontrol strategies.

Genome-wide identification of lipases in the oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Drosophila PcG-repressive deubiquitinase complex mediates antibacterial immune defense via transcriptional regulation of Calcineurin A1.

Adipocyte-derived amino acid storage proteins are required for germline stem cell maintenance in adult Drosophila females.

Tissue allometry is under precise hormonal control for achieving the appropriate body size and shape. While juvenile hormone (JH) and 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) coordinate insect growth and development, their roles in regulating tissue allometry remain unclear. During molting cycles in the American cockroach, we reveal that JH promotes early, drastic fat body expansion, whereas 20E stimulates late, rapid wing pad growth. Through transcriptomic screening of early and late fat body and wing pads across the last five nymphal instars, plus JH-treated fat body and 20E-treated wing pads, we identify NFYB as the central spatiotemporal factor gene. Mechanistically, by transcriptionally activating the core translational machinery, NFYB promotes protein biosynthesis of hexamerin storage compounds in the early fat body and minichromosome maintenance complex in the late wing pads. Our findings demonstrate NFYB as a spatiotemporin that integrates different hormonal signals into distinct tissue allometry, shedding light on how appropriate body shape is achieved in animals.

ABSTRACT This article critically examines how Physical Education has been reshaped by neoliberal and biomedical discourses that instrumentalise it as a response to the so-called obesity epidemic. Drawing on critical pedagogy and fat studies, we analyse how these frameworks expose the moralisation of health, the normalization of body surveillance, and the marginalization of fat and non-normative bodies in PE. We argue that framing PE as a response to obesity reduces it to a mechanism of surveillance and discipline that reinforces stigmatising and exclusionary practices. Rather than promoting holistic well-being, such approaches reproduce a reductive, individualistic notion of health aligned with consumerism and biomedical authority. In response, we advocate for a pedagogical reorientation grounded in justice, relationality, and joy. Movement, in this vision, is reclaimed as a right rather than a prescription. This article advances a theoretically grounded vision of PE that resists biomedical reductionism and affirms the belonging of all students

Leafhoppers' microbiome patterns were shaped by deep co-evolutionary adaptation driven by dietary specialization. Their microbiome is dominated by obligate symbionts that supplement their nutrient-poor phloem-sap diet, as well as facultative symbionts, including both bacterial and fungal microorganisms. In this study, NGS metabarcoding techniques were performed, supplemented by confocal and electron microscopy, to thoroughly investigate the symbiotic system of the Auchenorrhyncha species Iassus lanio, a representative of the poorly studied leafhopper subfamily Iassinae. The obtained results include descriptions of the composition, distribution, and ultrastructure of microorganisms, as well as the phylogeny of ancient symbionts. Two obligate symbionts were found: the ancient Auchenorrhyncha symbiont Karelsulcia bacterium and the yeast-like symbiont Ophiocordyceps. Karelsulcia bacteria occur exclusively in specialized organs called bacteriomes, while fungal microorganisms inhabit mycetocytes within the fat body. Both symbionts are transmitted transovarially from mother to offspring. The presence of Wolbachia, Sodalis and Cardinium was detected. Sodalis and Cardinium were observed in the fat body. The ultrastructure of Cardinium showed a characteristic microtubule crest inside. The obtained phylogeny of Karelsulcia bacteria indicates Iassinae affinity with the Coelidiinae and Deltocephalinae subfamily symbionts. Taxonomic profiling revealed that both sequencing methods detected the same range of bacterial taxa, while ONT exhibited improved resolution for dominant species. Differential abundance analysis emphasized platform-specific biases. These studies highlight the complementary roles of different microscopy and metabarcoding techniques, demonstrating the complexity of symbiotic systems in leafhoppers and thereby improving our understanding of the host-symbiont relationship and expanding our knowledge of the structure and localization of insect microorganisms.

Subsocial insects transition from solitary to social behavior during reproduction. They engage in cooperative and parental care activities that increase their offspring's survival. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying such social transitions is crucial for understanding the genetic basis of social behavior. Burying beetles reproduce on a nutritious yet ephemeral resource. They provide intensive pre-hatching care by burying and preparing a vertebrate carcass, and post-hatching care by feeding the larvae. We analyzed female gene expression during the transition from solitary life to brood care in the subsocial burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides. We collected RNA-seq data from the heads and fat bodies of beetles at four different time points: solitary life, early pre-hatching care, late pre-hatching care, and post-hatching care. The most pronounced shift in gene expression occurred during the initial onset of social behavior. Carcass discovery caused massive changes in the transcription of genes involved in metabolism, translation, and immunity. Changes in gene expression between the different brood care phases were comparatively modest: Females upregulated the expression of genes associated with social immunity as parental care intensified. During brood care, they gradually downregulated fecundity-related genes. The regulatory pattern indicates that carcass discovery triggers an increased metabolism to cope with the demands of brood care, alongside a reduced investment in body maintenance. The overall regulatory pattern indicates a strong investment into the current reproduction bout at the expense of future reproduction.

Peptides of the adipokinetic hormone family are responsible for metabolic roles in insects, regulating release of energy metabolites from the fat body. We report on adipokinetic hormone octapeptide sequences bearing a rarely identified post-translational modification (sulfation of a threonine residue) in two beetle subfamilies (Cetoniinae and Dynastinae) of the large superfamily of Scarabaeoidea (dung beetles, rhinoceros beetles and flower beetles), and in a bug species (family Coreidae). In the cetonids Pachnoda sinuata, Dicronorhina derbyana derbyana, Tropinota hirta, Protaetia cuprea, Cetonia aurata and Oxytherea funesta sulfated Pacsi-AKH is found (pQINLTsTGW amide), while sulfated Penid-AKH (pQVNISsTGW amide) occurs in the dynastid beetles Pentodon idiota, Xylotrupes gideon and Syrichthodontus spurius. Sulfated Schgr-AKH-II (pQLNFSsTGW amide) is found in the twig wilter Holopterna alata. Sequence elucidation was achieved by mass spectrometry, however, due to the labile nature of the sulfate group under mass spectrometric conditions, the modified amino acid could not be easily identified. Edman degradation and comparative mass spectrometry evaluations with synthetic sulfopeptide standards were therefore employed for sequence validation. This type of sulfation was previously only reported present on the protein backbone of very few proteins from vertebrates (including humans), a mollusc and a protozoan parasite.

The gall-forming aphid Nipponaphis monzeni is known for an extraordinary social behavior called "self-sacrificing gall repair". When a young gall of N. monzeni is damaged by enemies, monomorphic first-instar soldiers massively discharge large amounts of body fluid from their cornicles, which contain large globular cells (LGCs) full of copious amounts of phenoloxidase (PO) and other proteins and lipids, thereby sealing up the gall breach with coagulated body fluid. To gain insight into evolutionary aspects of the spectacular social trait, N. monzeni was comparatively investigated with allied gall-forming aphids Nipponaphis distyliicola, Nipponaphis distychii, Dermaphis autumna and Quadrartus yoshinomiyai. Comparative transcriptomics identified the gall-repairing PO gene expression in the allied species except Q. yoshinomiyai, but the expression levels were very low. Immunohistochemistry identified the PO localization to the fat body of the allied species. These results suggest the possibility that LGCs were evolutionarily derived from fat body cells and a specific PO family gene was massively up-regulated and co-opted for the gall repair. Lipid composition analysis revealed similarity between the gall-repairing coagulating cornicle secretion of N. monzeni and the defensive sticky cornicle secretion of Q. yoshinomiyai, suggesting recruitment of similar lipidic components for distinct social purposes in different ecological contexts.

Effects of Lactobacillus supplementation on gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, and nutrient metabolism in silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Viruses are ubiquitous and can spread in two main ways: vertically, which involves transmission through or associated with gametes, and horizontally, which occurs through direct contact, airborne transmission, or indirect contact, such as through ingestion. Vertically transmitted, low virulence viruses can go undetected by both the immune system and researchers, and cause chronic, asymptomatic infections. In many Drosophila studies, researchers are unaware or ambivalent about the fact that the flies used may be infected with persistent viruses. Although they often have minimal or no observable fitness costs in laboratory fly samples, recent studies suggest that an increase in viral titer is associated with a decrease in lifespan. In this study, we explored cell-type tropism and changes in gene expression associated with these cryptic virus infections. To achieve this, we utilized a publicly accessible single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data of the Drosophila fat body, where we detected persistent infections of Nora and Drosophila A virus. We observed that Nora virus and Drosophila A virus may exhibit broad cell-type tropism in the Drosophila fat body, and when coinfected, Drosophila A virus may show higher viral titer and cell infection rate. Transcriptomic analyses showed substantial immune pathway alterations: Nora virus is broadly associated with upregulation of immune pathways (IMD, Toll), whereas Drosophila A virus is associated with downregulation of specific Toll pathway effector genes. Additionally, the expression of somatic transposable element (TE) transcripts was associated with viral infection, showing mating status-dependent patterns with downregulation in Nora virus-infected virgin flies and upregulation in mated flies for both viruses. Overall, we hypothesize that cryptic and persistent viral infections in Drosophila elicit transcriptional changes in the fat body, including activation of immune responses, and dysregulation TE activity in somatic fat body cells in association with these viral infections.

Obesity, characterized by excess body fat accumulation, is closely linked to the alteration of gut microbiota, which contribute to systemic inflammation. Probiotics intervention has emerged as a promising strategy favorably modulating gut microbiota composition in obese individuals accompanied by improvements in metabolic parameters. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether supplementation with Bifidobacterium bifidum BGN4 alters gut microbiota composition and to assess its associated effects on circulating zonulin, a marker of intestinal permeability, as well as metabolic parameters in individuals with excess adiposity. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 60 adults with excess body fat (body fat percentage ≥ 20% for males and ≥ 28% for females). A total of 60 adults were enrolled, and sex- and age-stratified randomization allocated 30 participants to each group. Participants received one capsule of B. bifidum BGN4 (9 × 109 colony forming unit) or matched placebo for 8weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for zonulin, TNFα, hs-CRP, glucose, insulin, lipid profiles, and total antioxidant capacity. Fecal samples were analyzed to determine alterations in gut microbiota composition. A total of 58 participants, with 29 individuals in each group, successfully completed the 8-week intervention. Supplementation with B. bifidum BGN4 did not result in significant changes in BMI, body fat percentage, or the primary outcome, hs-CRP. In contrast, significant improvements were observed in serum zonulin (between-group differences: -1.61 ± 2.69ng/mL), TNFα (between-group differences: -0.17 ± 0.26pg/mL), and fasting insulin (between-group differences: -3.52 ± 10.25 μIU/mL). The probiotic intervention modulated the enrichment of several taxa, including Bacteroides coprocola, Bifidobacterium catenulatum group, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum group, and Prevotella stercorea. In addition, several microbial taxa demonstrated correlations with metabolic and inflammatory parameters. No adverse effects were observed, as indicated by stable liver enzyme concentrations, blood pressure, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The results indicate that B. bifidum BGN4 may serve as a preventive strategy for metabolic disorders in individuals with excess adiposity through the maintenance of gut microbial balance and intestinal barrier integrity thereby potentially mitigating inflammation and metabolic stress. Clinical trial registration number: KCT0010817. Date of registration: July 28, 2025.

Histone lysine succinylation is a pivotal epigenetic modification for diverse biological processes, yet how it regulates insect metamorphosis and reproduction remains poorly understood. Using Locusta migratoria as the primary model, we report here that protein succinylation is the most abundant acylation in the fat body, a highly metabolically active tissue analogous to vertebrate liver and adipose tissue. Succinylation of histone H3 on lysine 14 (suc-H3K14) is predominant in nymphs, whereas H3K23 succinylation (suc-H3K23) is highly abundant in adults. H3K14A mutation causes embryonic lethality, and H3K23A mutants exhibit remarkably reduced fecundity. P300 and GCN5 serve as succinyltransferases catalyzing suc-H3K14 and suc-H3K23, respectively. While P300-mediated suc-H3K14 is promoted via the GPCR-PLC-LTCC-PKCα cascade, GCN5-triggered suc-H3K23 is achieved through the GPCR-PLC-TTCC-PKCε axis. Loss of P300 function and inhibition of suc-H3K14 lead to precocious metamorphosis. Knocking down GCN5 and suppression of suc-H3K23 result in blocked oogenesis. Cut&Tag-seq reveals that suc-H3K14 and suc-H3K23 target the genes regulating metamorphosis and vitellogenesis, respectively. Furthermore, suc-H3K14-repressed precocious metamorphosis and suc-H3K23-stimulated reproduction are evolutionarily conserved across divergent insect orders. The study significantly advances our understanding of how stage-specific H3K succinylations coordinate insect metamorphosis and oogenesis, filling a gap in the epigenetic regulation of key life-history traits.

Metabolic homeostasis regulated by nutrient-responsive endocrine hormones is essential for organismal survival. In insects, lipid and carbohydrate mobilization is controlled by adipokinetic hormone (Akh), a glucagon-like peptide secreted from neuroendocrine cells. However, whether Akh secretion is subject to negative feedback via its downstream catabolic effects remains unclear. Here, we develop a quantitative assay for Akh using tandem mass spectrometry and show that inter-organ metabolic communication regulates Akh secretion during starvation in Drosophila. Metabolic profiling reveals that Akh signaling in the fat body promotes branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism by inducing BCAA transaminase (Bcat). Loss of Akh signaling impairs clearance of BCAAs derived from fat body autophagy, resulting in Akh hypersecretion. BCAA catabolism is coupled to glutathione biosynthesis and redox homeostasis during nutrient stress. Our findings reveal a feedback mechanism in which Akh signaling regulates its own secretion via amino acid catabolism, linking energy mobilization to redox homeostasis during starvation.