A novel interpretable deep learning-based computational framework designed synthetic enhancers with broad cross-species activity.

Enhancers play a critical role in dynamically regulating spatial-temporal gene expression and establishing cell identity, underscoring the significance of designing them with specific properties for applications in biosynthetic engineering and gene therapy. Despite numerous high-throughput methods facilitating genome-wide enhancer identification, deciphering the sequence determinants of their activity remains challenging. Here, we present the DREAM (DNA cis-Regulatory Elements with controllable Activity design platforM) framework, a novel deep learning-based approach for synthetic enhancer design. Proficient in uncovering subtle and intricate patterns within extensive enhancer screening data, DREAM achieves cutting-edge sequence-based enhancer activity prediction and highlights critical sequence features implicating strong enhancer activity. Leveraging DREAM, we have engineered enhancers that surpass the potency of the strongest enhancer within the Drosophila genome by approximately 3.6-fold. Remarkably, these synthetic enhancers exhibited conserved functionality across species that have diverged more than billion years, indicating that DREAM was able to learn highly conserved enhancer regulatory grammar. Additionally, we designed silencers and cell line-specific enhancers using DREAM, demonstrating its versatility. Overall, our study not only introduces an interpretable approach for enhancer design but also lays out a general framework applicable to the design of other types of cis-regulatory elements.

A tale of two copies: Evolutionary trajectories of moth pheromone receptors.

Pheromone communication is an essential component of reproductive isolation in animals. As such, evolution of pheromone signaling can be linked to speciation. For example, the evolution of sex pheromones is thought to have played a major role in the diversification of moths. In the crop pests Spodoptera littoralis and S. litura, the major component of the sex pheromone blend is (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate, which is lacking in other Spodoptera species. It indicates that a major shift occurred in their common ancestor. It has been shown recently in S. littoralis that this compound is detected with high specificity by an atypical pheromone receptor, named SlitOR5. Here, we studied its evolutionary history through functional characterization of receptors from different Spodoptera species. SlitOR5 orthologs in S. exigua and S. frugiperda exhibited a broad tuning to several pheromone compounds. We evidenced a duplication of OR5 in a common ancestor of S. littoralis and S. litura and found that in these two species, one duplicate is also broadly tuned while the other is specific to (Z,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate. By using ancestral gene resurrection, we confirmed that this narrow tuning evolved only in one of the two copies issued from the OR5 duplication. Finally, we identified eight amino acid positions in the binding pocket of these receptors whose evolution has been responsible for narrowing the response spectrum to a single ligand. The evolution of OR5 is a clear case of subfunctionalization that could have had a determinant impact in the speciation process in Spodoptera species.

The levels of soluble CD137 are increased in tuberculosis patients and associated with disease severity and prognosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) was the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent before the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, it is important to search for severity biomarkers and devise appropriate therapies. A total of 139 pulmonary TB (PTB) patients and 80 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for plasma soluble CD137 (sCD137) detection through ELISA. Moreover, pleural effusion sCD137 levels were measured in 85 TB patients and 36 untreated lung cancer patients. The plasma cytokine levels in 64 patients with PTB and blood immune cell subpopulations in 68 patients with PTB were analysed via flow cytometry. Blood sCD137 levels were higher in PTB patients (p = 0.012) and correlated with disease severity (p = 0.0056). The level of sCD137 in tuberculous pleurisy effusion (TPE) was markedly higher than that in malignant pleurisy effusion (p = 0.018). Several blood cytokines, such as IL-6 (p = 0.0147), IL-8 (p = 0.0477), IP-10 (p ≤ 0.0001) and MCP-1 (p = 0.0057), and some laboratory indices were significantly elevated in severe PTB (SE) patients, but the percentages of total lymphocytes (p = 0.002) and cytotoxic T cells (p = 0.036) were significantly lower in SE patients than in non-SE patients. In addition, the sCD137 level was negatively correlated with the percentage of total lymphocytes (p = 0.0008) and cytotoxic T cells (p = 0.0021), and PTB patients with higher plasma sCD137 levels had significantly shorter survival times (p = 0.0041). An increase in sCD137 is a potential biomarker for severe TB and indicates a poor prognosis.

The novel function of an orphan pheromone receptor reveals the sensory specializations of two potential distinct types of sex pheromones in noctuid moth.

Sex pheromones play crucial role in mating behavior of moths, involving intricate recognition mechanisms. While insect chemical biology has extensively studied type I pheromones, type II pheromones remain largely unexplored. This study focused on Helicoverpa armigera, a representative species of noctuid moth, aiming to reassess its sex pheromone composition. Our research unveiled two previously unidentified candidate type II sex pheromones-3Z,6Z,9Z-21:H and 3Z,6Z,9Z-23:H-in H. armigera. Furthermore, we identified HarmOR11 as an orphan pheromone receptor of 3Z,6Z,9Z-21:H. Through AlphaFold2 structural prediction, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations, we elucidated the structural basis and key residues governing the sensory nuances of both type I and type II pheromone receptors, particularly HarmOR11 and HarmOR13. This study not only reveals the presence and recognition of candidate type II pheromones in a noctuid moth, but also establishes a comprehensive structural framework for PRs, contributing to the understanding of connections between evolutionary adaptations and the emergence of new pheromone types.

An odorant receptor mediates the avoidance of Plutella xylostella against parasitoid.

BACKGROUND: Ecosystems are brimming with myriad compounds, including some at very low concentrations that are indispensable for insect survival and reproduction. Screening strategies for identifying active compounds are typically based on bioassay-guided approaches. RESULTS: Here, we selected two candidate odorant receptors from a major pest of cruciferous plants-the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella-as targets to screen for active semiochemicals. One of these ORs, PxylOR16, exhibited a specific, sensitive response to heptanal, with both larvae and adult P. xylostella displaying heptanal avoidance behavior. Gene knockout studies based on CRISPR/Cas9 experimentally confirmed that PxylOR16 mediates this avoidance. Intriguingly, rather than being involved in P. xylostella-host plant interaction, we discovered that P. xylostella recognizes heptanal from the cuticular volatiles of the parasitoid wasp Cotesia vestalis, possibly to avoid parasitization. CONCLUSIONS: Our study thus showcases how the deorphanization of odorant receptors can drive discoveries about their complex functions in mediating insect survival. We also demonstrate that the use of odorant receptors as a screening platform could be efficient in identifying new behavioral regulators for application in pest management.

The Role of (E)-ß-Farnesene in Tritrophic Interactions: Biosynthesis, Chemoreception, and Evolution.

(E)-ß-farnesene (EBF) stands out as a crucial volatile organic compound, exerting significant influence on the complex interactions between plants, aphids, and predator insects. Serving as an alarm signal within aphids, EBF is also emitted by plants as a defense mechanism to attract aphid predators. This review delves into EBF sources, functions, biosynthesis, detection mechanisms, and its coevolutionary impacts on aphids and insect predators. The exploration underscores the need to comprehend the biophysical and structural foundations of EBF receptors in aphids, emphasizing their role in unraveling the intricate patterns and mechanisms of interaction between EBF and target receptors. Furthermore, we advocate for adopting structure-based or machine-learning methodologies to anticipate receptor-ligand interactions. On the basis of this knowledge, we propose future research directions aiming at designing, optimizing, and screening more stable and efficient active odorants. A pivotal outcome of this comprehensive investigation aims to contribute to the development of more effective aphid-targeted control strategies.

A classic screening marker does not affect antennal electrophysiology but strongly regulates reproductive behaviours in Bactrocera dorsalis.

The key phenotype white eye (white) has been used for decades to selectively remove females before release in sterile insect technique programs and as an effective screening marker in genetic engineering. Bactrocera dorsalis is a representative tephritid pest causing damage to more than 150 fruit crops. Yet, the function of white in important biological processes remains unclear in B. dorsalis. In this study, the impacts of the white gene on electrophysiology and reproductive behaviour in B. dorsalis were tested. The results indicated that knocking out Bdwhite disrupted eye pigmentation in adults, consistent with previous reports. Bdwhite did not affect the antennal electrophysiology response to 63 chemical components with various structures. However, reproductive behaviours in both males and females were significantly reduced in Bdwhite-/- . Both pre-copulatory and copulation behaviours were significantly reduced in Bdwhite-/- , and the effect was male-specific. Mutant females significantly delayed their oviposition towards γ-octalactone, and the peak of oviposition behaviour towards orange juice was lost. These results show that Bdwhite might not be an ideal screening marker in functional gene research aiming to identify molecular targets for behaviour-modifying chemicals. Instead, owing to its strong effect on B. dorsalis sexual behaviours, the downstream genes regulated by Bdwhite or the genes from white-linked areas could be alternate molecular targets that promote the development of better behavioural modifying chemical-based pest management techniques.

Benzaldehyde acts as a behaviorally active component in brewer's yeast protein powder which attracts B. dorsalis through olfaction.

The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is a significant pest that damages a variety of fruit crops. The effectiveness of chemical pesticides against such pests is limited, raising concerns about pesticide residues and resistance. Proteins naturally attract B. dorsalis and have led to the development of a management strategy known as protein bait attractant technology (BAT). Although the attraction of protein sources to B. dorsalis is well-documented, the biologically active components within these sources are not fully understood. This study employed analytical chemistry, behavioral tests, and electrophysiological techniques to investigate the behaviorally active components of beer yeast protein powder (BYPD), aiming to provide a basis for improving and developing protein baits. An olfactory trap assay confirmed the attractiveness of BYPD, and five components with high abundance were identified from its headspace volatiles using GC-MS. These components included ethanol, isoamyl alcohol, ethyl decanoate, benzaldehyde, and phenylethyl alcohol. Mixtures of these five components demonstrated significant attraction to B. dorsalis adults, with benzaldehyde identified as a potential key component. The attractiveness of benzaldehyde required a relatively large dose, and it was most attractive to adults that had been starved from dusk until the following morning. Attraction of adult flies to benzaldehyde appeared mainly mediated by inputs from olfactory receptors. While EAG data supports that ionotropic receptors could influence the detection of benzaldehyde in female adults, they did not affect female behavior towards benzaldehyde. These findings indicate that benzaldehyde is an important behaviorally active component in BYPD and offer insights for developing novel protein lures to control B. dorsalis in an environmentally friendly manner.

Evolutionary shifts in pheromone receptors contribute to speciation in four Helicoverpa species.

Male moths utilize their pheromone communication systems to distinguish potential mates from other sympatric species, which contributes to maintaining reproductive isolation and even drives speciation. The molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of pheromone communication systems are usually studied between closely-related moth species for their similar but divergent traits associated with pheromone production, detection, and/or processing. In this study, we first identified the functional differentiation in two orthologous pheromone receptors, OR14b, and OR16, in four Helicoverpa species, Helicoverpa armigera, H. assulta, H. zea, and H. gelotopoeon. To understand the substrate response specificity of these two PRs, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of OR14b and OR16 based on AlphaFold2 structural prediction, and molecular docking, allowing us to predict a few key amino acids involved in substrate binding. These candidate residues were further tested and validated by site-directed mutagenesis and functional analysis. These results together identified two hydrophobic amino acids at positions 164 and 232 are the determinants of the response specificity of HarmOR14b and HzeaOR14b to Z9-14:Ald and Z9-16:Ald by directly interacting with the substrates. Interestingly, in OR16 orthologs, we found that position 66 alone determines the specific binding of Z11-16:OH, likely via allosteric interactions. Overall, we have developed an effective integrated method to identify the critical residues for substrate selectivity of ORs and elucidated the molecular mechanism of the diversification of pheromone recognition systems.

24 h combined esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring in children with chronic cough.

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough in children is closely related to gastroesophageal reflux (GER). However, this association has not been adequately studied due to a lack of diagnostic tools. Combined esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) monitoring is considered the most accurate method for evaluating the association between symptoms and reflux, but data on its use in children with chronic cough are still lacking. We aimed to assess the association between chronic cough and GER in children through MII-pH monitoring. METHODS: Children with chronic cough (> 4 weeks) who were suspected gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) were selected to undergo 24 h MII-pH monitoring at our hospital. Patients were divided into groups according to their age, body position, reflux index (RI) or total reflux events, and the differences between the groups were analyzed. Then the significance and value of 24 h pH and impedance monitoring in chronic cough and the relationship between chronic cough and reflux were discussed. RESULTS: Overall, 426 patients were included. The median age was 12 months (interquartile range: 6-39.5 months), 129 (30.3%) patients had RI > 7% detected by pH-metry, and 290 (68.1%) patients had positive diagnosis based on the impedance data. GER predominantly occurred in the upright position and mostly involved weakly acidic reflux and mixed gas-liquid reflux. There were 14.1% of children in non-acid GER group were SAP positive showing no difference in acid GER group 13.2% (P = 0.88), whereas patients with SAP > 95% in MII positive group (47[16.2%]) is higher than in MII negative group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Twenty four hour MII-pH monitoring is safe, well tolerated in children, but also has a higher detection rate of gastroesophageal reflux. It can find identify weakly acidic reflux, weakly alkaline reflux and reflux events with different physical properties, which can explain the relationship between GER and chronic cough more comprehensively. It provides new approach for exploring the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of children with chronic cough.

Functional characterization of sex pheromone receptors PflaOR29 and PflaOR44 involved in the chemoreception of a diurnal moth, Phauda flammans (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Phaudidae).

Recognition of sex pheromones released by heterosexual moths via sex pheromone receptors is key for establishing mating connections in moths. The day-flying moth Phauda flammans is an oligophagous pest in southern cities of China and Southeast Asian countries. Our previous study reported that male P. flammans can be attracted to two sex pheromone compounds [Z-9-hexadecenal and (Z, Z, Z)-9,12,15-octadecadienal] released by females in the field; however, the mechanism of olfactory recognition is not clear. In this study, two sex pheromone receptor genes (PflaOR29 and PflaOR44) were cloned. Among the different tissues, both PflaOR29 and PflaOR44 were highly expressed in the antennae of mated male adults. At different developmental stages, the expression levels of PflaOR29 and PflaOR44 were significantly greater in mated male adults than other stages. The fluorescence signals of PflaOR29 and PflaOR44 were mostly distributed on the dorsal side of the antennae, with a large number of trichoid sensilla. The results of the gene function of PflaOR29 and PflaOR44 based on a Drosophila empty neuron heterologous expression system indicated that PflaOR29 strongly responded to (Z, Z, Z)-9,12,15-octadecadienal but not to Z-9-hexadecenal, whereas PflaOR44 did not respond to the two sex pheromones. Our findings clarify the sex pheromone receptor gene corresponding to (Z, Z, Z)-9,12,15-octadecatrienal. These results provide essential information for analyzing the mechanism of sexual communication in diurnal moths and for identifying target genes for the development of efficient attractants.

Insulin/IGF signaling and TORC1 promote vitellogenesis via inducing juvenile hormone biosynthesis in the American cockroach.

Vitellogenesis, including vitellogenin (Vg) production in the fat body and Vg uptake by maturing oocytes, is of great importance for the successful reproduction of adult females. The endocrinal and nutritional regulation of vitellogenesis differs distinctly in insects. Here, the complex crosstalk between juvenile hormone (JH) and the two nutrient sensors insulin/IGF signaling (IIS) and target of rapamycin complex1 (TORC1), was investigated to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of vitellogenesis regulation in the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana Our data showed that a block of JH biosynthesis or JH action arrested vitellogenesis, in part by inhibiting the expression of doublesex (Dsx), a key transcription factor gene involved in the sex determination cascade. Depletion of IIS or TORC1 blocked both JH biosynthesis and vitellogenesis. Importantly, the JH analog methoprene, but not bovine insulin (to restore IIS) and amino acids (to restore TORC1 activity), restored vitellogenesis in the neck-ligated (IIS-, TORC1- and JH-deficient) and rapamycin-treated (TORC1- and JH-deficient) cockroaches. Combining classic physiology with modern molecular techniques, we have demonstrated that IIS and TORC1 promote vitellogenesis, mainly via inducing JH biosynthesis in the American cockroach.

The association of vitamin D deficiency, age and depression in US adults: a cross-sectional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Depression is an important public health burden, its risk of occurrence is associated with vitamin D deficiency and may also increase with age, while serum vitamin D levels are closely related to age. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether vitamin D and age are associated with depression after adjustment for each other. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted data from NHANES 2013-2018, including demographic characteristics, depression level, vitamin D level, physical activity, and body measures. A total of 15,156 adults aged 20 years or older (mean age 49.81 ± 17.67 years, 7301 males and 7855 females) were included. Depression was screened by PHQ-9. Vitamin D deficiency was defined by a serum vitamin D level < 30nmol/L. We performed binary logistic regression models to analyze the association between vitamin D, age and depression, respectively. RESULTS: Vitamin D levels were negatively associated with depression (P < 0.001). Vitamin D had a significant effect on depression (OR = 0.776, 95%CI: 0.682-0.884, P < 0.001), the effect remained significant after adjusted for confounding variables (OR = 0.761, 95%CI: 0.663-0.874, P < 0.001). Age was positively associated with depression (P < 0.001) and had a significant effect on depression (OR = 1.079, 98%CI: 1.032-1.128, P = 0.001), the effect remained significant after adjusted for confounding variables (OR = 1.092, 95%CI: 1.040-1.146, P < 0.001). Age and vitamin D levels were positively correlated (P < 0.001), and older age had a significant effect on vitamin D level (OR = 1.526, 95%CI: 1.416-1.645, P < 0.001), the effect remained significant after adjusted for confounding variables (OR = 1.371, 95%CI: 1.263-1.487, P < 0.001). In addition, the prevalence of depression was higher in females (2312/7855, 29.43%) than in males (1571/7301, 21.52%), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency and older age are both associated with higher risk of depression, while older age is a protective factor for vitamin D deficiency.

Regulation of olfactory-based sex behaviors in the silkworm by genes in the sex-determination cascade.

Insect courtship and mating depend on integration of olfactory, visual, and tactile cues. Compared to other insects, Bombyx mori, the domesticated silkworm, has relatively simple sexual behaviors as it cannot fly. Here by using CRISPR/Cas9 and electrophysiological techniques we found that courtship and mating behaviors are regulated in male silk moths by mutating genes in the sex determination cascade belonging to two conserved pathways. Loss of Bmdsx gene expression significantly reduced the peripheral perception of the major pheromone component bombykol by reducing expression of the product of the BmOR1 gene which completely blocked courtship in adult males. Interestingly, we found that mating behavior was regulated independently by another sexual differentiation gene, Bmfru. Loss of Bmfru completely blocked mating, but males displayed normal courtship behavior. Lack of Bmfru expression significantly reduced the perception of the minor pheromone component bombykal due to the down regulation of BmOR3 expression; further, functional analysis revealed that loss of the product of BmOR3 played a key role in terminating male mating behavior. Our results suggest that Bmdsx and Bmfru are at the base of the two primary pathways that regulate olfactory-based sexual behavior.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the Odorant Receptor Gene Family in Solenopsis invicta, Ooceraea biroi, and Monomorium pharaonis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Olfactory systems in eusocial insects play a vital role in the discrimination of various chemical cues. Odorant receptors (ORs) are critical for odorant detection, and this family has undergone extensive expansion in ants. In this study, we re-annotated the OR genes from the most destructive invasive ant species Solenopsis invicta and 2 other Formicidae species, Ooceraea biroi and Monomorium pharaonis, with the aim of systematically comparing and analyzing the evolution and the functions of the ORs in ant species, identifying 356, 298, and 306 potential functional ORs, respectively. The evolutionary analysis of these ORs showed that ants had undergone chromosomal rearrangements and that tandem duplication may be the main contributor to the expansion of the OR gene family in S. invicta. Our further analysis revealed that 9-exon ORs had biased chromosome localization patterns in all three ant species and that a 9-exon OR cluster (SinvOR4-8) in S. invicta was under strong positive selection (Ka/Ks = 1.32). Moreover, we identified 5 S. invicta OR genes, namely SinvOR89, SinvOR102, SinvOR352, SinvOR327, and SinvOR135, with high sequence similarity (>70%) to the orthologs in O. biroi and M. pharaonis. An RT-PCR analysis was used to verify the antennal expression levels of these ORs, which showed caste-specific expression. The subsequent analysis of the antennal expression profiles of the ORs of the S. invicta workers from the polygyne and monogyne social forms indicated that SinvOR35 and SinvOR252 were expressed at much higher levels in the monogyne workers than in the polygyne workers and that SinvOR21 was expressed at higher levels in polygyne workers. Our study has contributed to the identification and analysis of the OR gene family in ants and expanded the understanding of the evolution and functions of the ORs in Formicidae species.

Mutagenesis of Odorant Receptor Coreceptor Orco Reveals the Odorant-Detected Behavior of the Predator Eupeodes corollae.

The successful mating of the hoverfly and the search for prey aphids are of great significance for biological control and are usually mediated by chemical cues. The odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) genes play a crucial role in the process of insect odor perception. However, the function of Orco in the mating and prey-seeking behaviors of the hoverfly remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we characterized the Orco gene from the hoverfly, Eupeodes corollae, a natural enemy insect. We used the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to knock out the Orco gene of E. corollae, and the EcorOrco-/- homozygous mutant was verified by the genotype analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization showed that the antennal ORN of EcorOrco-/- mutant lack Orco staining. Electroantennogram (EAG) results showed that the adult mutant almost lost the electrophysiological response to 15 odorants from three types. The two-way choice assay and the glass Y-tube olfactometer indicated that both the larvae and adults of hoverflies lost their behavioral preference to the aphid alarm pheromone (E)-ß-farnesene (EBF). In addition, the mating assay results showed a significant decrease in the mating rate of males following the knock out of the EcorOrco gene. Although the mating of females was not affected, the amount of eggs being laid and the hatching rate of the eggs were significantly reduced. These results indicated that the EcorOrco gene was not only involved in the detection of semiochemicals in hoverflies but also plays a pivotal role in the development of eggs. In conclusion, our results expand the comprehension of the chemoreceptive mechanisms in the hoverflies and offers valuable insights for the advancement of more sophisticated pest management strategies.

The Enhancer-Binding Protein MifR, an Essential Regulator of α-Ketoglutarate Transport, Is Required for Full Virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 in a Mouse Model of Pneumonia.

The opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 has an extensive metabolism, enabling it to utilize a wide range of structurally diverse compounds to meet its nutritional and energy needs. Interestingly, the utilization of some of the more unusual compounds often associated with a eukaryotic-host environment is regulated via enhancer-binding proteins (EBPs) in P. aeruginosa. Whether the utilization of such compounds and the EBPs involved contribute to the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa remains to be fully understood. To narrow this gap, we investigated the roles of the EBPs EatR (regulator of ethanolamine catabolism), DdaR (regulator of methylarginine catabolism), and MifR (regulator of α-ketoglutarate or α-KG transport) in the virulence of P. aeruginosa PAO1 in a pneumonia-induced septic mouse model. Deletion of genes encoding EatR and DdaR had no significant effect on the mortality of P. aeruginosa PAO1-infected mice compared to wide-type (WT) PAO1-infected mice. In contrast, infected mice with ΔmifR mutant exhibited a significant reduction (~50%) in the mortality rate compared with WT PAO1 (P < 0.05). Infected mice with ΔmifR PAO1 had lower lung injury scores, fewer inflammatory cells, decreased proinflammatory cytokines, and decreased apoptosis and cell death compared to mice infected with WT PAO1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, molecular analysis revealed decreased NLRP3 inflammasome activation in infected mice with ΔmifR PAO1 compared to WT PAO1 (P < 0.05). These results suggested that the utilization of α-KG was a contributing factor in P. aeruginosa-mediated pneumonia and sepsis and that MifR-associated regulation may be a potential therapeutic target for P. aeruginosa infectious disease.

Odorant Receptors for Detecting Flowering Plant Cues Are Functionally Conserved across Moths and Butterflies.

Odorant receptors (ORs) are essential for plant-insect interactions. However, despite the global impacts of Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) as major herbivores and pollinators, little functional data are available about Lepidoptera ORs involved in plant-volatile detection. Here, we initially characterized the plant-volatile-sensing function(s) of 44 ORs from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera, and subsequently conducted a large-scale comparative analysis that establishes how most orthologous ORs have functionally diverged among closely related species whereas some rare ORs are functionally conserved. Specifically, our systematic analysis of H. armigera ORs cataloged the wide functional scope of the H. armigera OR repertoire, and also showed that HarmOR42 and its Spodoptera littoralis ortholog are functionally conserved. Pursuing this, we characterized the HarmOR42-orthologous ORs from 11 species across the Glossata suborder and confirmed the HarmOR42 orthologs form a unique OR lineage that has undergone strong purifying selection in Glossata species and whose members are tuned with strong specificity to phenylacetaldehyde, a floral scent component common to most angiosperms. In vivo studies via HarmOR42 knockout support that HarmOR42-related ORs are essential for host-detection by sensing phenylacetaldehyde. Our work also supports that these ORs coevolved with the tube-like proboscis, and has maintained functional stability throughout the long-term coexistence of Lepidoptera with angiosperms. Thus, beyond providing a rich empirical resource for delineating the precise functions of H. armigera ORs, our results enable a comparative analysis of insect ORs that have apparently facilitated and currently sustain the intimate adaptations and ecological interactions among nectar feeding insects and flowering plants.

Constructing MIL-101(Cr) membranes on carbon nanotube films as ion-selective interlayers for lithium-sulfur batteries.

It is of significant importance to suppress the polysulfide shuttle effect for the commercial application of lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein, continuous MIL-101(Cr) membranes were successfully fabricated on carbon nanotube films utilizing a simple in-situ growth method, aiming at constructing interlayer materials for inhibiting the shuttle effect. Owing to the suitable pore aperture and super electrolyte wettability, the as-developed MIL-101(Cr) membrane can effectively inhibit the shuttle behaviour of polysulfides while allowing the fast transport of Li-ions simultaneously, working as an ionic sieve. Additionally, this MOFs membrane is also helpful in accelerating the polysulfide catalytic conversion. Therefore, the proposed interlayer delivers an extraordinary rate capability, showing a remarkable capacity of 661.9 mAh g-1 under 5 C. Meanwhile, it also exhibits a high initial capacity of 816.1 mAh g-1 at 1 C and an exceptional durability with an extremely low capacity fading of 0.046 % per cycle over 500 cycles.

Constructing MIL-101(Cr) membranes on carbon nanotube films as ion-selective interlayers for lithium-sulfur batteries.

It is of significant importance to suppress the polysulfide shuttle effect for the commercial application of lithium-sulfur batteries. Herein, continuous MIL-101(Cr) membranes were successfully fabricated on carbon nanotube films utilizing a simplein situgrowth method, aiming at constructing interlayer materials for inhibiting the shuttle effect. Owing to the suitable pore aperture and super electrolyte wettability, the as-developed MIL-101(Cr) membrane can effectively inhibit the shuttle behaviour of polysulfides while allowing the fast transport of Li-ions simultaneously, working as an ionic sieve. Additionally, this MOFs membrane is also helpful in accelerating the polysulfide catalytic conversion. Therefore, the proposed interlayer delivers an extraordinary rate capability, showing a remarkable capacity of 661.9 mAh g-1under 5 C. Meanwhile, it also exhibits a high initial capacity of 816.1 mAh g-1at 1 C and an exceptional durability with an extremely low capacity fading of 0.046% per cycle over 500 cycles.