Background: No other effects of atropine other than as an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been found. Methods: In this study, human kidneyepithelial cells were treated with different physi...Background: No other effects of atropine other than as an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been found. Methods: In this study, human kidneyepithelial cells were treated with different physiological regulators. Results: Subsequently, it was found that atropine could significantly induce autophagy as demonstrated by the appearance of autophagosome-like double- or single-membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm ofhost cells and the number of GFP-LC3 dots. In addition, increased conversion of the autophagy marker protein LC3-I and LC3-II and increased p62/SQSTM1 indicatedincomplete autophagy. In addition, atropine induced autophagosome levels in a dose-dependent manner within a certain concentration range in human kidney epithelial cells. In atropine-treated mouse skeletal muscle cells containing nicotinic acetylcholinereceptors and rat cardiac muscle cells containing mAchR, atropine induced autophagy in mouse skeletal muscle cells but not in rat cardiac muscle cells. Furthermore, atropine did not induce autophagy in tissue cells containing mAchR in vivo but did in tissue cells not containing mAchR. Conclusion: This study expands the application and understanding of atropine’s action mechanism in the field of medicine.展开更多
Background:Anisodine hydrobromide(AT3),an anti-cholinergic agent,could be delivered to the brain across the blood-brain barrier and has been used clinically for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.En...Background:Anisodine hydrobromide(AT3),an anti-cholinergic agent,could be delivered to the brain across the blood-brain barrier and has been used clinically for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Endothelial dysfunction can be caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)via oxidative stress and metabolic alterations.The present study investigated whether AT3 regulates the production of nitric oxide(NO)and reactive oxygen species(ROS),and the HIF-1αpathway via regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors(mAChRs)in brain microvascular endothelial cells after H/R exposure.Methods:Under H/R conditions,hCMEC/D3 cerebral microvascular endothelial cells were treated with AT3.Specific inhibitors of M2-and M4-mAChRs were used to explore the mechanism by which AT3 influences oxidative stress in endothelial cells.Then,mAChRs expression was detected by western blotting and NO production was detected by Greiss reaction.The intracellular ROS level was measured using DCFH-DA probes.The expression of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α(HIF-1α)was also detected.Results:While H/R induced the expression of M2-and M4-mAChRs,AT3 suppressed the H/R-upregulated M2-and M4-mAChRs.H/R also induced the production of NO,ROS,and apoptosis.AT3 and M4-mAChR inhibitors inhibited the H/R-induced production of NO and ROS and apoptosis.HIF-1αwas induced by H/R,but was suppressed by AT3.Conclusion:Thus,the in vitro evidence shows that AT3 protects against H/R injury in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells via inhibition of HIF-1α,NO and ROS,predominantly through the downregulation of M4-mAChR.The findings offer novel understandings regarding AT3-mediated attenuation of endothelial cell apoptosis and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Individuals vary in sensitivity to the behavioral effects of nicotine,resulting in differences in their vulnerability to addiction.The role of rearing environment in determining individual sensitivity to nic...OBJECTIVE Individuals vary in sensitivity to the behavioral effects of nicotine,resulting in differences in their vulnerability to addiction.The role of rearing environment in determining individual sensitivity to nicotine is unclear.The neuropharmacological mechanisms mediating the effect of rearing environment on the actions of nicotine are also understood.Thus,the contribution of rearing environment in determining the sensitivity to the locomotor effects of nicotine and regulating α4β2*-and α7-nicotinic acetylcholine(n ACh) receptor expressionwas determined in rats reared in isolated(IC) or enriched(EC) conditions.METHODS To measure locomotor activity,adolescent rats(postnatal day 21-51)were injected with saline(1 mL·kg^(-1)) or nicotine(0.3 mg·kg^(-1)) subcutaneously,then placed in chamberswhere ambulatory activity was monitored for 30-min by computer for 14 daily sessions.α4β2*-andα7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway was determined by quantitative autoradiography of [125 I]-epibatidine and [125 I]-bungarotoxinbinding,respectively,in 16 μmol·L^(-1) coronal sections.Values for receptor expression in fmol are ±s of 8 brains and compared by two-tailed,unpaired t-test with P<0.05 considered significant.RESULTS EC-rats are similarly sensitive as IC-rats to the locomotor effects of nicotine.[125 I]-epibatidine binding in the ventral tegmental area of EC-rats was reduced(2.8±0.3 fmo L) compared to IC-rats(4.0±0.4 fmo L);there was no difference in the nucleus accumbens.There was no difference between EC-and IC-rats in α7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.CONCLUSION Rearing environment differentially regulates n ACh receptor subtypes in EC and IC rats.These data suggest regulation of n ACh receptors by environmental factors may be a mechanism for the protective effect of enrichment against altered sensitivity to nicotine in genetically vulnerable individuals.The characterization of these mechanisms will aid in development of novel pharmacological tools mimicking the protection afforded by environmental enrichment in nicotine-sensitive individuals.展开更多
This paper is aimed to study the effect of ADL on expression of ~z-AR and Mz-AchR in myocardial cells of rats exposed to microwave radiation. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and image analysis were used to detect t...This paper is aimed to study the effect of ADL on expression of ~z-AR and Mz-AchR in myocardial cells of rats exposed to microwave radiation. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and image analysis were used to detect the expression of ~I-AR and Mz-AchR in myocardial cells at 7 and 14 d after microwave exposure. The results show that the expression level was higher in microwave exposure group and 0.75 g/(kg.d) ADL group than in sham operation group and significantly lower in 1.5 and 3.0 g/(kg.d) ADL groups than in microwave group. So we have a conclusion that the expression of I^z-AR and Mz-AchR is down-regulated in myocardial cells of rats exposed to microwave radiation. ADL can protect rats against microwave-induced heart tissue injury.展开更多
Myasthenia gravis is a rare and invalidating disease affecting the neuromuscular junction of voluntary muscles.The classical form of this autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the m...Myasthenia gravis is a rare and invalidating disease affecting the neuromuscular junction of voluntary muscles.The classical form of this autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the most abundant protein in the neuromuscular junction,the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.Other variants of the disease involve autoimmune attack of non-receptor scaffolding proteins or enzymes essential for building or maintaining the integrity of this peripheral synapse.This review summarizes the participation of the above proteins in building the neuromuscular junction and the destruction of this cholinergic synapse by autoimmune aggression in myasthenia gravis.The review also covers the application of a powerful biophysical technique,superresolution optical microscopy,to image the nicotinic receptor in live cells and follow its motional dynamics.The hypothesis is entertained that anomalous nanocluster formation by antibody crosslinking may lead to accelerated endocytic internalization and elevated turnover of the receptor,as observed in myasthenia gravis.展开更多
The combinative rate measurement of (3-[I125] iodotyrosyl) α-bungarotoxin was applied in the analysis of the relation between nerve acetylcholine receptor and three types of insecticide resistance in diamondback mo...The combinative rate measurement of (3-[I125] iodotyrosyl) α-bungarotoxin was applied in the analysis of the relation between nerve acetylcholine receptor and three types of insecticide resistance in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). In the dimehypo-resistant strain and in the cartap-resistant strain, the nerve acetylcholine receptor showed the remarkable insensitivity to dimehypo and cartap, of which the binding rate to ligand was approximately 66 and 60%, respectively, of the susceptible strain. The sensitivity to deltamethrin in the deltamethrin-resistant strain did not show visible change. These results indicated that the decline in the sensitivity of nerve acetylcholine receptor to insecticide might be a potential mechanism to nereistoxin insecticides resistance in the diamondback moth.展开更多
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant socioeconomic burden in the world. The long lasting consequences in cognitive impairments are often underreported and its mechanisms are unclear. In this perspective,...Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant socioeconomic burden in the world. The long lasting consequences in cognitive impairments are often underreported and its mechanisms are unclear. In this perspective, cholinergic dysfunction and thera-peutic strategy targeting this will be reviewed. Novel agents that can target specific subtype of acetylcholine receptors have been developed over the recent years and are at various stages of development, which include AR-R 17779, GTS-21, SSR- 180711A, AR-R17779, and PNU-282987. A detailed review on this topic has been previously published (Shin and Dixon, 2015).展开更多
The cholinergic system is involved in a broad spectrum of brain function, and its failure has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholine transduces signals through muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine re...The cholinergic system is involved in a broad spectrum of brain function, and its failure has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholine transduces signals through muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, both of which influence synaptic plasticity and cognition. However, the mechanisms that relate the rapid gating of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to persistent changes in brain function have remained elusive. Recent evidence indicates that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors activities affect synaptic morphology and density, which result in persistent rearrangements of neural connectivity. Further investigations of the relationships between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and rearrangements of neural circuitry in the central nervous system may help understand the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.展开更多
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies have been shown to form against the nicotinic acetylcholine nicotinic postsynaptic receptors located at the neuromuscular junction."Warming yang and inv...Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies have been shown to form against the nicotinic acetylcholine nicotinic postsynaptic receptors located at the neuromuscular junction."Warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment has been shown to reduce serum inflammatory cytokine expression and increase transforming growth factor beta expression in rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.However,few studies have addressed the effects of this type of acupuncture on the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.Here,we used confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the area and density of immunoreactivity for an antibody to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction in the phrenic nerve of rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis following "warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture therapy.Needles were inserted at acupressure points Shousanli(LI10),Zusanli(ST36),Pishu(BL20),and Shenshu(BL23) once daily for 7 consecutive days.The treatment was repeated after 1 day of rest.We found that area and the integrated optical density of the immunoreactivity for the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction of the phrenic nerve was significantly increased following acupuncture treatment.This outcome of the acupuncture therapy was similar to that of the cholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide.These findings suggest that "warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment increases acetylcholine receptor expression at the neuromuscular junction in a rat model of autoimmune myasthenia gravis.展开更多
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an untreatable lethal lung disease, which is related to the aberrant proliferation of fibroblasts. M<sub>3</sub> muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M<sub>3</sub>...Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an untreatable lethal lung disease, which is related to the aberrant proliferation of fibroblasts. M<sub>3</sub> muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR) activation exerts proliferative effect on various kinds of cells. However, whether M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR inhibition has a protective effect on pulmonary fibrosis remains unexplored. A rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Darifenacin was used to block M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR. Histological changes were observed using Masson’s Trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Hydroxyproline was measured by Hydroxyproline detection kit. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated from lungs of neonatal rat. After treatment, the cell viability, Hydroxyproline level was measured by MTT and Hydroxyproline detection kit respectively. The expression level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa-B (N-NF-κB), and microRNA-21 (miR-21) was detected by western blot or quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Darifenacin relieved the fibrotic effects provoked by bleomycin. The expression level of hydroxyproline, TGF-β1 and TNF-α level was all downregulated after darifenacin treatment. In lung fibroblasts, darifenacin decreased cell viability and hydroxyproline level induced by bleomycin. Besides, phosphorylation-ERK and nuclear N-NF-κB protein level was downregulated, as well as miR-21 level. M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR antagonist darifenacin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, which may relate to the ERK/NF-κB/miRNA-21 signaling pathway.展开更多
The present study found expressions of a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on hippocampal slices and hippocampal astrocytes using double immunofluorescence stainings. Expression of glial fibdllary acidic protein in th...The present study found expressions of a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on hippocampal slices and hippocampal astrocytes using double immunofluorescence stainings. Expression of glial fibdllary acidic protein in the cultured hippocampal slices and hippocampal astrocytes significantly increased, and levels of macrophage inflammatory protein la, RANTES, interleukin-1β, intedeukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α increased in the supernatant of cultured astrocytes following exposure to 200 nM amyloid 13 protein 1-42. Preconditioning of 10 μM nicotine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, could attenuate the influence of amyloid β protein 1-42 in inflammatory mediator secretion of cultured astrocytes. Experimental findings indicated that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was expressed on the surface of hippocampal astrocytes, and activated a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was shown to inhibit inflammation induced by amyloid β protein 1-42.展开更多
Cholesterol is a major lipid in biological membranes.It not only plays a structural role but also modulates a wide range of functional properties of neurotransmitter and hormone receptors and ion channels.The membrane...Cholesterol is a major lipid in biological membranes.It not only plays a structural role but also modulates a wide range of functional properties of neurotransmitter and hormone receptors and ion channels.The membraneembedded segments of the paradigm neurotransmitter receptor for acetylcholine(nAChR)contain linear sequences of amino acids with the capacity to recognize cholesterol.These cholesterol consensus domains have been designated as“CARC”and its mirror sequence“CRAC”.CARC preferentially occurs in the exoplasmic-facing membrane leaflet,and CRAC,in the cytoplasmic-facing hemilayer.Both motifs are highly conserved among ion-channel and neurotransmitter receptor proteins in vertebrate nervous systems,where they recognize cholesterol,and in prokaryotic homologues in bacteria,where they recognize hopanoids.This phylogenetically conserved trait is an indication that the hopanoids in some bacteria and cholesterol in eukaryotes subserve analogous functions,probably contributing to the stability of membrane-embedded protein domains.Structural studies from our laboratory using superresolution optical microscopy(“nanoscopy”)have disclosed other interrelated functional and structural properties exerted by cholesterol on the nAChR.The neutral lipid content at the cell surface influences both the macromolecular organization of the receptor and its translational mobility(diffusion)in the plane of the membrane.展开更多
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) are cholinergic receptors that form ligand-gated ion channels by ifve subunits in insect and vertebrate nervous systems. The insect nAChR is the molecular target of a c...The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) are cholinergic receptors that form ligand-gated ion channels by ifve subunits in insect and vertebrate nervous systems. The insect nAChR is the molecular target of a class of insecticides, neonicotinoids. Here, we identiifed and cloned 11 candidate nAChR subunit genes in Acyrthosiphon pisum using genome-based bioinformatics combined modern molecular techniques. Most A. pisum nAChRs including α1, α2, α3, α4, α6, α8, and β1 show highly sequence identities with the counterparts of other insects examined. Expression proifles analysis showed that all subunit genes were expressed in adult head. At least two subunits have alternative splicing that obviously increase A. pisum nicotinic receptor diversity. This study will be invaluable for exploring the molecular mechanisms of neonicotinoid-like insecticides in sucking pests, and for ultimately establishing the screening platform of novel insecticides.展开更多
Recent studies have demonstrated that five subtypes (M1-M5) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) are expressed in the vestibular periphery. However, the exact cellular location of the mAChRs is not clear. ...Recent studies have demonstrated that five subtypes (M1-M5) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) are expressed in the vestibular periphery. However, the exact cellular location of the mAChRs is not clear. In this study, we investigated whether there is the expression of M1-M5 muscarinic receptor mRNA in isolated type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells of guinea pig by using single-cell RT-PCR. In vestibular end-organ, cDNA of the expected size was obtained by RT-PCR. Moreover, mRNA was identified by RT-PCR from individually isolated type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells (single-cell RT-PCR). Sequence analysis confirmed that the products were M1-M5 mAChR. These results dem-onstrated that M1-M5 mAChR was expressed in the typeⅡvestibular hair cells of the guinea pig, which lends further support for the role of M1-M5 mAChR as a mediator of efferent cholinergic signalling pathway in vestibular hair cells.展开更多
Addiction to nicotine, and possibly other tobacco constituents, is a major factor that contributes to the difficulties smokers face when attempting to quit smoking. Amongst the various subtypes of nicotinic acetylchol...Addiction to nicotine, and possibly other tobacco constituents, is a major factor that contributes to the difficulties smokers face when attempting to quit smoking. Amongst the various subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the α4β2 subtype plays an important role in mediating the addiction process. The characterization of human α4β2-ligand binding interactions provides a molecular framework for understanding ligand-receptor interactions, rendering insights into mechanisms of nicotine addiction and may furnish a tool for efficiently identifying ligands that can bind the nicotine receptor. Therefore, we constructed a homology model of human α4β2 nAChR and performed molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the potential human α4β2-ligand binding modes for eleven compounds known to bind to this receptor. Residues V96, L97 and F151 of the α4 subunit and L111, F119 and F121 of the β2 subunit were found to be involved in hydrophobic interactions while residues S153 and W154 of the α4 subunit were involved in the formation of hydrogen bonds between the receptor and respective ligands. The homology model and its eleven ligand-bound structures will be used to develop a virtual screening program for identifying tobacco constituents that are potentially addictive.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the frequency, distribution and clinical significance of the antibodies to the fetal and/or adult acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods AChR antibodie...Objective To evaluate the frequency, distribution and clinical significance of the antibodies to the fetal and/or adult acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods AChR antibodies were detected by cell-based assay in the serum of ocular MG (OMG) (n = 90) and generalized MG (GMG) patients (n = 110). The fetal-type (2α: β: γ: δ) and adult-type (2α: β: ε: δ) AChR were used as antigens, and their relevance to disease presentation was assessed. Results The overall frequencies of anti-adult and anti-fetal AChR antibodies were similar in all 200 patients examined, with 14 having serum specific to the AChR-γ subunit, and 22 to the AChR-ε subunit. The overall sensitivity when using the fetal and adult AChR antibodies was higher than that when using the fetal AChR antibody only (P = 0.015). Compared with OMG patients, the mean age at disease onset and the positive ratio of antibodies to both isoforms of the AChR were significantly higher in patients who subsequently progressed to GMG. Older patients and patients with both anti-fetal and anti-adult AChR antibodies had a greater risk for developing generalized disease [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.06 and OR, 5.09; 95% CI, 2.23–11.62]. Conclusion Using both fetal-and adult-type AChRs as the antigens may be more sensitive than using either subtype. Patients with serum specific to both isoforms are at a greater risk of progressing to GMG. Patients with disease onset at an advanced age appear to have a higher frequency of GMG conversion.展开更多
Objective:To investigate effect of Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction(柴芩承气汤,CQCQD) on changes of neuronal acetylcholine receptor alpha 7(nAChRα7) of peritoneal macrophages in acute pancreatitis(AP).Methods:Eighte...Objective:To investigate effect of Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction(柴芩承气汤,CQCQD) on changes of neuronal acetylcholine receptor alpha 7(nAChRα7) of peritoneal macrophages in acute pancreatitis(AP).Methods:Eighteen Kunming mice were equally randomized into the control group,AP group and CQCQD treatment group.AP was induced by two intraperitoneal injections of 4 g/kg L-arginine at 1 h apart,while control mice received saline injections.At 72 h after the first injection of L-arginine,mice in the treatment group were intragastrically administered 0.1 mL/10 g CQCQD every 2 h for 3 times,whilst mice in the other two groups received the same amount of saline feeding.Mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 2 h after the last feeding of either CQCQD or saline.Peritoneal macrophages were collected for determination of nAChRα7 mRNA and protein expression.Serum was collected for detection of interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-10 and acetylcholine(ACh)levels,and pancreas was for histopathology analysis.Results:The CQCQD treatment significantly ameliorated the severity of AP as evidenced by reducing the pancreatic histopathology score(4.5 ± 0.5 vs.6.2 ± 1.7,P〈0.05)and the serum IL-6 levels(1228.31419.2 pg/mL vs.1589.6 ±337.3 pg/mL,P〈0.05).The mRNA and protein expression of nAChRα7 of the peritoneal macrophages in the AP group were similar to the control group(P〉0.05),but were significantly up-regulated after the CQCQD treatment(P〈0.05).The serum ACh levels in the AP group were significantly lower than those in the control group(3.1 ± 0.6 μg/mL vs 4.8 ± 0.7 μg/mL P〈0.05),but were significantly increased after the CQCQD treatment(5.6±1.5 μg/mL vs 3.1 ±0.6 μg/mL,P〈0.05).Conclusion:CQCQD is protective against L-arginine-induced AP through mechanisms involving nAChR α 7 of peritoneal macrophages.展开更多
The autonomic nervous system contributes to prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (CHRM1) expressio...The autonomic nervous system contributes to prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (CHRM1) expression was measured via immunohistochemical analysis in human prostate cancer tissue array slides. PC-3, LNCaP, and A549 cells were treated with pirenzepine or carbachol, and the cell migration and invasion abilities were evaluated. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to measure GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), patched 1 (PTCH1), and sonic hedgehog (SHH) expression levels. High expression of CHRM1 was found in early-stage human prostate cancer tissues. In addition, the selective CHRM1 antagonist pirenzepine inhibited PC-3, LNCaP, and A549 cell migration and invasion, but the agonist carbachol promoted the migration and invasion of these three cell lines. Muscarinic signaling can be relayed by hedgehog signaling. These data show that CHRM1 is involved in the regulation of prostate cancer migration and invasion through the hed^eho~ si^nalin~ ~athwav.展开更多
Background it has been reported that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit a4 gene (CHRNA4) might be associated with smoking behaviors in the previous studies. Up to now, there are few reports on the relation...Background it has been reported that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit a4 gene (CHRNA4) might be associated with smoking behaviors in the previous studies. Up to now, there are few reports on the relationship between CHRNA4 and smoking initiation, in this study, we tried to explore the role of two polymorphisms in CHRNA4 (rs1044396 and rs1044397) in smoking initiation and nicotine dependence in Chinese male smokers. Methods Nine hundred and sixty-six Chinese male lifetime nonsmokers and smokers were assessed by the Fagerstr6m test for nicotine dependence (FTND), smoking quantity (SQ) and the heaviness of smoking index (HSI).展开更多
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the targets of neonicotinoids and spinosads, two insecticides used in orchards to effectively control codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)...Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the targets of neonicotinoids and spinosads, two insecticides used in orchards to effectively control codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Orchardists in Washington State are concerned about the possibility of codling moth field populations developing resistance to these two insecticides. In an effort to help mitigate this issue, we initiated a project to identify and characterize codling moth nAChR subunits expressed in heads. This study had two main goals; (i) identify transcripts from a codling moth head transcriptome that encode for nAChR subunits, and (ii) determine nAChR subunit expression profiles in various life stages of codling moth. From a codling moth head transcriptome, 24 transcripts encoding for 12 putative nAChR subunit classes were identified and verified by PCR amplification, cloning, and sequence determination. Characterization of the deduced protein sequences encoded by putative nAChR transcripts revealed that they share the distinguishing features of the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily with 9 α-type subunits and 3 β- type subunits identified. Phylogenetic analysis comparing these protein sequences to those of other insect nAChR subunits supports the identification of these proteins as nAChR subunits. Stage expression studies determined that there is clear differential expression of many of these subunits throughout the codling moth life cycle. The information from this study will be used in the future to monitor for potential target-site resistance mechanisms to neonicotinoids and spinosads in tolerant codling moth populations.展开更多
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(32202800)Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(LH2022C104)+1 种基金Heilongjiang Province Education Department Fundamental Scientifc Research Funds(145109516)Qiqihar University Graduate Innovative Research Project(YJSCX2022016).
文摘Background: No other effects of atropine other than as an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) have been found. Methods: In this study, human kidneyepithelial cells were treated with different physiological regulators. Results: Subsequently, it was found that atropine could significantly induce autophagy as demonstrated by the appearance of autophagosome-like double- or single-membrane vesicles in the cytoplasm ofhost cells and the number of GFP-LC3 dots. In addition, increased conversion of the autophagy marker protein LC3-I and LC3-II and increased p62/SQSTM1 indicatedincomplete autophagy. In addition, atropine induced autophagosome levels in a dose-dependent manner within a certain concentration range in human kidney epithelial cells. In atropine-treated mouse skeletal muscle cells containing nicotinic acetylcholinereceptors and rat cardiac muscle cells containing mAchR, atropine induced autophagy in mouse skeletal muscle cells but not in rat cardiac muscle cells. Furthermore, atropine did not induce autophagy in tissue cells containing mAchR in vivo but did in tissue cells not containing mAchR. Conclusion: This study expands the application and understanding of atropine’s action mechanism in the field of medicine.
基金funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12272246)the Key Research and Development Projects of Sichuan Province(2023YFS0075).
文摘Background:Anisodine hydrobromide(AT3),an anti-cholinergic agent,could be delivered to the brain across the blood-brain barrier and has been used clinically for the treatment of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.Endothelial dysfunction can be caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)via oxidative stress and metabolic alterations.The present study investigated whether AT3 regulates the production of nitric oxide(NO)and reactive oxygen species(ROS),and the HIF-1αpathway via regulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors(mAChRs)in brain microvascular endothelial cells after H/R exposure.Methods:Under H/R conditions,hCMEC/D3 cerebral microvascular endothelial cells were treated with AT3.Specific inhibitors of M2-and M4-mAChRs were used to explore the mechanism by which AT3 influences oxidative stress in endothelial cells.Then,mAChRs expression was detected by western blotting and NO production was detected by Greiss reaction.The intracellular ROS level was measured using DCFH-DA probes.The expression of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 1α(HIF-1α)was also detected.Results:While H/R induced the expression of M2-and M4-mAChRs,AT3 suppressed the H/R-upregulated M2-and M4-mAChRs.H/R also induced the production of NO,ROS,and apoptosis.AT3 and M4-mAChR inhibitors inhibited the H/R-induced production of NO and ROS and apoptosis.HIF-1αwas induced by H/R,but was suppressed by AT3.Conclusion:Thus,the in vitro evidence shows that AT3 protects against H/R injury in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells via inhibition of HIF-1α,NO and ROS,predominantly through the downregulation of M4-mAChR.The findings offer novel understandings regarding AT3-mediated attenuation of endothelial cell apoptosis and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
基金supported by Nebraska Cancer and Smoking Disease Research Programs LB506and LB595 to CS BOCKMAN and DJ STAIRS
文摘OBJECTIVE Individuals vary in sensitivity to the behavioral effects of nicotine,resulting in differences in their vulnerability to addiction.The role of rearing environment in determining individual sensitivity to nicotine is unclear.The neuropharmacological mechanisms mediating the effect of rearing environment on the actions of nicotine are also understood.Thus,the contribution of rearing environment in determining the sensitivity to the locomotor effects of nicotine and regulating α4β2*-and α7-nicotinic acetylcholine(n ACh) receptor expressionwas determined in rats reared in isolated(IC) or enriched(EC) conditions.METHODS To measure locomotor activity,adolescent rats(postnatal day 21-51)were injected with saline(1 mL·kg^(-1)) or nicotine(0.3 mg·kg^(-1)) subcutaneously,then placed in chamberswhere ambulatory activity was monitored for 30-min by computer for 14 daily sessions.α4β2*-andα7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway was determined by quantitative autoradiography of [125 I]-epibatidine and [125 I]-bungarotoxinbinding,respectively,in 16 μmol·L^(-1) coronal sections.Values for receptor expression in fmol are ±s of 8 brains and compared by two-tailed,unpaired t-test with P<0.05 considered significant.RESULTS EC-rats are similarly sensitive as IC-rats to the locomotor effects of nicotine.[125 I]-epibatidine binding in the ventral tegmental area of EC-rats was reduced(2.8±0.3 fmo L) compared to IC-rats(4.0±0.4 fmo L);there was no difference in the nucleus accumbens.There was no difference between EC-and IC-rats in α7-n ACh receptor expression in the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.CONCLUSION Rearing environment differentially regulates n ACh receptor subtypes in EC and IC rats.These data suggest regulation of n ACh receptors by environmental factors may be a mechanism for the protective effect of enrichment against altered sensitivity to nicotine in genetically vulnerable individuals.The characterization of these mechanisms will aid in development of novel pharmacological tools mimicking the protection afforded by environmental enrichment in nicotine-sensitive individuals.
文摘This paper is aimed to study the effect of ADL on expression of ~z-AR and Mz-AchR in myocardial cells of rats exposed to microwave radiation. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot and image analysis were used to detect the expression of ~I-AR and Mz-AchR in myocardial cells at 7 and 14 d after microwave exposure. The results show that the expression level was higher in microwave exposure group and 0.75 g/(kg.d) ADL group than in sham operation group and significantly lower in 1.5 and 3.0 g/(kg.d) ADL groups than in microwave group. So we have a conclusion that the expression of I^z-AR and Mz-AchR is down-regulated in myocardial cells of rats exposed to microwave radiation. ADL can protect rats against microwave-induced heart tissue injury.
文摘Myasthenia gravis is a rare and invalidating disease affecting the neuromuscular junction of voluntary muscles.The classical form of this autoimmune disease is characterized by the presence of antibodies against the most abundant protein in the neuromuscular junction,the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.Other variants of the disease involve autoimmune attack of non-receptor scaffolding proteins or enzymes essential for building or maintaining the integrity of this peripheral synapse.This review summarizes the participation of the above proteins in building the neuromuscular junction and the destruction of this cholinergic synapse by autoimmune aggression in myasthenia gravis.The review also covers the application of a powerful biophysical technique,superresolution optical microscopy,to image the nicotinic receptor in live cells and follow its motional dynamics.The hypothesis is entertained that anomalous nanocluster formation by antibody crosslinking may lead to accelerated endocytic internalization and elevated turnover of the receptor,as observed in myasthenia gravis.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30160050).
文摘The combinative rate measurement of (3-[I125] iodotyrosyl) α-bungarotoxin was applied in the analysis of the relation between nerve acetylcholine receptor and three types of insecticide resistance in diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). In the dimehypo-resistant strain and in the cartap-resistant strain, the nerve acetylcholine receptor showed the remarkable insensitivity to dimehypo and cartap, of which the binding rate to ligand was approximately 66 and 60%, respectively, of the susceptible strain. The sensitivity to deltamethrin in the deltamethrin-resistant strain did not show visible change. These results indicated that the decline in the sensitivity of nerve acetylcholine receptor to insecticide might be a potential mechanism to nereistoxin insecticides resistance in the diamondback moth.
文摘Traumatic brain injury (TBI) poses a significant socioeconomic burden in the world. The long lasting consequences in cognitive impairments are often underreported and its mechanisms are unclear. In this perspective, cholinergic dysfunction and thera-peutic strategy targeting this will be reviewed. Novel agents that can target specific subtype of acetylcholine receptors have been developed over the recent years and are at various stages of development, which include AR-R 17779, GTS-21, SSR- 180711A, AR-R17779, and PNU-282987. A detailed review on this topic has been previously published (Shin and Dixon, 2015).
基金supported by the Takeda Science Foundation and JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number 19590247
文摘The cholinergic system is involved in a broad spectrum of brain function, and its failure has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Acetylcholine transduces signals through muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, both of which influence synaptic plasticity and cognition. However, the mechanisms that relate the rapid gating of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors to persistent changes in brain function have remained elusive. Recent evidence indicates that nicotinic acetylcholine receptors activities affect synaptic morphology and density, which result in persistent rearrangements of neural connectivity. Further investigations of the relationships between nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and rearrangements of neural circuitry in the central nervous system may help understand the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81173344
文摘Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies have been shown to form against the nicotinic acetylcholine nicotinic postsynaptic receptors located at the neuromuscular junction."Warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment has been shown to reduce serum inflammatory cytokine expression and increase transforming growth factor beta expression in rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis.However,few studies have addressed the effects of this type of acupuncture on the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction.Here,we used confocal laser scanning microscopy to examine the area and density of immunoreactivity for an antibody to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction in the phrenic nerve of rats with experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis following "warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture therapy.Needles were inserted at acupressure points Shousanli(LI10),Zusanli(ST36),Pishu(BL20),and Shenshu(BL23) once daily for 7 consecutive days.The treatment was repeated after 1 day of rest.We found that area and the integrated optical density of the immunoreactivity for the acetylcholine receptor at the neuromuscular junction of the phrenic nerve was significantly increased following acupuncture treatment.This outcome of the acupuncture therapy was similar to that of the cholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide.These findings suggest that "warming yang and invigorating qi" acupuncture treatment increases acetylcholine receptor expression at the neuromuscular junction in a rat model of autoimmune myasthenia gravis.
文摘Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is an untreatable lethal lung disease, which is related to the aberrant proliferation of fibroblasts. M<sub>3</sub> muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR) activation exerts proliferative effect on various kinds of cells. However, whether M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR inhibition has a protective effect on pulmonary fibrosis remains unexplored. A rat model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Darifenacin was used to block M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR. Histological changes were observed using Masson’s Trichrome and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Hydroxyproline was measured by Hydroxyproline detection kit. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In vitro, pulmonary fibroblasts were isolated from lungs of neonatal rat. After treatment, the cell viability, Hydroxyproline level was measured by MTT and Hydroxyproline detection kit respectively. The expression level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), nuclear factor kappa-B (N-NF-κB), and microRNA-21 (miR-21) was detected by western blot or quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Darifenacin relieved the fibrotic effects provoked by bleomycin. The expression level of hydroxyproline, TGF-β1 and TNF-α level was all downregulated after darifenacin treatment. In lung fibroblasts, darifenacin decreased cell viability and hydroxyproline level induced by bleomycin. Besides, phosphorylation-ERK and nuclear N-NF-κB protein level was downregulated, as well as miR-21 level. M<sub>3</sub>-mAChR antagonist darifenacin attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats, which may relate to the ERK/NF-κB/miRNA-21 signaling pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30471928 and No.30973162the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,No.07005203
文摘The present study found expressions of a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on hippocampal slices and hippocampal astrocytes using double immunofluorescence stainings. Expression of glial fibdllary acidic protein in the cultured hippocampal slices and hippocampal astrocytes significantly increased, and levels of macrophage inflammatory protein la, RANTES, interleukin-1β, intedeukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α increased in the supernatant of cultured astrocytes following exposure to 200 nM amyloid 13 protein 1-42. Preconditioning of 10 μM nicotine, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist, could attenuate the influence of amyloid β protein 1-42 in inflammatory mediator secretion of cultured astrocytes. Experimental findings indicated that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was expressed on the surface of hippocampal astrocytes, and activated a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor was shown to inhibit inflammation induced by amyloid β protein 1-42.
文摘Cholesterol is a major lipid in biological membranes.It not only plays a structural role but also modulates a wide range of functional properties of neurotransmitter and hormone receptors and ion channels.The membraneembedded segments of the paradigm neurotransmitter receptor for acetylcholine(nAChR)contain linear sequences of amino acids with the capacity to recognize cholesterol.These cholesterol consensus domains have been designated as“CARC”and its mirror sequence“CRAC”.CARC preferentially occurs in the exoplasmic-facing membrane leaflet,and CRAC,in the cytoplasmic-facing hemilayer.Both motifs are highly conserved among ion-channel and neurotransmitter receptor proteins in vertebrate nervous systems,where they recognize cholesterol,and in prokaryotic homologues in bacteria,where they recognize hopanoids.This phylogenetically conserved trait is an indication that the hopanoids in some bacteria and cholesterol in eukaryotes subserve analogous functions,probably contributing to the stability of membrane-embedded protein domains.Structural studies from our laboratory using superresolution optical microscopy(“nanoscopy”)have disclosed other interrelated functional and structural properties exerted by cholesterol on the nAChR.The neutral lipid content at the cell surface influences both the macromolecular organization of the receptor and its translational mobility(diffusion)in the plane of the membrane.
基金supported by the National 973 Program of China(2012CB114104)the Beijing Natural Science FoundationChina (6132028)
文摘The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchRs) are cholinergic receptors that form ligand-gated ion channels by ifve subunits in insect and vertebrate nervous systems. The insect nAChR is the molecular target of a class of insecticides, neonicotinoids. Here, we identiifed and cloned 11 candidate nAChR subunit genes in Acyrthosiphon pisum using genome-based bioinformatics combined modern molecular techniques. Most A. pisum nAChRs including α1, α2, α3, α4, α6, α8, and β1 show highly sequence identities with the counterparts of other insects examined. Expression proifles analysis showed that all subunit genes were expressed in adult head. At least two subunits have alternative splicing that obviously increase A. pisum nicotinic receptor diversity. This study will be invaluable for exploring the molecular mechanisms of neonicotinoid-like insecticides in sucking pests, and for ultimately establishing the screening platform of novel insecticides.
基金supported by grants from the Key Project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30730094)the National Science & Technology Pillar Program during the Eleventh Five-year Plan Period (No. 2007BAI18B13)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30872865)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (Program 863) (No. 2008AA02Z428)
文摘Recent studies have demonstrated that five subtypes (M1-M5) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) are expressed in the vestibular periphery. However, the exact cellular location of the mAChRs is not clear. In this study, we investigated whether there is the expression of M1-M5 muscarinic receptor mRNA in isolated type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells of guinea pig by using single-cell RT-PCR. In vestibular end-organ, cDNA of the expected size was obtained by RT-PCR. Moreover, mRNA was identified by RT-PCR from individually isolated type Ⅱ vestibular hair cells (single-cell RT-PCR). Sequence analysis confirmed that the products were M1-M5 mAChR. These results dem-onstrated that M1-M5 mAChR was expressed in the typeⅡvestibular hair cells of the guinea pig, which lends further support for the role of M1-M5 mAChR as a mediator of efferent cholinergic signalling pathway in vestibular hair cells.
文摘Addiction to nicotine, and possibly other tobacco constituents, is a major factor that contributes to the difficulties smokers face when attempting to quit smoking. Amongst the various subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the α4β2 subtype plays an important role in mediating the addiction process. The characterization of human α4β2-ligand binding interactions provides a molecular framework for understanding ligand-receptor interactions, rendering insights into mechanisms of nicotine addiction and may furnish a tool for efficiently identifying ligands that can bind the nicotine receptor. Therefore, we constructed a homology model of human α4β2 nAChR and performed molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate the potential human α4β2-ligand binding modes for eleven compounds known to bind to this receptor. Residues V96, L97 and F151 of the α4 subunit and L111, F119 and F121 of the β2 subunit were found to be involved in hydrophobic interactions while residues S153 and W154 of the α4 subunit were involved in the formation of hydrogen bonds between the receptor and respective ligands. The homology model and its eleven ligand-bound structures will be used to develop a virtual screening program for identifying tobacco constituents that are potentially addictive.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31170864 and 81171183)
文摘Objective To evaluate the frequency, distribution and clinical significance of the antibodies to the fetal and/or adult acetylcholine receptor (AChR) in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods AChR antibodies were detected by cell-based assay in the serum of ocular MG (OMG) (n = 90) and generalized MG (GMG) patients (n = 110). The fetal-type (2α: β: γ: δ) and adult-type (2α: β: ε: δ) AChR were used as antigens, and their relevance to disease presentation was assessed. Results The overall frequencies of anti-adult and anti-fetal AChR antibodies were similar in all 200 patients examined, with 14 having serum specific to the AChR-γ subunit, and 22 to the AChR-ε subunit. The overall sensitivity when using the fetal and adult AChR antibodies was higher than that when using the fetal AChR antibody only (P = 0.015). Compared with OMG patients, the mean age at disease onset and the positive ratio of antibodies to both isoforms of the AChR were significantly higher in patients who subsequently progressed to GMG. Older patients and patients with both anti-fetal and anti-adult AChR antibodies had a greater risk for developing generalized disease [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.06 and OR, 5.09; 95% CI, 2.23–11.62]. Conclusion Using both fetal-and adult-type AChRs as the antigens may be more sensitive than using either subtype. Patients with serum specific to both isoforms are at a greater risk of progressing to GMG. Patients with disease onset at an advanced age appear to have a higher frequency of GMG conversion.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81072910)Science and Technology Support Program of Sichuan(No.2011SZ0291,2010SZ0068)
文摘Objective:To investigate effect of Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction(柴芩承气汤,CQCQD) on changes of neuronal acetylcholine receptor alpha 7(nAChRα7) of peritoneal macrophages in acute pancreatitis(AP).Methods:Eighteen Kunming mice were equally randomized into the control group,AP group and CQCQD treatment group.AP was induced by two intraperitoneal injections of 4 g/kg L-arginine at 1 h apart,while control mice received saline injections.At 72 h after the first injection of L-arginine,mice in the treatment group were intragastrically administered 0.1 mL/10 g CQCQD every 2 h for 3 times,whilst mice in the other two groups received the same amount of saline feeding.Mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation 2 h after the last feeding of either CQCQD or saline.Peritoneal macrophages were collected for determination of nAChRα7 mRNA and protein expression.Serum was collected for detection of interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-10 and acetylcholine(ACh)levels,and pancreas was for histopathology analysis.Results:The CQCQD treatment significantly ameliorated the severity of AP as evidenced by reducing the pancreatic histopathology score(4.5 ± 0.5 vs.6.2 ± 1.7,P〈0.05)and the serum IL-6 levels(1228.31419.2 pg/mL vs.1589.6 ±337.3 pg/mL,P〈0.05).The mRNA and protein expression of nAChRα7 of the peritoneal macrophages in the AP group were similar to the control group(P〉0.05),but were significantly up-regulated after the CQCQD treatment(P〈0.05).The serum ACh levels in the AP group were significantly lower than those in the control group(3.1 ± 0.6 μg/mL vs 4.8 ± 0.7 μg/mL P〈0.05),but were significantly increased after the CQCQD treatment(5.6±1.5 μg/mL vs 3.1 ±0.6 μg/mL,P〈0.05).Conclusion:CQCQD is protective against L-arginine-induced AP through mechanisms involving nAChR α 7 of peritoneal macrophages.
基金Tnis workwas supportedby the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing (CSTC, 2009BA5081).
文摘The autonomic nervous system contributes to prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis. However, the exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (CHRM1) expression was measured via immunohistochemical analysis in human prostate cancer tissue array slides. PC-3, LNCaP, and A549 cells were treated with pirenzepine or carbachol, and the cell migration and invasion abilities were evaluated. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to measure GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), patched 1 (PTCH1), and sonic hedgehog (SHH) expression levels. High expression of CHRM1 was found in early-stage human prostate cancer tissues. In addition, the selective CHRM1 antagonist pirenzepine inhibited PC-3, LNCaP, and A549 cell migration and invasion, but the agonist carbachol promoted the migration and invasion of these three cell lines. Muscarinic signaling can be relayed by hedgehog signaling. These data show that CHRM1 is involved in the regulation of prostate cancer migration and invasion through the hed^eho~ si^nalin~ ~athwav.
基金This study was supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 30600205) and the Scientific Research Foundation for the Returned Overseas Chinese Scholars, State Education Ministry of China (No. 2008890-19-18).
文摘Background it has been reported that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit a4 gene (CHRNA4) might be associated with smoking behaviors in the previous studies. Up to now, there are few reports on the relationship between CHRNA4 and smoking initiation, in this study, we tried to explore the role of two polymorphisms in CHRNA4 (rs1044396 and rs1044397) in smoking initiation and nicotine dependence in Chinese male smokers. Methods Nine hundred and sixty-six Chinese male lifetime nonsmokers and smokers were assessed by the Fagerstr6m test for nicotine dependence (FTND), smoking quantity (SQ) and the heaviness of smoking index (HSI).
基金We thank Drs. Man-Yeon Choi and Rodney Cooper for critical review of this manuscript. We are most grate- ful to Laura Willett, Kim Shannon, and Karolynn Tom for maintenance of the codling moth colony. Dr. MichaelParra (Heritage University) is thanked for his helpful dis- cussions and comments. This work was supported by a grant from the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commis- sion (awarded to SFG, CP-13-101) and a grant from the Research Experience for Undergraduates program of the National Science Foundation (awarded to Nina Barcenas, Heritage University, NSF-REU Award# 1156603).
文摘Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are the targets of neonicotinoids and spinosads, two insecticides used in orchards to effectively control codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). Orchardists in Washington State are concerned about the possibility of codling moth field populations developing resistance to these two insecticides. In an effort to help mitigate this issue, we initiated a project to identify and characterize codling moth nAChR subunits expressed in heads. This study had two main goals; (i) identify transcripts from a codling moth head transcriptome that encode for nAChR subunits, and (ii) determine nAChR subunit expression profiles in various life stages of codling moth. From a codling moth head transcriptome, 24 transcripts encoding for 12 putative nAChR subunit classes were identified and verified by PCR amplification, cloning, and sequence determination. Characterization of the deduced protein sequences encoded by putative nAChR transcripts revealed that they share the distinguishing features of the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel superfamily with 9 α-type subunits and 3 β- type subunits identified. Phylogenetic analysis comparing these protein sequences to those of other insect nAChR subunits supports the identification of these proteins as nAChR subunits. Stage expression studies determined that there is clear differential expression of many of these subunits throughout the codling moth life cycle. The information from this study will be used in the future to monitor for potential target-site resistance mechanisms to neonicotinoids and spinosads in tolerant codling moth populations.