Aegerolysins ostreolysin A (OlyA) and pleurotolysin A (PlyA), and pleurotolysin B (PlyB) with the membrane-attack-complex/perforin domain are proteins from the mushroom genus Pleurotus. Upon binding to sphingomyelin/cholesterol-enriched membranes, OlyA and PlyA can recruit PlyB to form multimeric bi-component transmembrane pores. Recently, Pleurotus aegerolysins OlyA, PlyA2 and erylysin A (EryA) were demonstrated to preferentially bind to artificial lipid membranes containing 50 mol% ceramide phosphoethanolamine (CPE), the main sphingolipid in invertebrate cell membranes. In this study, we demonstrate that OlyA6, PlyA2 and EryA bind to insect cells and to artificial lipid membranes with physiologically relevant CPE concentrations. Moreover, these aegerolysins permeabilize these membranes when combined with PlyB. These aegerolysin/PlyB complexes show selective toxicity toward western corn rootworm larvae and adults and Colorado potato beetle larvae. These data strongly suggest that these aegerolysin/PlyB complexes recognize CPE as their receptor molecule in the insect midgut. This mode of binding is different from those described for similar aegerolysin-based bacterial complexes, or other Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins, which have protein receptors. Targeting of Pleurotus aegerolysins to CPE and formation of transmembrane pores in concert with PlyB suggest the use of aegerolysin/PlyB complexes as novel biopesticides for the control of western corn rootworm and Colorado potato beetle. The tested aegerolysin toxins had no effect on the spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii).
COBISS.SI-ID: 5013839
The Spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura, 1931) (Diptera, Drosophilidae) was recorded for the first time in Slovenia in autumn 2010. Shortly thereafter, it turned out to be one of the most important insect pests of soft and stone fruit in Slovenia and elsewhere. Within the expert work in the field of plant protection, more precisely within task inventarisation of beneficial organisms for biological control, the presence of indigenous D. suzukii parasitoids was investigated in 2018. The pupal parasitoid Trichopria drosophilae (Hymenoptera: Diapriidae) and the larval parasitoid Leptopilina heterotoma (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) were recorded parasitizing D. suzukii for the first time in Slovenia in August 2018 in Central Slovenia (Ljubljana).
COBISS.SI-ID: 5745256
The immune system is one of the most complex systems, as it controls the interactions between microorganisms and hosts. Mammals have the most complex immune system, however insects also have their immune system and improved knowledge of it has an indirect effect on human life quality. It is difficult to assess the health significance and financial burden of harmful insects on humans. It is estimated that insects annually destroy approximately 15-18% of global food production; furthermore insect-borne diseases are responsible for millions of deaths of people and domestic animals annually. Immune system of insects has been the subject of detailed research since the end of the 19th century in order to discover practical methods for the biological control of harmful insects. The purpose of this paper is to discuss and clarify certain concepts in the Slovenian language, since the Slovenian terminology of invertebrate immune system is sometimes inadequate.
COBISS.SI-ID: 4280712