@article {46092, title = {Facilitator roles of viruses in enhanced insect resistance to biotic stress}, journal = {Current Opinion in Insect Science}, volume = {33}, year = {2019}, month = {JUN}, pages = {111-116}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Virus-insect interactions are primarily parasitic, yet diverse mutualistic interactions, some of which are symbiogenic, also occur. These viruses can modify insect physiology and behavior so that hosts can gain resistance against various biotic challenges like pathogen and parasites. In the recent past, many insect mutualistic viruses have been reported. Viruses can show symbiogenic interactions with some insects, which have been explored at the molecular level. However, understanding about molecular mechanisms for many of the mutualistic viruses is still enigmatic. Exploration of these interactions and its mechanism can shed light on phenomenon of virus mediated biotic stress resistance in insects.

}, issn = {2214-5745}, doi = {10.1016/j.cois.2019.05.008}, author = {Jagdale, Shounak S. and Joshi, Rakesh S.} } @article {47347, title = {Functional insights into two Ocimum kilimandscharicum 4-coumarate-CoA ligases involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis}, journal = {International Journal of Biological Macromolecules}, volume = {181}, year = {2021}, month = {JUN }, pages = {202-210}, type = {Article}, abstract = {

Plant 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) catalyzes the ligation of CoA to cinnamic acid and its derivatives. Activated CoA esters are utilized for the biosynthesis of phenolic metabolites and lignin that play essential function in plants. Here, we characterize the diversity of Ocimum kilimandscharicum 4CLs (Ok4CLs). Phylogenetic analysis suggest that Ok4CLs could be grouped into three classes, class I -enzymes mostly involved in lignin biosynthesis, class II -non-structural phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and class III -yet to be characterized for specific role(s). We selected two Ok4CLs namely Ok4CL7 and Ok4CL15 for further characterization. Gene expression analysis sug-gested that Ok4CL7 is highly expressed in leaf trichomes, whereas Ok4CL15 is abundant in the roots. The recom-binant Ok4CL7 and Ok4CL15 had optimal enzyme activities at 40 degrees C in pH 8 and 7, respectively. Ok4CL7 showed substrate preference towards p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid. While, Ok4CL15 preferredp-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and sinapic acid. Feruloyl adenylate showed higher number of contacts and lowers binding en-ergy with Ok4CL7 and 15 compared to cinnamoyl adenylate. Based on root-specific expression and preference for sinapic acid, Ok4CL15 might be involved in lignin biosynthesis. Further exploration is needed to unravel the role of diverse Ok4CLs in O. kilimandscharicum. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

}, keywords = {4-Coumarate-CoA ligase, Flavonoids, lignin, Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Phenylpropanoids}, issn = {0141-8130}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.03.129}, author = {Lavhale, Santosh G. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Kumar, Yashwant and Giri, Ashok P.} } @article {48164, title = {Functional diversity of the lepidopteran ATP-binding cassette transporters}, journal = {Journal of Molecular Evolution}, volume = {90}, year = {2022}, month = {AUG}, pages = {258-270}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene family is ubiquitous in the living world. ABC proteins bind and hydrolyze ATP to transport a myriad of molecules across various lipid-containing membrane systems. They have been studied well in plants for transport of a variety of compounds and particularly, in vertebrates due to their direct involvement in resistance mechanisms against several toxic molecules/metabolites. ABC transporters in insects are found within large multigene families involved in the efflux of chemical insecticides and toxic/undesired metabolites originating from food and endogenous metabolism. This review deals with ABC transporter subfamilies of few agronomically important Lepidopteran pests. The transcriptional dynamics and regulation of ABC transporters during insect development emphasizes their functional diversity against insecticides, Cry toxins, and plant specialized metabolites. To generate insights about molecular function and physiological roles of ABCs, functional and structural characterization is necessary. Also, expansion and divergence of ABC transporter gene subfamilies in Lepidopteran insects needs more systematic investigation. We anticipate that newer methods of insect control in agriculture can benefit from an understanding of ABC transporter interactions with a vast range of natural specialized molecules and synthetic compounds.

}, keywords = {ABC transporters, Bt, insecticide resistance, Lepidoptera, Plant metabolites}, issn = {0022-2844}, doi = {10.1007/s00239-022-10056-2}, author = {Barve, Pranoti R. and Tellis, Meenakshi B. and Barvkar, Vitthal T. and Joshi, Rakesh S. and Giri, Ashok P. and Kotkar, Hemlata M.} } @article {49689, title = {From signals to sustenance: the role of biogenic amines in insect feeding behavior}, journal = {Journal of Insect Behavior}, volume = {38}, year = {2025}, month = {JUN}, pages = {15}, type = {Review}, abstract = {

Insect feeding is a complex and finely-tuned behavior that notably impacts their physiological and metabolic processes. Chemical signals and cues, chemosensation, motor response, and physiological changes govern responses to food resources. The role of biogenic amines in regulating feeding is essential, as they significantly affect locomotory changes and nutrient assimilation. Octopamine, tyramine, dopamine, serotonin, and other biogenic amines are neuromodulators, neurotransmitters, and neurohormones. Octopamine and tyramine have contrasting effects on food-seeking and foraging behavior regulation. The interaction among biogenic amines and their respective receptors initiates diverse signaling pathways by modifying the concentrations of intracellular secondary messengers like Ca2+, AMP, and other molecules. These signal transductions regulate various physical and metabolic processes, directly influencing feeding behavior and digestive physiology. Furthermore, dopamine triggers a negative response, whereas serotonin plays a positive role in regulating feeding behavior. Biogenic amines underlie synchronized and interconnected molecular mechanisms, along with unique individual effects. It is fascinating to consider these interrelated activities and the impacts of bioamine on insect feeding behavior. In this review, we discuss the roles of insect biogenic amines and their cross-talk in insect feeding and foraging behavior.

}, keywords = {Biogenic amines, feeding behavior, octopamine, Signal transduction, tyramine}, issn = {0892-7553}, doi = {10.1007/s10905-025-09879-w}, author = {Patil, Yogita P. and Joshi, Rakesh S.} }