Calcium Tartrate Crystals in the Midgut of the Grape Leafhopper

Böll, Susanne; Schmitt, Thomas; Burschka, Christian; Schreier, Peter; Schwappach, P.; Herrmann, Johannes

doi:10.1007/s10886-005-8398-8

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Therefore, the possibility of TA being synthesized and stored in the cell as an alternative defensive mechanism, should also be considered at the whole organism level. The potential role in defense against herbivores was suggested by Böll et al (2005), who found evidence of calcium tartrate crystals in the midgut of the phloem-sucking grape leafhoppers (Empoasca vitis) after feeding on grapevine leaves, with levels increasing during ripening of berries of the vine. Although TA was ineffective at preventing leafhoppers from eating the grapevine leaves, calcium tartrate crystals may have a more toxic effect on other insects that feed on grapevine.…”

Section: Other Potential Roles Of Ta Biosynthesismentioning

confidence: 98%

Biosynthesis and Cellular Functions of Tartaric Acid in Grapevines

et al. 2021

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Tartaric acid (TA) is an obscure end point to the catabolism of ascorbic acid (Asc). Here, it is proposed as a “specialized primary metabolite”, originating from carbohydrate metabolism but with restricted distribution within the plant kingdom and lack of known function in primary metabolic pathways. Grapes fall into the list of high TA-accumulators, with biosynthesis occurring in both leaf and berry. Very little is known of the TA biosynthetic pathway enzymes in any plant species, although recently some progress has been made in this space. New technologies in grapevine research such as the development of global co-expression network analysis tools and genome-wide association studies, should enable more rapid progress. There is also a lack of information regarding roles for this organic acid in plant metabolism. Therefore this review aims to briefly summarize current knowledge about the key intermediates and enzymes of TA biosynthesis in grapes and the regulation of its precursor, ascorbate, followed by speculative discussion around the potential roles of TA based on current knowledge of Asc metabolism, TA biosynthetic enzymes and other aspects of fruit metabolism.

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Section: Other Potential Roles Of Ta Biosynthesismentioning

confidence: 98%

Biosynthesis and Cellular Functions of Tartaric Acid in Grapevines

et al. 2021

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“…These compounds are thought to either bind to or eliminate excess calcium or, in the case of CaOx, to neutralize and eliminate the oxalic acid. 38,39 Calcium salts have also been reported to be present in the shells of eggs of various insects, adding to their rigidity. Whereas other calcium salts such as calcium carbonate, calcium urate, or CaOx that have been observed in a variety of insects usually occur in the Malpighian tubules, calcium tartrate crystals have been identified in the midgut of the grape leafhopper.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The accumulation of calcium salts in the midgut of insects has been detected only in rare cases. 39,40 The primary excretory organs of insects are the Malpighian tubules and the rectum. The blind-ended Malpighian tubules empty into the intestinal tract at the midgut/hindgut junction.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ethylene glycol induces calcium oxalate crystal deposition in Malpighian tubules: a Drosophila model for nephrolithiasis/urolithiasis

Chen

Liu

Chen

et al. 2011

Kidney International

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Several animal species are used to study calcium oxalate urolithiasis; however, an ideal model has yet to be identified. We used Drosophila as a model organism and fed the flies lithogenic agents such as ethylene glycol, hydroxyl-L-proline, and sodium oxalate. At different times, the Malpighian tubules, the kidney equivalent of insects, were dissected and a polarized light microscope used to highlight the birefringent crystals. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed that the crystal composition was predominately calcium oxalate. Furthermore, administration of potassium citrate successfully reduced the quantity of and modulated the integrity of the ethylene glycol-induced crystals. Thus, the Drosophila model of bio-mineralization produces crystals in the urinary system through many lithogenic agents, permits observation of crystal formation, and is amenable to genetic manipulation. This model may mimic the etiology and clinical manifestations of calcium oxalate stone formation and aid in identification of the genetic basis of this disease.

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The future of stone research: rummagings in the attic, Randall’s plaque, nanobacteria, and lessons from phylogeny

Ryall

2008

Urol Res

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The prevention or cure of stone disease will be achieved only by identifying biochemical, physiological and molecular mechanisms operating before the formation of a calculus. Yet, the gradual increase in the total number of papers devoted to the study of kidney stones that has occurred since the beginning of the 21st century can be attributed almost entirely to papers concerned with the investigation of factors associated with urolithiasis after stones have already formed. The need to prevent stones by discovering how the human body routinely stops their formation in those of us who do not suffer from them is therefore as exigent as ever and a new approach to investigating the causes of stones is urgently needed. In this paper, I develop the view that stone research will best progress by examining and understanding how healthy plants and animals control the formation of biominerals. In addition to structures like bones, teeth, shells and spines, many organisms spanning the entire phylogenetic tree form intra- and extracellular granules which are use as storage depots for calcium and other important ions, which they can reclaim to maintain homeostasis or to satisfy specific needs during periods of high demand, such as shell formation, moulting or skeletal development. These electron-dense granules, which also bear an uncanny resemblance to calcified nanobacteria, are remarkably similar in general structure, size and composition to particles observed in healthy human kidneys and in Randall's plaque. Therefore, it is likely that the granules in human kidneys fulfil analogous functions to those in other organisms-particularly in calcium homeostasis. Their study in a large range of creatures has already provided a deep well of information about their structure, movement, composition, macromolecular content, synthesis and resorption, from which we can draw to quench our thirst for knowledge of basic mechanisms and events involved in the formation of human kidney stones.

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Calcium Tartrate Crystals in the Midgut of the Grape Leafhopper

Cited by 6 publications

References 16 publications

Biosynthesis and Cellular Functions of Tartaric Acid in Grapevines

Biosynthesis and Cellular Functions of Tartaric Acid in Grapevines

Ethylene glycol induces calcium oxalate crystal deposition in Malpighian tubules: a Drosophila model for nephrolithiasis/urolithiasis

The future of stone research: rummagings in the attic, Randall’s plaque, nanobacteria, and lessons from phylogeny

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