Histone Deacetylase 11 Knockdown Blocks Larval Development and Metamorphosis in the Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Abstract

Post-translational modifications (PTM) such as methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination of histones and other proteins regulate expression of genes. The acetylation levels of these proteins are determined by the balance of expression of histone acetyltransferase (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). We recently reported that class I HDACs (HDAC1 and HDAC3) play important roles in juvenile hormone (JH) suppression of metamorphosis in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum. Here, we report on the function of a single class IV HDAC member, HDAC11. Injection of dsRNA targeting T. castaneum HDAC11 gene into newly molted last instar larvae induced knockdown of the target gene and arrested larval development and prevented metamorphosis into the pupal stage. Dark melanized areas were detected in larvae that showed developmental arrest and mortality. Developmental expression studies showed an increase in HDAC11 mRNA levels beginning at the end of the penultimate larval stage. These higher levels were maintained during the final instar larval and pupal stages. A JH analog, hydroprene, suppressed HDAC11 expression in the larvae. Sequencing of RNA isolated from control and dsHDAC11 injected larvae identified several differentially expressed genes, including those involved in JH action, ecdysone response, and melanization. The acetylation levels of core histones showed an increase in TcA cells exposed to dsHDAC11. Also, an increase in histone H3 acetylation, specifically H3K9, H3K18 and H3K27, were detected in HDAC11 knockdown larvae. These studies report the function of HDAC11 in insects other than Drosophila for the first time and show that HDAC11 influences the acetylation levels of histones and expression of multiple genes involved in T. castaneum larval development.

ddRAD Sequencing Identifies Pesticide Resistance-Related Loci and Reveals New Insights into Genetic Structure of Bactericera cockerelli as a Plant Pathogen Vector

“…Another notable locus, CL_4398, is homologous to D. citri histone deacetylase 11. This gene has been proven to be a crucial regulator in insect larval development [ 50 ].…”

10-hydroxy-2E-decenoic Acid (10HDA) is not a Caste-differentiation Factor in Melipona Scutellaris Stingless Bees

“…Expression of HDAC encoding genes have not been studied during development in bees, however they were extensively investigated in beetles [58][59][60] . We detected higher levels of hdac1 transcripts in the beginning of larval development, followed by a decrease in the intermediate stage, and by a subsequent increase in the last larval stage.…”

“…Interestingly, in our metabolomics analysis, we found high intergroup variability in L3.3 samples and were not able to identify the putative queen-fate inducing compoundsgeraniol for Melipona beecheii [14] and 10HDA for Apis mellifera [22,44] . Expression of HDAC encoding genes have not been studied during development in bees, however they were extensively investigated in beetles [58][59][60] . We detected higher levels of hdac1 transcripts in the beginning of larval development, followed by a decrease in the intermediate stage, and by a subsequent increase in the last larval stage.…”

HDAC11: a multifaceted histone deacetylase with proficient fatty deacylase activity and its roles in physiological processes

“…All these genetically engineered mice are viable and do not present apparent phenotypes, indicating that HDAC11 is dispensable for life in basal conditions. Recently, knockdown of HDAC11 during the larval stage in T. castaneum (red flour beetle) would found to arrest larva development and to prevent metamorphosis into the pupal stage [24]. Although the precise mechanisms are not yet known, HDAC11 knockdown may affect the action of the two major insect hormones, 20‐hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone, to induce developmental arrest and mortality [24].…”

“…Recently, knockdown of HDAC11 during the larval stage in T. castaneum (red flour beetle) would found to arrest larva development and to prevent metamorphosis into the pupal stage [24]. Although the precise mechanisms are not yet known, HDAC11 knockdown may affect the action of the two major insect hormones, 20‐hydroxyecdysone and juvenile hormone, to induce developmental arrest and mortality [24]. In mammals, the lack of HDAC11 seems not to be essential for survival, but the detailed analysis of some tissues/isolated cells has revealed functional consequences of loss of HDAC11, suggesting that HDAC11 functions might depend on specific cells, conditions, and stimuli (Fig.…”