Project description:As a model hemimetabolous insect species and an invasive urban pest that is globally distributed, the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, is of great interest in both basic and applied research. Previous studies on P. americana neuropeptide identification have been based on biochemical isolation and molecular cloning. In the present study, an integrated approach of genomics- and peptidomics-based discovery was performed for neuropeptide identification in this insect species. Using large-scale peptidomic analysis of peptide extracts from 4 different tissues (the central nervous system, corpora cardiac and corpora allata complex, midgut, and male accessory gland), 35 conserved (predicted) and a potential (novel) neuropeptides were then identified. Subsequent experiments revealed the tissue distribution, sex difference, and developmental patterns of 2 conserved neuropeptides (allatostatin B and short neuropeptide F) and a novel neuropeptide PaOGS36577. Our study shows a comprehensive neuropeptidome and detailed spatiotemporal distribution patterns, providing a solid basis for future functional studies of neuropeptides in the American cockroach.
Project description:In this study, the fresh oothecae used for proteomics analysis were obtained from American cockroach. Proteomics and PRM analysis were used for the identification of the oothecal proteins including the structural proteins and key enzymes.
2022-02-22 | PXD031823 |
Project description:American cockroach gut microbiome response to synthetic diets
Project description:Background: Cockroach allergy contributes to morbidity among urban children with asthma. Few trials address the effect of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with cockroach allergen among these at-risk children.Objective: To determine if nasal allergen challenge (NAC) responses to cockroach allergen would improve following one year of SCIT.Methods: Urban children with asthma, cockroach-sensitized (skin prick test [SPT] and serum specific IgE) and reactive on NAC, participated in a yearlong randomized double-blind placebo-controlled SCIT trial using German cockroach extract. The primary endpoint was the change in mean total nasal symptoms scores (TNSS) during NAC after 12 months of SCIT. Changes in nasal transcriptomic responses during NAC, SPT wheal size, serum allergen-specific antibody production and T-cell responses to cockroach allergen were assessed.Results: Changes in mean NAC TNSS did not differ between SCIT-assigned (n=28) versus placebo-assigned (n=29) participants (p=0.63). Nasal transcriptomic responses correlated with TNSS, but a treatment effect was not observed. Cockroach sIgE decreased to a similar extent in both groups, while decreased cockroach SPT wheal size was greater among SCIT participants (p=0.04). A 200-fold increase in cockroach sIgG4 was observed among subjects receiving SCIT (p<0.001) but was unchanged in the placebo group. T-cell interleukin-4 responses following cockroach allergen stimulation decreased to a greater extent among SCIT versus placebo (p=0.002), while no effect was observed for interleukin-10 or interferon-gamma.Conclusion: A year of SCIT failed to alter NAC TNSS and nasal transcriptome responses to cockroach allergen challenge despite systemic effects on allergen-specific skin tests, induction of serum sIgG4 production and down-modulation of allergen stimulated T-cell responses.