Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

The leafhopper family Cicadellidae, comprising over 22,000 species, exhibits a unique behavior of anointing their bodies with excretions containing brochosomes. Brochosomes are synthesized in the distal segment of the Malpighian tubules and serve various functions, including hydrophobic protection a...

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Main Authors: Wei Wu, Jia-Ning Lei, Qianzhuo Mao, Yan-Zhen Tian, Hong-Wei Shan, Jian-Ping Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2023-08-01
Series:Insects
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/14/9/734
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author Wei Wu
Jia-Ning Lei
Qianzhuo Mao
Yan-Zhen Tian
Hong-Wei Shan
Jian-Ping Chen
author_facet Wei Wu
Jia-Ning Lei
Qianzhuo Mao
Yan-Zhen Tian
Hong-Wei Shan
Jian-Ping Chen
author_sort Wei Wu
collection DOAJ
description The leafhopper family Cicadellidae, comprising over 22,000 species, exhibits a unique behavior of anointing their bodies with excretions containing brochosomes. Brochosomes are synthesized in the distal segment of the Malpighian tubules and serve various functions, including hydrophobic protection and defense against pathogens and predators. In this study, we investigated the distribution, synthesis, and release mechanisms of brochosomes in the rice pest leafhopper <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i>. Using SEM and TEM, we observed brochosomes’ consistent coverage on the integument throughout the insect’s life cycle. Moreover, we identified four distinct developmental stages of brochosome synthesis within the distal segment of the Malpighian tubules, originating from the Golgi region. Most importantly, our research revealed a novel and highly efficient release mechanism involving the fusion of brochosome-containing vesicles, leading to a rapid and substantial release of brochosomes into the tubule lumen after molting. These findings shed light on the intricate processes of brochosome synthesis and release in leafhoppers, offering valuable insights into their functional significance and ecological role in these fascinating insects.
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spelling doaj.art-b02fac6ac25f485a8ec795c3e070bbc62023-11-19T11:15:09ZengMDPI AGInsects2075-44502023-08-0114973410.3390/insects14090734Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)Wei Wu0Jia-Ning Lei1Qianzhuo Mao2Yan-Zhen Tian3Hong-Wei Shan4Jian-Ping Chen5State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, ChinaState Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, ChinaState Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, ChinaState Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, ChinaState Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, ChinaState Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-Products, Key Laboratory of Biotechnology in Plant Protection of Ministry of Agriculture and Zhejiang Province, Institute of Plant Virology, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, ChinaThe leafhopper family Cicadellidae, comprising over 22,000 species, exhibits a unique behavior of anointing their bodies with excretions containing brochosomes. Brochosomes are synthesized in the distal segment of the Malpighian tubules and serve various functions, including hydrophobic protection and defense against pathogens and predators. In this study, we investigated the distribution, synthesis, and release mechanisms of brochosomes in the rice pest leafhopper <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i>. Using SEM and TEM, we observed brochosomes’ consistent coverage on the integument throughout the insect’s life cycle. Moreover, we identified four distinct developmental stages of brochosome synthesis within the distal segment of the Malpighian tubules, originating from the Golgi region. Most importantly, our research revealed a novel and highly efficient release mechanism involving the fusion of brochosome-containing vesicles, leading to a rapid and substantial release of brochosomes into the tubule lumen after molting. These findings shed light on the intricate processes of brochosome synthesis and release in leafhoppers, offering valuable insights into their functional significance and ecological role in these fascinating insects.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/14/9/734leafhopperbrochosome<i>Maiestas dorsalis</i>TEMSEM
spellingShingle Wei Wu
Jia-Ning Lei
Qianzhuo Mao
Yan-Zhen Tian
Hong-Wei Shan
Jian-Ping Chen
Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Insects
leafhopper
brochosome
<i>Maiestas dorsalis</i>
TEM
SEM
title Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
title_full Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
title_fullStr Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
title_full_unstemmed Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
title_short Insights into Brochosome Distribution, Synthesis, and Novel Rapid-Release Mechanism in <i>Maiestas dorsalis</i> (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
title_sort insights into brochosome distribution synthesis and novel rapid release mechanism in i maiestas dorsalis i hemiptera cicadellidae
topic leafhopper
brochosome
<i>Maiestas dorsalis</i>
TEM
SEM
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/14/9/734
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