title: Transcriptional regulation of de novo biosynthesis of cyanogenic glucosides throughout the life-cycle of the burnet moth Zygaena filipendulae (Lepidoptera).
abstract: The six-spotted burnet moth Zygaena filipendulae (Lepidoptera) utilize the two cyanogenic glucosides (CNglcs) linamarin and lotaustralin as deterrents against predators throughout the entire life cycle. CNglcs can be hydrolyzed and bioactivated by β-glucosidases, resulting in the release of toxic hydrogen cyanide. CNglcs are retained through metamorphosis, probably involved in mating communication, and transferred during mating from the male to the female as a nuptial gift. CNglcs can be biosynthesized de novo by Z. filipendulae larvae, but may also be sequestered from their food plant Lotus corniculatus (Fabaceae). These two strategies are tightly linked and adjusted according to the CNglc content and composition of the food plant in order to balance CNglc homeostasis in the larva. In this study, the amounts of CNglcs and transcript levels of the biosynthetic genes were monitored in all life-stages and tissues of Z. filipendulae. During pupation, transcription of the biosynthetic genes is turned off and the CNglc content slowly declines. In females but not males, transcription of the biosynthetic genes is re-activated at the end of pupation. Eggs and embryos do not biosynthesize CNglcs de novo, but are endowed with CNglcs following eclosion of the female. Similarly to larvae, de novo biosynthesis in female adults takes place in the integument from which CNglcs are then transported to other organs. This study demonstrates that Z. filipendulae has evolved the ability to adjust the production of CNglcs throughout its life-cycle for optimal utilization in defense and possibly other metabolic functions, while at the same time avoiding intoxication.
authors.affiliation: Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark; VILLUM Research Center "Plant Plasticity", Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Joel
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fürstenberg-Hägg
authors.affiliation: Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark; VILLUM Research Center "Plant Plasticity", Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Mika
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zagrobelny
authors.affiliation: Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark; VILLUM Research Center "Plant Plasticity", Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Carl Erik
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Olsen
authors.affiliation: Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark; VILLUM Research Center "Plant Plasticity", Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Kirsten
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jørgensen
authors.affiliation: Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark; VILLUM Research Center "Plant Plasticity", Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark.
authors.forename: Birger Lindberg
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Møller
authors.affiliation: Plant Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark; VILLUM Research Center "Plant Plasticity", Copenhagen Plant Science Center, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Copenhagen, Denmark. Electronic address: bak@plen.ku.dk.
authors.forename: Søren
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bak
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006027:Glycosides / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D007814:Larva / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D008018:Life Cycle Stages; D008297:Male; D009036:Moths / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014158:Transcription, Genetic
chemical_list: D006027:Glycosides; D019476:Insect Proteins; C007173:cyanogenic glycosides
keywords: Defense compounds; HCN intoxication; Insect–plant interactions; Metamorphosis; Sequestration