@article{%a1.%Yb_93,

title = {Characterization of Spontaneous Melanization by Fluorescence Spectroscopy: A Basis for Analytical Application to Biological Substrates},

author = {Croce AC and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/12/3/433},

doi = {10.3390/biology12030433},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-08-08},

journal = {Biology-Basel},

volume = {12},

issue = {3},

pages = {433},

abstract = {Melanin is present in various biological substrates where it may participate in several processes, from innate immunity to the still-unsolved opposite roles in antioxidant protection, including photoprotection and the related ability to interact with light. Melanin-light interaction has also been an important source of inspiration for the development of innovative bioengineering applications. These are based on melanin's light-energy-absorption ability of its chemically and structurally complex components and precursors, and on the improvement in analytical and diagnostic procedures in biomedicine. In this regard, here, we characterized the fluorescence spectral properties of melanin and of its precursor L-tyrosine in an aqueous solution during spontaneous melanization. Besides the confirmation of the typical fluorescence-emission signature of melanin and L-tyrosine, we provide additional insights on both emission and excitation spectra recorded during melanization. On these bases, we performed a subsequent characterization on the aqueous extracts from two different melanin-containing biological substrates, namely hairs from a domestic black cat and eggs from the Asian tiger mosquito. The results from the mild extraction procedure, purposely applied to obtain only the soluble components, combined with fluorescence spectral analysis are expected to promote further investigation of the melanization processes, particularly in insects.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Y_136,

title = {Developmental and Nutritional Dynamics of Malpighian Tubule Autofluorescence in the Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes albopictus},

author = {Croce AC and Garbelli A and Moyano A and Soldano S and Tejeda-Guzman C and Missirlis F and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/1/245},

doi = {10.3390/ijms25010245},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-12-12},

urldate = {2024-02-12},

journal = {International journal of molecular sciences},

volume = {25},

issue = {1},

pages = {245},

abstract = {Malpighian tubules (MTs) are arthropod excretory organs crucial for the osmoregulation, detoxification and excretion of xenobiotics and metabolic wastes, which include tryptophan degradation products along the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. Specifically, the toxic intermediate 3-hydroxy kynurenine (3-HK) is metabolized through transamination to xanthurenic acid or in the synthesis of ommochrome pigments. Early investigations in Drosophila larval fat bodies revealed an intracellular autofluorescence (AF) that depended on tryptophan administration. Subsequent observations documented AF changes in the MTs of Drosophila eye-color mutants genetically affecting the conversion of tryptophan to KYN or 3-HK and the intracellular availability of zinc ions. In the present study, the AF properties of the MTs in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, were characterized in different stages of the insect's life cycle, tryptophan-administered larvae and blood-fed adult females. Confocal imaging and microspectroscopy showed AF changes in the distribution of intracellular, brilliant granules and in the emission spectral shape and amplitude between the proximal and distal segments of MTs across the different samples. The findings suggest AF can serve as a promising marker for investigating the functional status of MTs in response to metabolic alterations, contributing to the use of MTs as a potential research model in biomedicine.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_96,

title = {Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): As A Potent Modulator And Therapeutic Prodrug In Cancer},

author = {Faris P and Negri S and Faris D and Scolari F and Montagna D and Moccia F },

url = {https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/129095},

doi = {10.2174/0929867330666230126100638},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-08-08},

journal = {Current medicinal chemistry},

volume = {30},

issue = {40},

pages = {4506-4532},

abstract = {Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous molecule present in all living organisms and has been traditionally studied for its toxicity. Interestingly, increased understanding of H2S effects in organ physiology has recently shown its relevance as a signalling molecule, with potentially important implications in variety of clinical disorders, including cancer. H2S is primarily produced in mammalian cells under various enzymatic pathways. A developing focus of H2S is a blooming hotspot that studies chemical, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic effects of H2S. Herein, we describe the physiological and biochemical properties of H2S, the enzymatic pathways leading to its endogenous production and its catabolic routes. In addition, we discuss the role of currently known H2S-releasing agents, or H2S donors, including their potential as therapeutic tools. Then we illustrate the mechanisms known to support the pleiotropic effects of H2S, with a particular focus on persulfhydration, which plays a key role in H2S-mediating signalling pathways. We then address the paradoxical role played by H2S in tumour biology and discuss the potential of exploiting H2S levels as novel cancer biomarkers and diagnostic tools. Finally, we describe the most recent preclinical applications focused on assessing the anti-cancer impact of most common H2S-releasing compounds. While the evidence in favour of H2S as an alternative cancer therapy in the field of translational medicine is yet to be clearly provided, application of H2S is emerging as potent anticancer therapies in preclinical trails.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_103,

title = {Lipid metabolism dysfunction following symbiont elimination is linked to altered Kennedy pathway homeostasis},

author = {Attardo GM and Benoit JB and Michalkova V and Kondragunta A and Baumann AA and Weiss BL and Malacrida A and Scolari F and Aksoy S },

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004223011859?via%3Dihub},

doi = {10.1016/j.isci.2023.107108},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-08-08},

journal = {iScience},

volume = {26},

issue = {7},

pages = {107108},

abstract = {Lipid metabolism is critical for insect reproduction, especially for species that invest heavily in the early developmental stages of their offspring. The role of symbiotic bacteria during this process is understudied but likely essential. We examined the role of lipid metabolism during the interaction between the viviparous tsetse fly (Glossina morsitans morsitans) and its obligate endosymbiotic bacteria (Wigglesworthia glossinidia) during tsetse pregnancy. We observed increased CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (cct1) expression during pregnancy, which is critical for phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in the Kennedy pathway. Experimental removal of Wigglesworthia impaired lipid metabolism via disruption of the Kennedy pathway, yielding obese mothers whose developing progeny starve. Functional validation via experimental cct1 suppression revealed a phenotype similar to females lacking obligate Wigglesworthia symbionts. These results indicate that, in Glossina, symbiont-derived factors, likely B vitamins, are critical for the proper function of both lipid biosynthesis and lipolysis to maintain tsetse fly fecundity.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Y_127,

title = {Pathogen-Mediated Alterations of Insect Chemical Communication: From Pheromones to Behavior},

author = {Moyano A and Croce AC and Scolari F },

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/12/11/1350},

doi = {10.3390/pathogens12111350},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-02-23},

journal = {Pathogens},

volume = {12},

issue = {11},

pages = {1350},

abstract = {Pathogens can influence the physiology and behavior of both animal and plant hosts in a manner that promotes their own transmission and dispersal. Recent research focusing on insects has revealed that these manipulations can extend to the production of pheromones, which are pivotal in chemical communication. This review provides an overview of the current state of research and available data concerning the impacts of bacterial, viral, fungal, and eukaryotic pathogens on chemical communication across different insect orders. While our understanding of the influence of pathogenic bacteria on host chemical profiles is still limited, viral infections have been shown to induce behavioral changes in the host, such as altered pheromone production, olfaction, and locomotion. Entomopathogenic fungi affect host chemical communication by manipulating cuticular hydrocarbons and pheromone production, while various eukaryotic parasites have been observed to influence insect behavior by affecting the production of pheromones and other chemical cues. The effects induced by these infections are explored in the context of the evolutionary advantages they confer to the pathogen. The molecular mechanisms governing the observed pathogen-mediated behavioral changes, as well as the dynamic and mutually influential relationships between the pathogen and its host, are still poorly understood. A deeper comprehension of these mechanisms will prove invaluable in identifying novel targets in the perspective of practical applications aimed at controlling detrimental insect species.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Ybx,

title = {Autofluorescent Biomolecules in Diptera: From Structure to Metabolism and Behavior},

author = {Croce AC and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/14/4458},

doi = {10.3390/molecules27144458},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-08-30},

journal = {Molecules},

volume = {27},

issue = {14},

pages = {4458},

abstract = {Light-based phenomena in insects have long attracted researchers' attention. Surface color distribution patterns are commonly used for taxonomical purposes, while optically-active structures from Coleoptera cuticle or Lepidoptera wings have inspired technological applications, such as biosensors and energy accumulation devices. In Diptera, besides optically-based phenomena, biomolecules able to fluoresce can act as markers of bio-metabolic, structural and behavioral features. Resilin or chitinous compounds, with their respective blue or green-to-red autofluorescence (AF), are commonly related to biomechanical and structural properties, helpful to clarify the mechanisms underlying substrate adhesion of ectoparasites' leg appendages, or the antennal abilities in tuning sound detection. Metarhodopsin, a red fluorescing photoproduct of rhodopsin, allows to investigate visual mechanisms, whereas NAD(P)H and flavins, commonly relatable to energy metabolism, favor the investigation of sperm vitality. Lipofuscins are AF biomarkers of aging, as well as pteridines, which, similarly to kynurenines, are also exploited in metabolic investigations. Beside the knowledge available in Drosophila melanogaster, a widely used model to study also human disorder and disease mechanisms, here we review optically-based studies in other dipteran species, including mosquitoes and fruit flies, discussing future perspectives for targeted studies with various practical applications, including pest and vector control.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_36,

title = {Editorial: Novel Insights Into Female Post-Mating Physiology in Insects},

author = {Scolari F and Khamis FM and Perez-Staples D},

url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.877222/full},

doi = {10.3389/fphys.2022.877222},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-08-24},

journal = {Frontiers in physiology},

volume = {13},

pages = {877222},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_59,

title = {GABAA and GABAB Receptors Mediate GABA-Induced Intracellular Ca2+ Signals in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells},

author = {Negri S and Scolari F and Vismara M and Brunetti V and Faris P and Terribile G and Sancini G and Berra-Romani R and Moccia F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/11/23/3860},

doi = {10.3390/cells11233860},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-31},

urldate = {2022-03-31},

journal = {Cells},

volume = {11},

issue = {23},

pages = {3860},

abstract = {Numerous studies recently showed that the inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), can stimulate cerebral angiogenesis and promote neurovascular coupling by activating the ionotropic GABAA receptors on cerebrovascular endothelial cells, whereas the endothelial role of the metabotropic GABAB receptors is still unknown. Preliminary evidence showed that GABAA receptor stimulation can induce an increase in endothelial Ca2+ levels, but the underlying signaling pathway remains to be fully unraveled. In the present investigation, we found that GABA evoked a biphasic elevation in [Ca2+]i that was initiated by inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate- and nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate-dependent Ca2+ release from neutral and acidic Ca2+ stores, respectively, and sustained by store-operated Ca2+ entry. GABAA and GABAB receptors were both required to trigger the endothelial Ca2+ response. Unexpectedly, we found that the GABAA receptors signal in a flux-independent manner via the metabotropic GABAB receptors. Likewise, the full Ca2+ response to GABAB receptors requires functional GABAA receptors. This study, therefore, sheds novel light on the molecular mechanisms by which GABA controls endothelial signaling at the neurovascular unit.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_64,

title = {Imaging and spectral analysis of autofluorescence patterns in larval head structures of mosquito vectors},

author = {Scolari F and Girella A and Croce AC},

url = {https://www.ejh.it/index.php/ejh/article/view/3462},

doi = {10.4081/ejh.2022.3462},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-23},

journal = {European journal of histochemistry},

volume = {66},

issue = {4},

pages = {3462},

abstract = {Autofluorescence (AF) in mosquitoes is currently poorly explored, despite its great potential as a marker of body structures and biological functions. Here, for the first time AF in larval heads of two mosquitoes of key public health importance, Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens, is studied using fluorescence imaging and spectrofluorometry, similarly to a label-free histochemical approach. In generally conserved distribution patterns, AF shows differences between mouth brushes and antennae of the two species. The blue AF ascribable to resilin at the antennal bases, more extended in Cx. pipiens, suggests a potential need to support different antennal movements. The AF spectra larger in Cx. pipiens indicate a variability in material composition and properties likely relatable to mosquito biology, including diverse feeding and locomotion behaviours with implications for vector control.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Yb_65,

title = {Platelet-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Stimulate Migration through Partial Remodelling of the Ca2+ Handling Machinery in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells},

author = {Vismara M and Negri S and Scolari F and Brunetti V and Trivigno SMG and Faris P and Galgano L and Soda T and Berra-Romani R and Canobbio I and Torti M and Guidetti GF and Moccia F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/11/19/3120},

doi = {10.3390/cells11193120},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-31},

journal = {Cells},

volume = {11},

issue = {19},

pages = {3120},

abstract = {Background: Platelets can support cancer progression via the release of microparticles and microvesicles that enhance the migratory behaviour of recipient cancer cells. We recently showed that platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) stimulate migration and invasiveness in highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells by stimulating the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and the myosin light chain 2 (MLC2). Herein, we assessed whether the pro-migratory effect of PEVs involves the remodelling of the Ca2+ handling machinery, which drives MDA-MB-231 cell motility. Methods: PEVs were isolated from human blood platelets, and Fura-2/AM Ca2+ imaging, RT-qPCR, and immunoblotting were exploited to assess their effect on intracellular Ca2+ dynamics and Ca2+-dependent migratory processes in MDA-MB-231 cells. Results: Pretreating MDA-MB-231 cells with PEVs for 24 h caused an increase in Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) due to the up-regulation of SERCA2B and InsP3R1/InsP3R2 mRNAs and proteins. The consequent enhancement of ER Ca2+ depletion led to a significant increase in store-operated Ca2+ entry. The larger Ca2+ mobilization from the ER was required to potentiate serum-induced migration by recruiting p38 MAPK and MLC2. Conclusions: PEVs stimulate migration in the highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line by inducing a partial remodelling of the Ca2+ handling machinery.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1.%Ybc,

title = {The Bright Side of the Tiger: Autofluorescence Patterns in Aedes albopictus (Diptera, Culicidae) Male and Female Mosquitoes. },

author = {Croce AC and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/3/713},

doi = {10.3390/molecules27030713},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-02-25},

journal = {Molecules},

volume = {27},

issue = {3},

pages = {713},

abstract = {Light-based events in insects deserve increasing attention for various reasons. Besides their roles in inter- and intra-specific visual communication, with biological, ecological and taxonomical implications, optical properties are also promising tools for the monitoring of insect pests and disease vectors. Among these is the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, a global arbovirus vector. Here we have focused on the autofluorescence characterization of Ae. albopictus adults using a combined imaging and spectrofluorometric approach. Imaging has evidenced that autofluorescence rises from specific body compartments, such as the head appendages, and the abdominal and leg scales. Spectrofluorometry has demonstrated that emission consists of a main band in the 410-600 nm region. The changes in the maximum peak position, between 430 nm and 500 nm, and in the spectral width, dependent on the target structure, indicate the presence, at variable degrees, of different fluorophores, likely resilin, chitin and melanins. The aim of this work has been to provide initial evidence on the so far largely unexplored autofluorescence of Ae. albopictus, to furnish new perspectives for the set-up of species- and sex-specific investigation of biological functions as well as of strategies for in-flight direct detection and surveillance of mosquito vectors.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Ybvwf,

title = {Beyond Sperm and Male Accessory Gland Proteins: Exploring Insect Reproductive Metabolomes},

author = {Scolari F and Khamis FM and Perez-Staples D},

url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.729440/full},

doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.729440},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-11-08},

journal = {Frontiers in physiology},

volume = {12},

number = {1},

pages = {Frontiers in physiology},

abstract = {Insect seminal fluid, the non-sperm component of the ejaculate, comprises a variegated set of molecules, including, but not limited to, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, salts, hormones, nucleic acids, and vitamins. The identity and functional role of seminal fluid proteins (SFPs) have been widely investigated, in multiple species. However, most of the other small molecules in insect ejaculates remain uncharacterized. Metabolomics is currently adopted to deepen our understanding of complex biological processes and in the last 15years has been applied to answer different physiological questions. Technological advances in high-throughput methods for metabolite identification such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) are now coupled to an expanded bioinformatics toolbox for large-scale data analysis. These improvements allow for the processing of smaller-sized samples and for the identification of hundreds to thousands of metabolites, not only in Drosophila melanogaster but also in disease vectors, animal, and agricultural pests. In this review, we provide an overview of the studies that adopted metabolomics-based approaches in insects, with a particular focus on the reproductive tract (RT) of both sexes and the ejaculate. Progress in the field of metabolomics will contribute not only to achieve a deeper understanding of the composition of insect ejaculates and how they are affected by endogenous and exogenous factors, but also to provide increasingly powerful tools to decipher the identity and molecular interactions between males and females during and after mating.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y__502,

title = {Electrophysiological Responses of the Mediterranean Fruit Fly, Ceratitis capitata, to the Cera Trap® Lure: Exploring Released Antennally-Active Compounds},

author = {Serra NS and Garrido CM and Català AB and Tait G and Merli D and Carlin S and Malacrida AR and Gasperi G and Anfora G and Scolari F},

url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7876458/},

doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2021.624170},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-03-09},

urldate = {2021-03-09},

journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},

volume = {47},

number = {265},

issue = {3},

pages = {279},

abstract = {The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), Ceratitis capitata, is a worldwide pest of agriculture able to use olfactory cues to locate habitat, food sources, mates and oviposition sites. The sensitivity of medfly olfaction has been exploited to develop olfactory-based attractants that are currently important tools for detection, control and eradication of its populations. Among these is Cera Trap® (BIOIBERICA, S.A.U.), a cost-effective bait. Here we used coupled gas chromatography/electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) approaches to characterize the medfly antennally-active compounds released by this lure. We identified GC peaks corresponding to chemicals belonging to six different classes including heterocyclic aromatic compounds, aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes, esters, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and aromatic alcohols. We tested ten potential candidate volatiles belonging to these classes and predicted to be emitted by the lure and found that they were eliciting electroantennographic responses in medfly adults. These results will help in unravelling the physiological mechanisms of odor perception in both sexes, especially in relation to Cera Trap® attractant activity, which in the field has been shown to be female-specific. These findings and their developments will ultimately expand the toolbox for medfly control in the field.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y__501,

title = {Exploring Changes in the Microbiota of Aedes albopictus: Comparison Among Breeding Site Water, Larvae, and Adults. },

author = {Scolari F and Sandionigi A and Carlassara M and Bruno A and Casiraghi M and Bonizzoni M},

url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7876458/},

doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2021.624170},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-03-09},

journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},

volume = {12},

pages = {624170},

abstract = {The mosquito body hosts highly diverse microbes, which influence different physiological traits of both larvae and adults. The composition of adult mosquito microbiota is tightly linked to that of larvae, which are aquatic and feed on organic detritus, algae and prokaryotic microorganisms present in their breeding sites. Unraveling the ecological features of larval habitats that shape the structure of bacterial communities and their interactions with the mosquito host is still a poorly investigated topic in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, a highly invasive species that is vector of numerous arboviruses, including Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In this study, we investigated the composition of the bacterial community present in the water from a natural larval breeding site in which we separately reared wild-collected larvae and hatched eggs of the Foshan reference laboratory strain. Using sequence analysis of bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons, we comparatively analyzed the microbiota of the larvae and that of adult mosquitoes, deriving information about the relative impact of the breeding site water on shaping mosquito microbiota. We observed a higher bacterial diversity in breeding site water than in larvae or adults, irrespective of the origin of the sample. Moreover, larvae displayed a significantly different and most diversified microbial community than newly emerged adults, which appeared to be dominated by Proteobacteria. The microbiota of breeding site water significantly increased its diversity over time, suggesting the presence of a dynamic interaction among bacterial communities, breeding sites and mosquito hosts. The analysis of Wolbachia prevalence in adults from Foshan and five additional strains with different geographic origins confirmed the described pattern of dual wAlbA and wAlbB strain infection. However, differences in Wolbachia prevalence were detected, with one strain from La Reunion Island showing up to 18% uninfected individuals. These findings contribute in further understanding the dynamic interactions between the ecology of larval habitats and the structure of host microbiota, as well as providing additional information relative to the patterns of Wolbachia infection.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Tephritid Fruit Fly Semiochemicals: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives},

author = {Scolari F and Valerio F and Benelli G and Papadopoulos NT and Vaníckova' L.},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/12/5/408},

doi = {10.3390/insects12050408},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-05-17},

journal = {Insects},

volume = {12},

number = {5},

abstract = {The Dipteran family Tephritidae (true fruit flies) comprises more than 5000 species classified in 500 genera distributed worldwide. Tephritidae include devastating agricultural pests and highly invasive species whose spread is currently facilitated by globalization, international trade and human mobility. The ability to identify and exploit a wide range of host plants for oviposition, as well as effective and diversified reproductive strategies, are among the key features supporting tephritid biological success. Intraspecific communication involves the exchange of a complex set of sensory cues that are species- and sex-specific. Chemical signals, which are standing out in tephritid communication, comprise long-distance pheromones emitted by one or both sexes, cuticular hydrocarbons with limited volatility deposited on the surrounding substrate or on the insect body regulating medium- to short-distance communication, and host-marking compounds deposited on the fruit after oviposition. In this review, the current knowledge on tephritid chemical communication was analysed with a special emphasis on fruit fly pest species belonging to the Anastrepha, Bactrocera, Ceratitis, and Rhagoletis genera. The multidisciplinary approaches adopted for characterising tephritid semiochemicals, and the real-world applications and challenges for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and biological control strategies are critically discussed. Future perspectives for targeted research on fruit fly chemical communication are highlighted.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Ybv_27,

title = {Viviparity and habitat restrictions may influence the evolution of male reproductive genes in tsetse fly (Glossina) species},

author = {Savini G and Scolari F and Ometto L and Rota-Stabelli O and Carraretto D and Gomulski LM and Gasperi G and Abd-Alla AMM and Aksoy S and Attardo GM and Malacrida AR},

url = {https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-021-01148-4},

doi = {10.1186/s12915-021-01148-4},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-10-28},

journal = {BMC biology},

volume = {19},

number = {1},

abstract = {Background: Glossina species (tsetse flies), the sole vectors of African trypanosomes, maintained along their long evolutionary history a unique reproductive strategy, adenotrophic viviparity. Viviparity reduces their reproductive rate and, as such, imposes strong selective pressures on males for reproductive success. These species live in sub-Saharan Africa, where the distributions of the main sub-genera Fusca, Morsitans, and Palpalis are restricted to forest, savannah, and riverine habitats, respectively. Here we aim at identifying the evolutionary patterns of the male reproductive genes of six species belonging to these three main sub-genera. We then interpreted the different patterns we found across the species in the light of viviparity and the specific habitat restrictions, which are known to shape reproductive behavior. Results: We used a comparative genomic approach to build consensus evolutionary trees that portray the selective pressure acting on the male reproductive genes in these lineages. Such trees reflect the long and divergent demographic history that led to an allopatric distribution of the Fusca, Morsitans, and Palpalis species groups. A dataset of over 1700 male reproductive genes remained conserved over the long evolutionary time scale (estimated at 26.7 million years) across the genomes of the six species. We suggest that this conservation may result from strong functional selective pressure on the male imposed by viviparity. It is noteworthy that more than half of these conserved genes are novel sequences that are unique to the Glossina genus and are candidates for selection in the different lineages. Conclusions: Tsetse flies represent a model to interpret the evolution and differentiation of male reproductive biology under different, but complementary, perspectives. In the light of viviparity, we must take into account that these genes are constrained by a post-fertilization arena for genomic conflicts created by viviparity and absent in ovipositing species. This constraint implies a continuous antagonistic co-evolution between the parental genomes, thus accelerating inter-population post-zygotic isolation and, ultimately, favoring speciation. Ecological restrictions that affect reproductive behavior may further shape such antagonistic co-evolution.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_424,

title = {Bacterial Symbionts of Tsetse Flies: Relationships and Functional Interactions Between Tsetse Flies and Their Symbionts},

author = {Attardo GM and Scolari F and Malacrida A},

url = {https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007%2F978-3-030-51849-3_19},

doi = {10.1007/978-3-030-51849-3_19},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-01-01},

journal = {Results and problems in cell differentiation},

volume = {69},

pages = {497-536},

abstract = {Tsetse flies (Glossina spp.) act as the sole vectors of the African trypanosome species that cause Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT or African Sleeping Sickness) and Nagana in animals. These flies have undergone a variety of specializations during their evolution including an exclusive diet consisting solely of vertebrate blood for both sexes as well as an obligate viviparous reproductive biology. Alongside these adaptations, Glossina species have developed intricate relationships with specific microbes ranging from mutualistic to parasitic. These relationships provide fundamental support required to sustain the specializations associated with tsetse's biology. This chapter provides an overview on the knowledge to date regarding the biology behind these relationships and focuses primarily on four bacterial species that are consistently associated with Glossina species. Here their interactions with the host are reviewed at the morphological, biochemical and genetic levels. This includes: the obligate symbiont Wigglesworthia, which is found in all tsetse species and is essential for nutritional supplementation to the blood-specific diet, immune system maturation and facilitation of viviparous reproduction; the commensal symbiont Sodalis, which is a frequently associated symbiont optimized for survival within the fly via nutritional adaptation, vertical transmission through mating and may alter vectorial capacity of Glossina for trypanosomes; the parasitic symbiont Wolbachia, which can manipulate Glossina via cytoplasmic incompatibility and shows unique interactions at the genetic level via horizontal transmission of its genetic material into the genome in two Glossina species; finally, knowledge on recently observed relations between Spiroplasma and Glossina is explored and potential interactions are discussed based on knowledge of interactions between this bacterial Genera and other insect species. These flies have a simple microbiome relative to that of other insects. However, these relationships are deep, well-studied and provide a window into the complexity and function of host/symbiont interactions in an important disease vector.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Transcribed sex-specific markers on the Y chromosome of the Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis.},

author = {Carraretto D and Aketarawong N and Di Cosimo A and Manni M and Scolari F and Valerio F and Malacrida AR and Gomulski LM and Gasperi G},

url = {https://bmcgenomdata.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12863-020-00938-z},

doi = {10.1186/s12863-020-00938-z},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-05-18},

journal = {BMC Genetics},

volume = {21},

number = {Suppl. 2},

pages = {125},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Aedes spp. and Their Microbiota: A Review},

author = {Scolari F and Casiraghi M and Bonizzoni M},

url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2019.02036/full},

doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2019.02036},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-05-21},

journal = {Frontiers in microbiology},

volume = {10},

pages = {2036},

abstract = {Aedes spp. are a major public health concern due to their ability to be efficient vectors of dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, and other arboviruses. With limited vaccines available and no effective therapeutic treatments against arboviruses, the control of Aedes spp. populations is currently the only strategy to prevent disease transmission. Host-associated microbes (i.e., microbiota) recently emerged as a promising field to be explored for novel environmentally friendly vector control strategies. In particular, gut microbiota is revealing its impact on multiple aspects of Aedes spp. biology, including vector competence, thus being a promising target for manipulation. Here we describe the technological advances, which are currently expanding our understanding of microbiota composition, abundance, variability, and function in the two main arboviral vectors, the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Aedes spp. microbiota is described in light of its tight connections with the environment, with which mosquitoes interact during their various developmental stages. Unraveling the dynamic interactions among the ecology of the habitat, the mosquito and the microbiota have the potential to uncover novel physiological interdependencies and provide a novel perspective for mosquito control.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Comparative genomic analysis of six Glossina genomes, vectors of African trypanosomes},

author = {Attardo GM and Abd-Alla AMM and Acosta-Serrano A and Allen JE and Bateta R and Benoit JB and Bourtzis K and Caers J and Caljon G and Christensen MB and Farrow DW and Friedrich M and Hua-Van A and Jennings EC and Larkin DM and Lawson D and Lehane MJ and Lenis VP and Lowy-Gallego E and Macharia RW and Malacrida AR and Marco HG and Masiga D and Maslen GL and Matetovici I and Meisel RP and Meki I and Michalkova V and Miller WJ and Minx P and Mireji PO and Ometto L and Parker AG and Rio R and Rose C and Rosendale AJ and Rota-Stabelli O and Savini G and Schoofs L and Scolari F and Swain MT and Takac P and Tomlinson C and Tsiamis G and Van Den Abbeele J and Vigneron A and Wang J and Warren WC and Waterhouse RM and Weirauch MT and Weiss BL and Wilson RK and Zhao X and Aksoy S},

url = {https://genomebiology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13059-019-1768-2},

doi = {10.1186/s13059-019-1768-2},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-05-14},

journal = {Genome biology},

volume = {20},

number = {1},

pages = {187},

abstract = {Background: Tsetse flies (Glossina sp.) are the vectors of human and animal trypanosomiasis throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Tsetse flies are distinguished from other Diptera by unique adaptations, including lactation and the birthing of live young (obligate viviparity), a vertebrate blood-specific diet by both sexes, and obligate bacterial symbiosis. This work describes the comparative analysis of six Glossina genomes representing three sub-genera: Morsitans (G. morsitans morsitans, G. pallidipes, G. austeni), Palpalis (G. palpalis, G. fuscipes), and Fusca (G. brevipalpis) which represent different habitats, host preferences, and vectorial capacity. Results: Genomic analyses validate established evolutionary relationships and sub-genera. Syntenic analysis of Glossina relative to Drosophila melanogaster shows reduced structural conservation across the sex-linked X chromosome. Sex-linked scaffolds show increased rates of female-specific gene expression and lower evolutionary rates relative to autosome associated genes. Tsetse-specific genes are enriched in protease, odorant-binding, and helicase activities. Lactation-associated genes are conserved across all Glossina species while male seminal proteins are rapidly evolving. Olfactory and gustatory genes are reduced across the genus relative to other insects. Vision-associated Rhodopsin genes show conservation of motion detection/tracking functions and variance in the Rhodopsin detecting colors in the blue wavelength ranges. Conclusions: Expanded genomic discoveries reveal the genetics underlying Glossina biology and provide a rich body of knowledge for basic science and disease control. They also provide insight into the evolutionary biology underlying novel adaptations and are relevant to applied aspects of vector control such as trap design and discovery of novel pest and disease control strategies.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Insights Into an Unexplored Component of the Mosquito Repeatome: Distribution and Variability of Viral Sequences Integrated Into the Genome of the Arboviral Vector Aedes albopictus},

author = {Pischedda E and Scolari F and Valerio F and Carballar-Lejarazu R and Catapano PL and Waterhouse RM and Bonizzoni M. },

url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2019.00093/full},

doi = {10.3389/fgene.2019.00093},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-05-14},

urldate = {2019-05-14},

journal = {Frontiers in genetics},

volume = {10},

pages = {93},

abstract = {The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito and a competent vector for public-health relevant arboviruses such as Chikungunya (Alphavirus), Dengue and Zika (Flavivirus) viruses. Unexpectedly, the sequencing of the genome of this mosquito revealed an unusually high number of integrated sequences with similarities to non-retroviral RNA viruses of the Flavivirus and Rhabdovirus genera. These Non-retroviral Integrated RNA Virus Sequences (NIRVS) are enriched in piRNA clusters and coding sequences and have been proposed to constitute novel mosquito immune factors. However, given the abundance of NIRVS and their variable viral origin, their relative biological roles remain unexplored. Here we used an analytical approach that intersects computational, evolutionary and molecular methods to study the genomic landscape of mosquito NIRVS. We demonstrate that NIRVS are differentially distributed across mosquito genomes, with a core set of seemingly the oldest integrations with similarity to Rhabdoviruses. Additionally, we compare the polymorphisms of NIRVS with respect to that of fast and slow-evolving genes within the Ae. albopictus genome. Overall, NIRVS appear to be less polymorphic than slow-evolving genes, with differences depending on whether they occur in intergenic regions or in piRNA clusters. Finally, two NIRVS that map within the coding sequences of genes annotated as Rhabdovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the nucleocapsid-encoding gene, respectively, are highly polymorphic and are expressed, suggesting exaptation possibly to enhance the mosquito's antiviral responses. These results greatly advance our understanding of the complexity of the mosquito repeatome and the biology of viral integrations in mosquito genomes.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Maleness-on-the-Y ( MoY) orchestrates male sex determination in major agricultural fruit fly pests},

author = {Meccariello A and Salvemini M and Primo P and Hall B and Koskinioti P and Dalíková M and Gravina A and Gucciardino MA and Forlenza F and Gregoriou ME and Ippolito D and Monti SM and Petrella V and Perrotta MM and Schmeing S and Ruggiero A and Scolari F and Giordano E and Tsoumani KT and Marec F and Windbichler N and Arunkumar KP and Bourtzis K and Mathiopoulos KD and Ragoussis J and Vitagliano L and Tu Z and Papathanos PA and Robinson MD and Saccone G},

url = {https://science.sciencemag.org/content/365/6460/1457.long},

doi = {10.1126/science.aax1318},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-05-14},

journal = {Science},

volume = {365},

number = {6460},

pages = {1457-1460},

abstract = {n insects, rapidly evolving primary sex-determining signals are transduced by a conserved regulatory module controlling sexual differentiation. In the agricultural pest Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly, or Medfly), we identified a Y-linked gene, Maleness-on-the-Y (MoY), encoding a small protein that is necessary and sufficient for male development. Silencing or disruption of MoY in XY embryos causes feminization, whereas overexpression of MoY in XX embryos induces masculinization. Crosses between transformed XY females and XX males give rise to males and females, indicating that a Y chromosome can be transmitted by XY females. MoY is Y-linked and functionally conserved in other species of the Tephritidae family, highlighting its potential to serve as a tool for developing more effective control strategies against these major agricultural insect pests.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Structural and biochemical evaluation of Ceratitis capitata odorant-binding protein 22 affinity for odorants involved in intersex communication},

author = {Falchetto M and Ciossani G and Scolari F and {Di Cosimo A} and Nenci S and Field LM and Mattevi A and Zhou JJ and Gasperi G and Forneris F},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/imb.12559},

doi = {10.1111/imb.12559},

year  = {2019},

date = {2019-05-14},

journal = {Insect molecular biology},

volume = {28},

number = {3},

pages = {431-443},

abstract = {In insects, odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) connect the peripheral sensory system to receptors of olfactory organs. Medfly Ceratitis capitata CcapObp22 shows 37% identity and close phylogenetic affinities with Drosophila melanogaster OBP69a/pheromone-binding protein related protein 1. The CcapObp22 gene is transcribed in the antennae and maxillary palps, suggesting an active role in olfaction. Here, we recombinantly produced CcapObp22, obtaining a 13.5 kDa protein capable of binding multiple strongly hydrophobic terpene compounds, including medfly male pheromone components. The highest binding affinity [half maximal effective concentration (EC50) = 0.48 µM] was to (E,E)-α-farnesene, one of the most abundant compounds in the male pheromone blend. This odorant was used in cocrystallization experiments, yielding the structure of CcapOBP22. The monomeric structure shows the typical OBP folding, constituted by six α-helical elements interconnected by three disulphide bridges. A C-terminal seventh α-helix constitutes the wall of a deep, L-shaped hydrophobic cavity. Analysis of the electron density in this cavity suggested trapping of farnesene in the crystal structure, although with partial occupancy. Superposition of the CcapOBP22 structure with related seven-helical OBPs highlights striking similarity in the organization of the C-terminal segment of these proteins. Collectively, our molecular and physiological data on medfly CcapOBP22 suggest its involvement in intersex olfactory communication.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Larval Diet Affects Male Pheromone Blend in a Laboratory Strain of the Medfly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)},

author = {Merli D and Mannucci B and Bassetti F and Corana F and Falchetto M and Malacrida AR and Gasperi G and Scolari F},

url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10886-018-0939-z},

doi = {10.1007/s10886-018-0939-z},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-05-14},

journal = {Journal of chemical ecology},

volume = {44},

number = {4},

pages = {339-353},

abstract = {The Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly) Ceratitis capitata is a polyphagous pest of fruits and crops with a worldwide distribution. Its ability to use different larval hosts may have multiple effects, including impacts on adult reproductive biology. The male sex pheromone, which plays a key role in attracting both other males to lekking arenas and females for mating, is a mixture of chemical compounds including esters, acids, alkanes and terpenes known to differ between laboratory strains and wild-type populations. The relationship between larval diet and adult pheromone composition remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the effect of larval diet, including laboratory media and fresh fruits, on the composition of the male pheromone mixture. Using Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction we collected the pheromone emitted by males reared as larvae on different substrates and found both qualitative and quantitative differences. A number of alkanes appeared to be typical of the pheromone of males reared on wheat bran-based larval medium, and these may be cuticular hydrocarbons involved in chemical communication. We also detected differences in pheromone composition related to adult male age, suggesting that variations in hormonal levels and/or adult diet could also play a role in determining the chemical profile emitted. Our findings highlight the plasticity of dietary responses of C. capitata, which may be important in determining the interactions of this pest with the environment and with conspecifics. These results also have applied relevance to increase the mating competitiveness of mass-reared C. capitata used in Sterile Insect Technique programs.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {Symbiotic microbes affect the expression of male reproductive genes in Glossina m. morsitans},

author = {Scolari F and Attardo GM and Aksoy E and Savini G and Abd-Alla A and Aksoy S and Malacrida AR},

url = {https://bmcmicrobiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12866-018-1289-2},

doi = {10.1186/s12866-018-1289-2},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-05-14},

journal = {BMC microbiology},

volume = {18},

number = {Suppl 1},

pages = {169},

abstract = {Background: Tsetse flies (Diptera, Glossinidae) display unique reproductive biology traits. Females reproduce through adenotrophic viviparity, nourishing the growing larva into their modified uterus until parturition. Males transfer their sperm and seminal fluid, produced by both testes and male accessory glands, in a spermatophore capsule transiently formed within the female reproductive tract upon mating. Both sexes are obligate blood feeders and have evolved tight relationships with endosymbionts, already shown to provide essential nutrients lacking in their diet. However, the partnership between tsetse and its symbionts has so far been investigated, at the molecular, genomic and metabolomics level, only in females, whereas the roles of microbiota in male reproduction are still unexplored. Results: Here we begin unravelling the impact of microbiota on Glossina m. morsitans (G. morsitans) male reproductive biology by generating transcriptomes from the reproductive tissues of males deprived of their endosymbionts (aposymbiotic) via maternal antibiotic treatment and dietary supplementation. We then compared the transcriptional profiles of genes expressed in the male reproductive tract of normal and these aposymbiotic flies. We showed that microbiota removal impacts several male reproductive genes by depressing the activity of genes in the male accessory glands (MAGs), including sequences encoding seminal fluid proteins, and increasing expression of genes in the testes. In the MAGs, in particular, the expression of genes related to mating, immunity and seminal fluid components' synthesis is reduced. In the testes, the absence of symbionts activates genes involved in the metabolic apparatus at the basis of male reproduction, including sperm production, motility and function. Conclusions: Our findings mirrored the complementary roles male accessory glands and testes play in supporting male reproduction and open new avenues for disentangling the interplay between male insects and endosymbionts. From an applied perspective, unravelling the metabolic and functional relationships between tsetse symbionts and male reproductive physiology will provide fundamental information useful to understanding the biology underlying improved male reproductive success in tsetse. This information is of particular importance in the context of tsetse population control via Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and its impact on trypanosomiasis transmission.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Yb,

title = {The Nix locus on the male-specific homologue of chromosome 1 in Aedes albopictus is a strong candidate for a male-determining factor},

author = {Gomulski LM and Mariconti M and {Di Cosimo A} and Scolari F and Manni M and Savini G and Malacrida AR and Gasperi G.},

url = {https://parasitesandvectors.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13071-018-3215-8},

doi = {10.1186/s13071-018-3215-8},

year  = {2018},

date = {2018-05-14},

journal = {Parasites & vectors},

volume = {11},

number = {(Suppl 2)},

pages = {647},

abstract = {Background: Global concern over the rapid expansion of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, and its vector competence has highlighted an urgent need to improve currently available population control methods, like the Sterile Insect Technique. Knowledge of the sex determination cascade is a prerequisite for the development of early-stage sexing systems. To this end, we have characterised the putative sex determination gene, Nix, in this species. In Aedes species the chromosome complement consists of three pairs of chromosomes. The sex determination alleles are linked to the smallest homomorphic chromosome. Results: We identified the male-specific chromosome 1 of Ae. albopictus that carries the putative male-determining gene Nix. We have also characterised the complete genomic sequence of the Nix gene which is composed of two exons and a short intron. The gene displays different levels of intron retention during development. Comparison of DNA sequences covering most of the Nix gene from individuals across the species range revealed no polymorphism. Conclusions: Our characterisation of the Nix gene in Ae. albopictus represents an initial step in the analysis of the sex determination cascade in this species. We found evidence of intron retention (IR) in Nix. IR might play a role in regulating the expression of Nix during development. Our results provide the basis for the development of new genetic control strategies.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{%a1:%Y_213,

title = {Genetic evidence for a worldwide chaotic dispersion pattern of the arbovirus vector, Aedes albopictus.},

author = {Manni M and Guglielmino CR and Scolari F and Vega-Rúa A and Failloux AB and Somboon P and Lisa A and Savini G and Bonizzoni M and Gomulski LM and Malacrida AR and Gasperi G},

url = {http://journals.plos.org/plosntds/article?id=10.1371/journal.pntd.0005332},

doi = {dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0005332},

year  = {2017},

date = {2017-01-30},

journal = {PLoS neglected tropical diseases},

volume = {11},

number = {1},

pages = {e0005332},

abstract = {BACKGROUND: Invasive species represent a global concern for their rapid spread and the possibility of infectious disease transmission. This is the case of the global invader Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito. This species is a vector of medically important arboviruses, notably chikungunya (CHIKV), dengue (DENV) and Zika (ZIKV). The reconstruction of the complex colonization pattern of this mosquito has great potential for mitigating its spread and, consequently, disease risks.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Classical population genetics analyses and Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) approaches were combined to disentangle the demographic history of Aedes albopictus populations from representative countries in the Southeast Asian native range and in the recent and more recently colonized areas. In Southeast Asia, the low differentiation and the high co-ancestry values identified among China, Thailand and Japan indicate that, in the native range, these populations maintain high genetic connectivity, revealing their ancestral common origin. China appears to be the oldest population. Outside Southeast Asia, the invasion process in La Réunion, America and the Mediterranean Basin is primarily supported by a chaotic propagule distribution, which cooperates in maintaining a relatively high genetic diversity within the adventive populations. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:

From our data, it appears that independent and also trans-continental introductions of Ae. albopictus may have facilitated the rapid establishment of adventive populations through admixture of unrelated genomes. As a consequence, a great amount of intra-population variability has been detected, and it is likely that this variability may extend to the genetic mechanisms controlling vector competence. Thus, in the context of the invasion process of this mosquito, it is possible that both population ancestry and admixture contribute to create the conditions for the efficient transmission of arboviruses and for outbreak establishment.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}