Abstract:
Insects\' growth and development are highly dependent on energy supply, with sugar metabolism playing a pivotal role in maintaining homeostasis and regulating physiological processes. The present study investigated the effects of exendin-4, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist, on the growth, development, glycolysis, and energy metabolism of fourth-instar larvae of the fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea. We determined the impact of exendin-4 on larval growth and nutritional indices, analyzed the responses of glycolytic and metabolic pathways, and revealed the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Exendin-4 treatment significantly decreased growth and nutritional indices, influenced the activity of digestive enzymes, and induced changes in metabolite profiles, particularly affecting energy substance metabolism. We observed an increase in the glycogen content and a decrease in glucose and trehalose levels in the hemolymph, suggesting a regulatory effect on blood sugar homeostasis. Furthermore, exendin-4 promoted glycolysis by enhancing the activities and expressions of key glycolytic enzymes, leading to an increase in pyruvate production. This was accompanied by a reduction in ATP levels and the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which may underlie the growth arrest in larvae. Our findings provide novel insights into the effects of exendin-4 on insect responses from an energy metabolism perspective and may contribute to the development of GLP-1R agonists for pest management.
摘要:
昆虫的生长和发育高度依赖能源供应,糖代谢在维持体内平衡和调节生理过程中起着关键作用。本研究调查了胰高血糖素样肽-1受体(GLP-1R)激动剂exendin-4的作用,关于增长,发展,糖酵解,和秋季网虫四龄幼虫的能量代谢,美国白蛾。我们确定了exendin-4对幼虫生长和营养指数的影响,分析了糖酵解和代谢途径的反应,并揭示了潜在的监管机制。Exendin-4治疗显着降低生长和营养指数,影响消化酶的活性,并诱导代谢物谱的变化,特别是影响能量物质代谢。我们观察到血淋巴中糖原含量增加,葡萄糖和海藻糖水平降低,提示对血糖稳态的调节作用。此外,exendin-4通过增强关键糖酵解酶的活性和表达促进糖酵解,导致丙酮酸盐产量增加。这伴随着ATP水平的降低和AMP激活的蛋白激酶(AMPK)的激活,这可能是幼虫生长停滞的基础。我们的发现从能量代谢的角度为exendin-4对昆虫反应的影响提供了新的见解,并可能有助于开发用于害虫管理的GLP-1R激动剂。