Capturing structural changes of the S-1 to S-2 transition of photosystem II using time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography

Photosystem II (PSII) catalyzes light-induced water oxidation through an S-i-state cycle, leading to the generation of di-oxygen, protons and electrons. Pumpprobe time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) has been used to capture structural dynamics of light-sensitive proteins. In this approach, it is crucial to avoid light contamination in the samples when analyzing a particular reaction intermediate. Here, a method for determining a condition that avoids light contamination of the PSII microcrystals while minimizing sample consumption in TR-SFX is described. By swapping the pump and probe pulses with a very short delay between them, the structural changes that occur during the S-1-to-S-2 transition were examined and a boundary of the excitation region was accurately determined. With the sample flow rate and concomitant illumination conditions determined, the S-2-state structure of PSII could be analyzed at room temperature, revealing the structural changes that occur during the S-1-to-S-2 transition at ambient temperature. Though the structure of the manganese cluster was similar to previous studies, the behaviors of the water molecules in the two channels (O1 and O4 channels) were found to be different. By comparing with the previous studies performed at low temperature or with a different delay time, the possible channels for water inlet and structural changes important for the water-splitting reaction were revealed

Oxygen-evolving photosystem II structures during S1–S2–S3 transitions

Photosystem II (PSII) catalyses the oxidation of water through a four-step cycle of Si states (i = 0–4) at the Mn4CaO5 cluster1,2,3, during which an extra oxygen (O6) is incorporated at the S3 state to form a possible dioxygen4,5,6,7. Structural changes of the metal cluster and its environment during the S-state transitions have been studied on the microsecond timescale. Here we use pump-probe serial femtosecond crystallography to reveal the structural dynamics of PSII from nanoseconds to milliseconds after illumination with one flash (1F) or two flashes (2F). YZ, a tyrosine residue that connects the reaction centre P680 and the Mn4CaO5 cluster, showed structural changes on a nanosecond timescale, as did its surrounding amino acid residues and water molecules, reflecting the fast transfer of electrons and protons after flash illumination. Notably, one water molecule emerged in the vicinity of Glu189 of the D1 subunit of PSII (D1-E189), and was bound to the Ca2+ ion on a sub-microsecond timescale after 2F illumination. This water molecule disappeared later with the concomitant increase of O6, suggesting that it is the origin of O6. We also observed concerted movements of water molecules in the O1, O4 and Cl-1 channels and their surrounding amino acid residues to complete the sequence of electron transfer, proton release and substrate water delivery. These results provide crucial insights into the structural dynamics of PSII during S-state transitions as well as O–O bond formation

Naarda dentata Toth & Ronkay 2014

Naarda dentata Tóth & Ronkay, 2014 Distribution: Nepal, India, China (Zhejiang), Taiwan (Fu et al. 2021). Material examined. 1♂, Taiwan, Ilan County, Mingchi, Tianwan 1050 m, 29. VIII. 2012, leg. S. Wu, slide TFRI148659 (TFRI).Published as part of Wu, Shipher & Owada, Mamoru, 2022, Further notes on the genu Naarda Walker, 1866 of Taiwan with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypeninae), pp. 591-596 in Zootaxa 5138 (5) on page 593, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.5.7, http://zenodo.org/record/657195

Herminia borneo Owada & Wu 2019, sp. nov.

Herminia borneo sp. nov. (Figs 20, 44) Polypogon decipiens: Holloway, 2008: 130–131, part, figs 304, 312, pl. 6, fig. 14, nec Hampson, 1898 Type material. Holotype ♀, Borneo, Sabah, Mts. Crocker, 16 miles NW of Keningau, 1,400 m, 4. IX. 1982, NSMT3083 ♀, S. Nagai leg., in NSMT. Paratypes. Borneo, Saba, Mt. Kinabalu, Park H. Q., 1,560 m, 1♀, 8–18. XI. 1979, NSMT3121 ♀, T. Hasegawa leg., in NSMT; same locality, 1,620 m, 1♂, VII–IX. 1965, Cambridge Expedition to Mt. Kinabalu, 1965, H. J. Banks, H. S. Barlow & J. D. Holloway leg., in NHMUK; Borneo, Sarawak, Gunong Mulu Nat. Park, Site 3, Camp 4, montane forest, 1,780 m, 453463, 1♀, I. 1978, R.G.S. Expedition, 1977-8, J. D. Holloway et al. leg., in NHMUK. Dr J. D. Holloway kindly informed us detailed collection data of the Bornean pair, which were recorded in “Moths of Borneo”, and their genitalia were illustrated by Holloway (2008, figs 304♀, 312♂). Diagnosis and notes. In Moths of Borneo, Holloway (2008) described the wing maculation of “ Polypogon decipiens ” based on the holotype of H. decipiens from Khasi Hills, India, because Bornean specimens were too worn. He also described the male labial palpus, but did not state on which specimens from Borneo or Khasi Hills was based. The description of the male genitalia in the present study is based on the illustrations and descriptions by Holloway (2008), and it is obvious that the large coecum penis of Bornean male is similar to that of Himalayan H. yuksam, and different from smaller coecums of H. decipiens, H. terminalis and H. amamioshima. In the female genitalia, the papillae anales and 8th segment are slenderer than the other species of the H. decipiens complex, and the joint part of ductus and cervix bursae is different from those of the others. Description. Female (Fig. 20). Expanse 27 mm, length of forewing 14 mm. Male genitalia (Holloway, 2008, p. 131, fig. 312). Uncus long, slender. Valva of Herminia type with slender, straight costal process, though this is very long, tapering acute, extending just beyond the valve apex. Coecum penis large. Aedeagus vesica (not everted) with a few large cornuti basally, more general finer scobination distally. Female genitalia (Fig. 44; see also Holloway, 2008, fig, 304). Papillae anales and 8th segment somewhat slender. Ductus bursae rather straight, ostium moderate, more delated anteriorly, sclerotized portion largest at junction of ductus and cervix bursae. Corpus bursae as in the others. Distribution. Borneo. Etymology. Named after the type locality, noun in apposition.Published as part of Owada, Mamoru & Wu, Shipher, 2019, Study on moths of the Herminia decipiens complex (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Herminiinae) with descriptions of three new species, pp. 579-590 in Zootaxa 4652 (3) on pages 588-589, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.13, http://zenodo.org/record/336496

Naarda picata Toth & Ronkay 2015

Naarda picata Tóth & Ronkay, 2015 Distribution: Taiwan (Tóth & Ronkay 2015b).Published as part of Wu, Shipher & Owada, Mamoru, 2022, Further notes on the genu Naarda Walker, 1866 of Taiwan with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypeninae), pp. 591-596 in Zootaxa 5138 (5) on page 593, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.5.7, http://zenodo.org/record/657195

Study on moths of the Herminia decipiens complex (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Herminiinae) with descriptions of three new species

Owada, Mamoru, Wu, Shipher (2019): Study on moths of the Herminia decipiens complex (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Herminiinae) with descriptions of three new species. Zootaxa 4652 (3): 579-590, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.1

Naarda postpallida de Joannis 1929

Naarda postpallida de Joannis, 1929 Naarda postpallida de Joannis, 1929, Annales de la Société Entomologique de France 98: 410. Distribution: Vietnam, Taiwan (Hualien), N. China (Shandong Prov., Tai-Shan) (Tóth 2019). Notes. This species was described by de Joannis (1929) on the basis of a single female specimen from Cho Ganh (Vietnam). Tóth (2019) evaluated the relationship between this taxon and N. pectinata Sugi, 1982, synonymized these two and recorded Taiwan and N. China as the newly recorded locality of N. postpallida. In the same article, the author stated “The [examined] female specimens showed no difference from the holotype of N. postpallida in external appearance and the [examined] males cannot be distinguished from the type material of N. pectinata neither by external, nor by genital characters (p. 438)”, however, the illustrated male paratype genitalia of N. pectinata in Sugi (1982: pl. 379: 7) differ from that of Tóth’s illustrated Vietnamese and Taiwanese specimens by asymmetrical costal process of valva with right one rod-like with parallel lateral margins and left one broader than left one rather than symmetrical, tapering toward apex. Besides, Sugi (1982) described N. pectinata on the basis of 5 male specimens, one additional male specimen is illustrated in Kishida (2011, 2020) and so far no female specimen of this taxon is available for comparing with Tóth’s (2019) females from Vietnam, Taiwan and N. China. According to the mentioned information, we revive N. pectinata Sugi, 1982 (stat. rev.) in the present study.Published as part of Wu, Shipher & Owada, Mamoru, 2022, Further notes on the genu Naarda Walker, 1866 of Taiwan with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypeninae), pp. 591-596 in Zootaxa 5138 (5) on page 592, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.5.7, http://zenodo.org/record/657195

Naarda cinerea Toth & Ronkay 2014

Naarda cinerea Tóth & Ronkay, 2014 Distribution: Taiwan. Material examined: 1♂ 1♀, Taiwan, Hualien County, Luosao, 6. VI. 2013, leg. S. Wu & W. C. Chang, slide TFRI174309 ♂ & 164759 ♀ (TFRI); 1♀, Taiwan, Ilan County, Tianwan, 19. III. 2013, leg. S. Wu (TFRI); 1♂, Taiwan, Nantou County, Meifeng, 29. VI. 2012, leg. S. Wu, slide TFRI174251 (TFRI); 1♀, Taiwan, Chiayi County, Shanmeii, 11. II. 2011, S. Wu & W. C. Chang, slide TFRI141094 (TFRI); 1♀, Hsinchu County, Jianshi, 8. VI. 2018. leg. S. Wu (TFRI). Notes. This species represents the widely distributed species along elevational gradient from 800 to 2,100 m in Taiwan.Published as part of Wu, Shipher & Owada, Mamoru, 2022, Further notes on the genu Naarda Walker, 1866 of Taiwan with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypeninae), pp. 591-596 in Zootaxa 5138 (5) on page 592, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.5.7, http://zenodo.org/record/657195

Naarda blepharota

Naarda blepharota (Strand, 1920) Rhynchina blepharota Strand, 1920, Archiv Naturg. 84 A (12): 167-168 (a male [holotype], Suisharyo, X. 1911). Naarda blepharita [sic]: Poole, 1989: 674, misspelling. Naarda blepharota: Wang, 2001: 56, figs (male holotype, upper and under sides); Tóth & Ronkay, 2014a: 33-34, figs 36 (female genitalia), 80 (female); Tóth & Ronkay, 2015a: 19, fig. 7 (male genitalia). Distribution: Taiwan (Chiayi, Kaohsiung). Notes. This species was described by Strand (1920) on the basis of a single male specimen from Suisharyo [Shuisheliao, Chiayi, Taiwan]. Wang (1994) illustrated a female under the name of “ Naarda blepharota ”, but doubtlessly it is a different species. Wang (2001) illustrated the holotype of this species preserved in DEIM. In the revision of Naarda, Tóth & Ronkay (2014a) described the female of N. blepharota without giving details about how to determine the conspecific status but they did not show any evidence of the identification of this species, they also examined one HNHM female “with data same as holotype, not dissected”, this case is peculiar since to our best knowledge there is no other specimen of Strand’s Taiwanese species deposited outside DEIM and as the mention above Strand described this species through a single male specimen. In addition, Tóth & Ronkay (2015a) illustrated the male genitalia of N. blepharota without any specimen data except for the genitalia slide number (RL 10745m). Further, one of the reviewers, Dr. László Ronkay, kindly re-confirmed that the genitalia with slide number (RL 10745m) illustrated in Tóth & Ronkay (2015a: fig. 7) is actually that of the holotype, “ Rhynchina blepharota m., Strand det, Formosa, Suisharyo, X.11, H. Sauter”, deposited in DEIM.Published as part of Wu, Shipher & Owada, Mamoru, 2022, Further notes on the genu Naarda Walker, 1866 of Taiwan with description of a new species (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Hypeninae), pp. 591-596 in Zootaxa 5138 (5) on page 591, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5138.5.7, http://zenodo.org/record/657195

Herminia decipiens in Nilgiri Hills, Khasi Hills

Herminia decipiens species complex Taxonomic notes. Holloway (2008) synonymized Nodaria terminalis Wileman, 1915 (type locality: Taiwan) with Mixomelia decipiens Hampson, 1898 (type locality: Khasi Hills, India) and recorded the geographical range of this species as Himalaya, Taiwan, northern Ryukyus, Borneo, and also gave his view that “the synonymy above may need to be reviewed when variability in the basal ornamentation of the aedeagus vesica can be assessed over a wider range of material.” Though examining abundant material from different collecting localities, we have the opportunity to review the Herminia decipiens complex. Our study shows that H. terminalis is distinct from H. decipiens and is restricted to Taiwan. The true H. decipiens is distributed in Nilgiri Hills, Khasi Hills, South China, Indochina, Malay Peninsula. The populations occurring in other regions represent three new species, i.e. H. yuksam sp. nov. (East Nepal, Sikkim), H. borneo sp. nov. (endemic to Borneo), H. amamioshima sp. nov. (Amami-oshima Island, Shimo-Koshikijima Island and Kagoshima in South Kyushu). Diagnosis. The Herminia decipiens species complex can be separated from other Herminia species by the less distinct wing fasciae, the more and less dark shade at posterior half part of forewing, the markedly large hairy tibial sheath and minute tarsus of male foreleg (Owada 1987: fig. 206), and the rather long valval costal process and apical part of valve. Distribution. The Himalayan region, South India, South China, Indochina, Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Taiwan, Japan (Amami-oshima Is., Shimo-Koshikijima Is. and South Kyushu).Published as part of Owada, Mamoru & Wu, Shipher, 2019, Study on moths of the Herminia decipiens complex (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Herminiinae) with descriptions of three new species, pp. 579-590 in Zootaxa 4652 (3) on page 580, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4652.3.13, http://zenodo.org/record/336496