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Zhang Q, Dou W, He LQ, Yu SS, Chen JQ, Zheng LY, Wang L, Smagghe G, Wang JJ. Pannier is a key regulator of embryogenesis, pupal development and female reproduction in the insect pest Bactrocera dorsalis. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2023; 79:1352-1361. [PMID: 36427005 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most arthropods are famous for their large reproductive capacity, with the ovary playing a vital role in the process. The study of the regulatory mechanisms of ovarian development may have the potential for a reproduction-based pest management strategy. GATA-binding transcription factors (GATAs) as important regulatory factors mediate many physiological processes, including development, immunity, insecticide resistance and reproduction. The Pannier (pnr), a member of GATA family, was confirmed to be involved in ovarian development of Bactrocera dorsalis in our previous study. However, the direct evidence of pnr regulating the fly ovarian development is still lacking. RESULTS We used CRISPR/Cas9 to create Bdpnr loss-of-function mutations. Homozygous Bdpnr-/- mutants were nonviable, with most individuals dying during embryogenesis, some surviving to the larval stages, and the remaining few dying during pupation. In contrast, heterozygous individuals reached the adult stage, but ovarian development was disrupted, with concomitant decreases in egg laying and hatching rates. We also found that two genes encoding vitellogenin proteins (BdVg1 and BdVg2) and the vitellogenin receptor (BdVgR) were significantly down-regulated in heterozygous mutants compared to wild-type controls. CONCLUSION These results indicate that Bdpnr is required for embryonic and post-embryonic development, including the formation of ovaries. Bdpnr could therefore be considered as a molecular target for tephritid fly pest control. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Dou
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li-Qiang He
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shan-Shan Yu
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Qing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li-Yuan Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jin-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Entomology and Pest Control Engineering, College of Plant Protection, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- International China-Belgium Joint Laboratory on Sustainable Crop Pest Control, Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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Adegoke A, Ribeiro JMC, Brown S, Smith RC, Karim S. Rickettsia parkeri hijacks tick hemocytes to manipulate cellular and humoral transcriptional responses. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1094326. [PMID: 36845157 PMCID: PMC9950277 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1094326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Blood-feeding arthropods rely on robust cellular and humoral immunity to control pathogen invasion and replication. Tick hemocytes produce factors that can facilitate or suppress microbial infection and pathogenesis. Despite the importance of hemocytes in regulating microbial infection, understanding of their basic biology and molecular mechanisms remains limited. Methods Here we combined histomorphology and functional analysis to identify five distinct phagocytic and non-phagocytic hemocyte populations circulating within the Gulf Coast tick Amblyomma maculatum. Results and discussion Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes using clodronate liposomes revealed their function in eliminating bacterial infection. We provide the first direct evidence that an intracellular tick-borne pathogen, Rickettsia parkeri, infects phagocytic hemocytes in Am. maculatum to modify tick cellular immune responses. A hemocyte-specific RNA-seq dataset generated from hemocytes isolated from uninfected and R. parkeri-infected partially blood-fed ticks generated ~40,000 differentially regulated transcripts, >11,000 of which were immune genes. Silencing two differentially regulated phagocytic immune marker genes (nimrod B2 and eater-two Drosophila homologs), significantly reduced hemocyte phagocytosis. Conclusion Together, these findings represent a significant step forward in understanding how hemocytes regulate microbial homeostasis and vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsalam Adegoke
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Jose M. C. Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Sidney Brown
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
| | - Ryan C. Smith
- Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Shahid Karim
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States
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Behri M, Teshima H, Kutsuwada K, Nakatake S, Ogihara MH, Taylor D. Production of the yolk protein precursor vitellogenin is mediated by target of rapamycin (TOR) in the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Argasidae). INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 29:1299-1308. [PMID: 35254737 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Initiation of vitellogenesis by blood feeding is essential for egg maturation in ticks. Nutrients derived from the blood meal are utilized by female ticks to synthesize the yolk protein precursor vitellogenin (Vg). Engorged Ornithodoros moubata ticks can synthesize Vg whether mated or virgin, thus O. moubata is an excellent model for studying the relative roles of blood feeding and mating in tick vitellogenesis. Injection of rapamycin into engorged O. moubata resulted in a reduction of ovarian growth and yolk accumulation in the oocytes of mated females. OmVg expression in the midgut and fat body and protein concentrations in the hemolymph significantly decreased in mated ticks after injection with rapamycin, indicating that inhibition of the nutrient-sensing target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway disrupts egg maturation at the levels of Vg expression and synthesis. These results suggest that the TOR-signaling pathway induces vitellogenesis in response to nutritional stimulation after a blood meal in O. moubata and is functionally independent of the mating-induced pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meryem Behri
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Haruki Teshima
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Keisuke Kutsuwada
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shoko Nakatake
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Mari H Ogihara
- Animal Breeding and Reproduction Research Division, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - DeMar Taylor
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Kuniyori M, Sato N, Yokoyama N, Kawazu SI, Xuan X, Suzuki H, Fujisaki K, Umemiya-Shirafuji R. Vitellogenin-2 Accumulation in the Fat Body and Hemolymph of Babesia-Infected Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:908142. [PMID: 35800383 PMCID: PMC9253295 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.908142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Babesia spp. invades into tick oocytes and remains in the offspring. The transovarial transmission phenomenon of Babesia in ticks has been demonstrated experimentally, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Babesia invasion into oocytes occurs along with the progression of oogenesis. In the present study, to find the key tick factor(s) for Babesia transmission, we focused on molecules involved in yolk protein precursor (vitellogenin, Vg) synthesis and Vg uptake, which are crucial events in tick oogenesis. With a Haemaphysalis longicornis tick–Babesia ovata experimental model, the expression profiles of Akt, target of rapamycin, S6K, GATA, and Vg, Vg synthesis-related genes, and Vg receptor (VgR) and autophagy-related gene 6 (ATG6), Vg uptake-related genes, were analyzed using real-time PCR using tissues collected during the preovipositional period in Babesia-infected ticks. The expression levels of H. longicornis Vg-2 (HlVg-2) and HlVg-3 decreased in the fat body of Babesia-infected ticks 1 day after engorgement. In the ovary, HlVg-2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in Babesia-infected ticks than in uninfected ticks 1 and 2 days after engorgement and decreased 3 days after engorgement. HlVgR expression was significantly lower in Babesia-infected ticks than in uninfected ticks 2 and 4 days after engorgement. HlATG6 had a lower gene expression in Babesia-infected ticks compared to uninfected ticks 2 days after engorgement. Additionally, western blot analysis using protein extracts from each collected tissue revealed that H. longicornis Vg-2 (HlVg-2) accumulate in the fat body and hemolymph of Babesia-infected ticks. These results suggest that Vg uptake from the hemolymph to the ovary was suppressed in the presence of B. ovata. Moreover, HlVg-2 knockdown ticks had a lower detection rate of B. ovata DNA in the ovary and a significant reduction of B. ovata DNA in the hemolymph compared with control ticks. Taken together, our results suggest that accumulated HlVg-2 is associated with Babesia infection or transmission in the tick body. These findings, besides previous reports on VgR, provide important information to elucidate the transovarial transmission mechanisms of pathogens in tick vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maki Kuniyori
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Nariko Sato
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Naoaki Yokoyama
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Shin-ichiro Kawazu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Japan
- *Correspondence: Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji,
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Zheng W, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Chen S, Okado K, Adjou Moumouni PF, Suzuki H, Yang S, Liu M, Xuan X. Identification of Haemaphysalis longicornis Genes Differentially Expressed in Response to Babesia microti Infection. Pathogens 2020; 9:E378. [PMID: 32423088 PMCID: PMC7281432 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9050378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Haemaphysalis longicornis is a tick and a vector of various pathogens, including the human pathogenetic Babesia microti. The objective of this study was to identify female H. longicornis genes differentially expressed in response to infection with B. microti Gray strain by using a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) procedure. A total of 302 randomly selected clones were sequenced and analyzed in the forward subtracted SSH cDNA library related to Babesia infection, and 110 clones in the reverse cDNA library. Gene ontology assignments and sequence analyses of tick sequences in the forward cDNA library showed that 14 genes were related to response to stimulus or/and immune system process, and 7 genes had the higher number of standardized sequences per kilobase (SPK). Subsequent real-time PCR detection showed that eight genes including those encoding for Obg-like ATPase 1 (ola1), Calreticulin (crt), vitellogenin 1 (Vg1) and Vg2 were up-regulated in fed ticks. Compared to uninfected ticks, infected ticks had six up-regulated genes, including ola1, crt and Vg2. Functional analysis of up-regulated genes in fed or Babesia-infected ticks by RNA interference showed that knockdown of crt and Vg2 in infected ticks and knockdown of ola1 in uninfected ticks accelerated engorgement. In contrast, Vg1 knockdown in infected ticks had delayed engorgement. Knockdown of crt and Vg1 in infected ticks decreased engorged female weight. Vg2 knockdown reduced B. microti infection levels by 51% when compared with controls. The results reported here increase our understanding of roles of H. longicornis genes in blood feeding and B. microti infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiqing Zheng
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-Origin and Vector-Borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan New District, Nanchang 330038, China; (W.Z.); (S.C.)
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (K.O.); (P.F.A.M.); (H.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (K.O.); (P.F.A.M.); (H.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Shengen Chen
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-Origin and Vector-Borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan New District, Nanchang 330038, China; (W.Z.); (S.C.)
| | - Kiyoshi Okado
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (K.O.); (P.F.A.M.); (H.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Paul Franck Adjou Moumouni
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (K.O.); (P.F.A.M.); (H.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (K.O.); (P.F.A.M.); (H.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Shu Yang
- The Collaboration Unit for Field Epidemiology of State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Jiangxi Provincial key Laboratory of Animal-Origin and Vector-Borne Diseases, Nanchang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Honggutan New District, Nanchang 330038, China; (W.Z.); (S.C.)
| | - Mingming Liu
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (K.O.); (P.F.A.M.); (H.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Xuenan Xuan
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan; (K.O.); (P.F.A.M.); (H.S.); (M.L.)
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Liu H, Lin Y, Gu J, Ruan Y, Shen G, Zhang Y, Wang H, Meng Z, Li K, Xia Q. The increase of amino acids induces the expression of vitellogenin after spinning in the silkworm Bombyx mori. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2019; 118:103913. [PMID: 31302015 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2019.103913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Silkworms are economically important insects because of the value of their silk. After finishing silk spinning, silkworms begin another important physiological process, vitellogenesis. In this study, we explored the relationship between silk spinning and vitellogenin (BmVg) expression in silkworms. In silkworms with the silk fibroin heavy chain gene knocked-out, the concentration of amino acids in the hemolymph was found to be significantly higher than that in the wild type, and the expression of BmVg was advanced at day 7 of the fifth instar stage and 0 h after spinning. Furthermore, through culturing fat body in vitro with different substances treatment including glucose, trehalose, amino acids, 20-hydroxyecdysone, and insulin, we found that only amino acids could induce BmVg expression. RNA interference of BmTOR1 in female silkworms could down-regulate BmVg transcription, resulting in shortened egg ducts and smaller eggs relative to the control. Therefore, these results showed that amino acids could induce BmVg expression through the TOR signaling pathway. Fat body cultured with amino acids in vitro and experiments involving amino acids injected into the silkworm showed that the majority of main amino acids of silk protein could induce BmVg expression. These results suggested that BmVg expression is related to silk spinning and this study would lay a foundation for elucidating the stage specificity expression of BmVg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Jianjian Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yang Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Huijuan Wang
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ziwang Meng
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Kairong Li
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Biological Science Research Center of Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing 400716, China.
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Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Mihara R, Fujisaki K, Suzuki H. Intracellular localization of vitellogenin receptor mRNA and protein during oogenesis of a parthenogenetic tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:205. [PMID: 31060579 PMCID: PMC6501394 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitellogenin (Vg), a key molecule for oocyte development synthesized in the fat body during blood-feeding, is released into the hemolymph and then taken into the oocytes via Vg receptor (VgR) in ticks. Previously, we showed that VgR mRNA is expressed in the ovary at the adult stage of parthenogenetic Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks and its expression increases after blood-feeding. However, intracellular localization of VgR mRNA and protein at each developmental stage of oocytes during oogenesis remains largely unclear. METHODS mRNA and protein expression profiles of H. longicornis VgR (HlVgR) in the oocytes from the unfed to oviposition periods were analyzed by real-time PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunostaining. To elucidate the timing of the onset of Vg uptake, RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing of HlVgR was performed. RESULTS In situ hybridization revealed that HlVgR mRNA was detected in the cytoplasm of stage I-III oocytes, and weaker positive signals for HlVgR mRNA were found in the cell periphery of stage IV and V oocytes. Likewise, HlVgR protein was detected by immunostaining in the cytoplasm of stage I-III oocytes and in the cell periphery of stage IV and V oocytes. Each developmental stage of the oocytes showed distinct patterns of mRNA and protein expression of HlVgR. Moreover, RNAi of HlVgR caused delayed or arrested development in the oocytes. The ovaries of control ticks showed all developmental stages of oocytes, whereas stage I-III oocytes were found in the ovaries of HlVgR-RNAi ticks at 5 days after engorgement. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that active uptake of Vg is required for development from stage III to stage IV during oogenesis. Our data clearly revealed an apparent shift in the intracellular localization of VgR for both mRNA and protein level in oocytes during oogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Ryo Mihara
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.,National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, Kannondai 3-1-5, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0856, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Suzuki
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-Cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido, 080-8555, Japan.
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Liu H, Lin Y, Shen G, Gu J, Ruan Y, Wu J, Zhang Y, Li K, Long W, Jia L, Xia Q. A novel GATA transcription factor GATAβ4 promotes vitellogenin transcription and egg formation in the silkworm Bombyx mori. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 107:10-18. [PMID: 30639701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
GATA transcription factors (GATAs) are widely expressed among various organisms and belong to the zinc finger protein family. GATA transcription factors play important roles in the proliferation, differentiation, and development of eukaryotes. Previous studies have shown that GATA participates in oogenesis by selective splicing in silkworms. In this study, we investigated the function of GATAs during vitellogenesis using female silkworms (Bombyx mori). Six types of GATA transcription factors were successfully cloned in the fat body of silkworms during the wandering stage and only BmGATAβ4 induced the activity of the Bombyx mori vitellogenin (BmVg) promoter. Furthermore, BmVg and BmGATAβ4 exhibited similar expression patterns in the fat body of female silkworms during the wandering stage. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays, cell transfection assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that BmGATAβ4 was involved in regulating the transcription of BmVg by directly binding to the GATA cis-response element 1 (CRE1) and GATA cis-response element 2 (CRE2) in the promoter of the BmVg gene. RNA interference of BmGATAβ4 in female silkworms downregulated BmVg transcription, resulting in a decrease in egg size and shortening of the length of egg tubes relative to the control. In summary, our results indicated that BmGATAβ4 bound to the GATA CRE1 and CRE2 motifs in the BmVg promoter to upregulate BmVg expression in the fat body of female silkworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jianjian Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yang Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Jinxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Yujing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Kairong Li
- College of Biotechnology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Wei Long
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Linbang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, 400716, China; Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Novel Silk Materials, Chongqing, 400716, China.
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9
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Sun ZX, Kang K, Cai YJ, Zhang JQ, Zhai YF, Zeng RS, Zhang WQ. Transcriptional regulation of the vitellogenin gene through a fecundity-related single nucleotide polymorphism within a GATA-1 binding motif in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 27:365-372. [PMID: 29484744 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Identifying the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with functions in insect fecundity promises to provide novel insight into genetic mechanisms of adaptation and to aid in effective control of insect populations. We previously identified several SNPs within the vitellogenin (Vg) promoter region between a high-fecundity population (HFP) and a low-fecundity population (LFP) of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Here, we found that an A-to-T (HFP allele to LFP allele) transversion at nucleotide -953 upstream of Vg in a Nilaparvata lugens GATA-1 (NlGATA-1) binding motif is associated with the level of Vg transcription. We also characterized NlGATA-1, containing a double CX2 CX17 CX2 C zinc finger, which has been implicated in the activation of Vg gene expression. Knockdown of the NlGATA-1 gene results in a reduced basal level of expression of the Vg gene and fewer offspring of N. lugens in vivo, whereas overexpression of NlGATA-1 in cells increased Vg promoter activity. Moreover, upon cotransfection with NlGATA-1 expression vector, the luciferase activities of Vg reporter vectors with the A allele were significantly higher than those with the T allele. These findings support a mechanism in which a SNP within the promoter of Vg is associated with the level of Vg transcription by altering the binding activity of NlGATA-1 and subsequently affecting fecundity in N. lugens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z-X Sun
- College of Crop Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - K Kang
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y-J Cai
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - J-Q Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Y-F Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - R-S Zeng
- College of Crop Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - W-Q Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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10
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Sparagano OAE. Transcription Factors as a Target for Vaccination Against Ticks and Mites. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2016; 107:275-282. [PMID: 28215226 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and mites are well-known ectoparasites as potential vectors for numerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Many being blood feeders add to physiological deterioration, morbidity, and mortality of their vertebrate hosts. To control them, transcription factors have been identified and studied in their role to sustain such arthropod pests. This paper summarizes some of the work done on those factors involved during blood feeding, reproduction, or when interacting with their pathogens and symbiont populations. Any transcription factor supporting the equilibrium developed by the ticks/mites could become a potential target for new control methods to prevent some of their key physiological functions.
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11
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Lu K, Chen X, Liu WT, Zhang XY, Chen MX, Zhou Q. Nutritional Signaling Regulates Vitellogenin Synthesis and Egg Development through Juvenile Hormone in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:269. [PMID: 26927076 PMCID: PMC4813133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect female reproduction which comprises the synthesis of vitellogenein (Vg) in the fat body and its incorporation into developing oocytes, needs a large amount of energy and food resources. Our previous studies found that juvenile hormone (JH) regulates vitellogenesis in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. Here, we report on the role of JH in nutrient-regulated Vg synthesis and egg development. We first cloned the genes coding for juvenile hormone acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) which is involved in JH biosynthesis and methoprene-tolerant (Met) for JH action. Amino acids (AAs) induced the expression of jmtN, while showing no effects on the expression of met using an artificial diet culture system. Reduction in JH biosynthesis or its action by RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated silencing of jmtN or met led to a severe inhibition of AAs-induced Vg synthesis and oocyte maturation, together with lower fecundity. Furthermore, exogenous application of JH III partially restored Vg expression levels in jmtN RNAi females. However, JH III application did not rescue Vg synthesis in these met RNAi insects. Our results show that AAs induce Vg synthesis in the fat body and egg development in concert with JH biosynthesis in Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), rather than through JH action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Lu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Xia Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Wen-Ting Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou 350002, China.
| | - Xin-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Ming-Xiao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Qiang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
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12
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Takechi R, Galay RL, Matsuo T, Maeda H, Kusakisako K, Talactac MR, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Role of the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-type zinc finger domain containing protein 1 (TRAFD1) from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis in immunity against bacterial infection. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:36-45. [PMID: 26283173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
A tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-type zinc finger domain containing protein 1 (TRAFD1) is a negative feedback regulator that controls excessive immune responses in vertebrates. The sequence of tick hemolymph TRAFD1 from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlTRAFD1) was analyzed after identification and cloning from the expressed sequence tag database. RT-PCR and Western blot analyses showed that HlTRAFD1 transcript and protein levels after blood feeding were present in all developmental stages, and the transcript level was consistently high in all organs examined from adult female ticks upon engorgement. Knockdown of HlTRAFD1 gene by RNA interference did not affect blood feeding or oviposition. However, HlTRAFD1 silencing affected the expression of the longicin gene, a defensin-like molecule, but not the lysozyme gene. Moreover, the survival rate of HlTRAFD1-silenced ticks was lower, and the number of E. coli was higher in the hemolymph and plasmatocytes after E. coli injection compared to the control group. These results suggested that HlTRAFD1 strongly affected both the humoral and cellular immunity of ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Takechi
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Remil Linggatong Galay
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Tomohide Matsuo
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Parasitology, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Hiroki Maeda
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Kodai Kusakisako
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Melbourne Rio Talactac
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Masami Mochizuki
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- Zen-noh Institute of Animal Health, Ohja, Sakura, Chiba 285-0043, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan; Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan.
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Mori H, Tanaka T, Mochizuki M. The widely distributed hard tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, can retain canine parvovirus, but not be infected in laboratory condition. J Vet Med Sci 2014; 77:405-11. [PMID: 25650060 PMCID: PMC4427740 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.14-0199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT. Ticks are known to transmit various pathogens, radically threatening humans and
animals. Despite the close contact between ticks and viruses, our understanding on their
interaction and biology is still lacking. The aim of this study was to experimentally
assess the interaction between canine parvovirus (CPV) and a widely distributed hard tick,
Haemaphysalis longicornis, in laboratory condition. After inoculation
of CPV into the hemocoel of the ticks, polymerase chain reaction assay revealed that CPV
persisted in inoculated unfed adult female ticks for 28 days. Canine parvovirus was
recovered from the inoculated ticks using a cell culture, indicating that the virus
retained intact in the ticks after inoculation, but significant positive reaction
indicating virus infection was not detected in the tick organs by immunofluorescence
antibody test using a monoclonal antibody. In the case of ticks inoculated with feline
leukemia virus, the virus had shorter persistence in the ticks compared to CPV. These
findings provide significant important information on the characteristic interaction of
tick with non-tick-borne virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Mori
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 890-0065, Japan
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14
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Galay RL, Aung KM, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Maeda H, Matsuo T, Kawaguchi H, Miyoshi N, Suzuki H, Xuan X, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Multiple ferritins are vital to successful blood feeding and reproduction of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 216:1905-15. [PMID: 23393286 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.081240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous parasites and important vectors of diseases. The large amount of blood they consume contains great quantities of iron, an essential but also toxic element. The function of ferritin, an iron storage protein, and iron metabolism in ticks need to be further elucidated. Here, we investigated the function a newly identified secreted ferritin from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlFER2), together with the previously identified intracellular ferritin (HlFER1). Recombinant ferritins, expressed in Escherichia coli, were used for anti-serum preparation and were also assayed for iron-binding activity. RT-PCR and western blot analyses of different organs and developmental stages of the tick during blood feeding were performed. The localization of ferritins in different organs was demonstrated through an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to evaluate the importance of ferritin in blood feeding and reproduction of ticks. The midgut was also examined after RNAi using light and transmission electron microscopy. RT-PCR showed differences in gene expression in some organs and developmental stages. Interestingly, only HlFER2 was detected in the ovary during oviposition and in the egg despite the low mRNA transcript. RNAi induced a reduction in post-blood meal body weight, high mortality and decreased fecundity. The expression of vitellogenin genes was affected by silencing of ferritin. Abnormalities in digestive cells, including disrupted microvilli, and alteration of digestive activity were also observed. Taken altogether, our results show that the iron storage and protective functions of ferritin are crucial to successful blood feeding and reproduction of H. longicornis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
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15
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Target of rapamycin (TOR) controls vitellogenesis via activation of the S6 kinase in the fat body of the tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis. Int J Parasitol 2012; 42:991-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Revised: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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16
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Kume A, Boldbaatar D, Takazawa Y, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Tanaka T, Fujisaki K. RNAi of the translation inhibition gene 4E-BP identified from the hard tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, affects lipid storage during the off-host starvation period of ticks. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:889-96. [PMID: 22618568 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2915-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
4E-BP, an eIF4E-binding protein, is well known as a cap-dependent translation inhibitor. Here, the 4E-BP homolog, Hl4E-BP, was isolated and identified from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. Hl4E-BP transcripts were ubiquitously expressed in the active stages, including the larvae, nymphs, and female adults, and the transcription levels were found to be higher in unfed than engorged ticks. In contrast, the expression levels of non-phosphorylated Hl4E-BP, which is a 13.4-kDa protein detected by the anti-recombinant Hl4E-BP antibody, were the highest in engorged ticks and significantly decreased progressively during the unfed starvation period of ticks. The functional role of Hl4E-BP as a metabolic brake was verified by histochemical observations on the lipid storage in midguts and fat bodies during the starvation period using ticks injected with dsHl4E-BP. The results indicate that Hl4E-BP is highly relevant to the lipid storage of ticks during the non-feeding starvation period. Our results suggest, for the first time, that Hl4E-BP may have a crucial role in the starvation resistance of ticks in an off-host condition via lipid metabolism control, although it was unclear whether Hl4E-BP might be involved in lipid synthesis regulation and/or lipid consumption inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko Kume
- Department of Frontier Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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17
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Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Tanaka T, Boldbaatar D, Tanaka T, Fujisaki K. Akt is an essential player in regulating cell/organ growth at the adult stage in the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 42:164-173. [PMID: 22193391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Ticks grow rapidly during blood feeding, and their body weight may ultimately increase 100-fold more than that before feeding. The molecular mechanisms controlling growth during blood feeding in ticks remain largely unknown. The conserved insulin/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway regulates growth and metabolism in eukaryotes. Here, we show evidence for the involvement of Akt in growth during blood feeding in the parthenogenetic strain of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. We identified a homolog of the Ser/Thr kinase Akt (HlAkt) from the EST database of the H. longicornis embryo. HlAkt cDNA had a 1,590 bp ORF that encodes 529 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 60 kDa. HlAkt possesses a PH domain, a Ser/Thr kinase domain, a hydrophobic motif, and dual phosphorylation residues (Thr 338 and Ser 503) that are essential for kinase activation. Knockdown of HlAkt by RNA interference caused inhibition of blood feeding in female ticks. Histological observation demonstrated that HlAkt knockdown led to the arrest of growth in internal organs. HlAkt knockdown also affected the expressions of blood meal-induced genes that are essential for blood digestion, development, and reproduction in the female tick. These results strongly indicate that HlAkt is essential to complete the blood feeding process accompanied by the growth of internal organs in adult ticks. This is the first report of identification and characterization of Akt in Chelicerata, including ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Department of Frontier Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Korimoto 1-21-24, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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Boldbaatar D, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Liao M, Tanaka T, Xuan X, Fujisaki K. Multiple vitellogenins from the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick are crucial for ovarian development. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2010; 56:1587-1598. [PMID: 20576517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2010] [Revised: 05/21/2010] [Accepted: 05/21/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian development and egg maturation are crucial processes for the success of reproduction in ticks. Three full-length cDNAs encoding the precursor of major yolk protein, vitellogenin, were obtained from cDNA libraries of the Haemaphysalis longicornis tick and designated as HlVg-1, HlVg-2 and HlVg-3. The HlVg mRNAs were found in fed females with major expression sites in the midgut, fat body and ovary. Native PAGE and Western blot demonstrated that HlVgs in the hemolymph, fat body and ovary of fed females consisted of four major polypeptides. RNAi results showed that HlVg dsRNA-injected ticks obtained lower body weight, egg weight and showed higher mortality of engorged females after blood sucking than control groups. Our results indicate that all HlVgs are essential for egg development and oviposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damdinsuren Boldbaatar
- Department of Frontier Veterinary Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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