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Duan H, Shao X, Liu W, Xiang J, Pan N, Wang X, Du G, Li Y, Zhou J, Sui L. Spatio-temporal patterns of ovarian development and VgR gene silencing reduced fecundity in parthenogenetic Artemia. Open Biol 2023; 13:230172. [PMID: 37963545 PMCID: PMC10645507 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The halophilic zooplankton brine shrimp Artemia has been used as an experimental animal in multidisciplinary studies. However, the reproductive patterns and its regulatory mechanisms in Artemia remain unclear. In this study, the ovarian development process of parthenogenetic Artemia (A. parthenogenetica) was divided into five stages, and oogenesis or egg formation was identified in six phases. The oogenesis mode was assumed to be polytrophic. We also traced the dynamic translocation of candidate germline stem cells (cGSCs) using EdU labelling and elucidated several key cytological events in oogenesis through haematoxylin and eosin staining and fluorescence imaging. Distinguished from the ovary structure of insects and crustaceans, Artemia germarium originated from ovariole buds and are located at the base of the ovarioles. RNA-seq based on five stages of ovarian development identified 2657 upregulated genes related to reproduction by pair-to-pair comparison. Gbb, Dpp, piwi, vasa, nanos, VgA and VgR genes associated with cGSCs recognition and reproductive development were screened and verified using qPCR. Silencing of the VgR gene in A. parthenogenetica (Ap-VgR) at ovarian development Stage II led to a low level of gene expression (less than 10%) within 5 days, which resulted in variations in oogenesis-related gene expression and significantly inhibited vitellogenesis, impeded oocyte maturation, and eventually decreased the number of offspring. In conclusion, we have illustrated the patterns of ovarian development, outlined the key spatio-temporal features of oogenesis and identified the negative impacts of VgR gene knockdown on oogenesis using A. parthenogenetica as an experimental animal. The findings of this study also lay a foundation for the further study of reproductive biology of invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hu Duan
- Asian Regional Artemia Reference Center, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Chemistry and Food Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanxuan Shao
- Asian Regional Artemia Reference Center, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Liu
- Asian Regional Artemia Reference Center, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhai Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Namin Pan
- Asian Regional Artemia Reference Center, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehui Wang
- Tianjin Fisheries Research Institute, Tianjin 300221, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoru Du
- Asian Regional Artemia Reference Center, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Li
- Asian Regional Artemia Reference Center, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaping Zhou
- Research Center of Modern Analytical Technology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Liying Sui
- Asian Regional Artemia Reference Center, College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Chemistry and Food Technology, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, Tianjin 300457, People's Republic of China
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Xu Y, Shen G, Wu J, Mao X, Jia L, Zhang Y, Xia Q, Lin Y. Vitellogenin receptor transports the 30K protein LP1 without cell-penetrating peptide, into the oocytes of the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1117505. [PMID: 36776972 PMCID: PMC9908958 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1117505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitellogenin receptors (VgRs) transport vitellogenin (Vg) into oocytes, thereby promoting egg growth and embryonic development. VgRs recognize and transport multiple ligands in oviparous animals, but their role in insects is rarely reported. In this study, we investigated whether Bombyx mori VgR (BmVgR) binds and transports lipoprotein-1 (BmLP1) and lipoprotein-7 (BmLP7) of the 30 kDa lipoproteins (30 K proteins), which are essential for egg formation and embryonic development in B. mori. Protein sequence analysis showed BmLP7, similar to reported lipoprotein-3 (BmLP3), contains the cell-penetrating peptides and Cysteine position, while BmLP1 has not. Assays using Spodoptera frugiperda ovary cells (sf9) indicated the direct entry of BmLP7 into the cells, whereas BmLP1 failed to enter. However, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays indicated that BmVgR could bind BmLP1. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays further revealed that over-expressed BmVgR could transport BmLP1 into sf9 cells. Co-IP assays showed that SE11C (comprising LBD1+EGF1+OTC domains of BmVgR) or SE22C (comprising LBD2+EGF2+OTC domains of BmVgR) could bind BmLP1. Over-expressed SE11C or SE22C could also transport BmLP1 into sf9 cells. Western blotting revealed that the ability of SE11C to transport BmLP1 might be stronger than that of SE22C. In the vit mutant with BmVgR gene mutation (vit/vit), SDS-PAGE and western blotting showed the content of BmLP1 in the ovary, like BmVg, was lower than that in the normal silkworm. When transgenic with hsp70 promoter over-expressed BmVgR in the vit mutant, we found that the phenotype of the vit mutant was partly rescued after heat treatment. And contents of BmLP1 and BmVg in vit mutant over-expressed BmVgR were higher than in the vit mutant. We conclude that BmVgR and its two repeat domains could bind and transport BmLP1 into the oocytes of the silkworm, besides BmVg. These results will provide a reference for studying the molecular mechanism of VgR transporting ligands in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueqin Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Linbang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Biological Science Research Center Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (Chongqing) Science City & Southwest University, Chongqing, China,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sericultural Science, Chongqing, China,*Correspondence: Ying Lin,
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Perner J, Hajdusek O, Kopacek P. Independent somatic distribution of heme and iron in ticks. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 51:100916. [PMID: 35346896 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites with distinct genomic reductions, inevitably linking them to a parasitic lifestyle. Ticks have lost the genomic coding and, thus, biochemical capacity to synthesize heme, an essential metabolic cofactor, de novo. Instead, they are equipped with acquisition and distribution pathways for reuse of host heme. Unlike insects or mammals, ticks and mites cannot cleave the porphyrin ring of heme to release iron. Bioavailable iron is thus acquired by ticks from the host serum transferrin. Somatic trafficking of iron, however, is independent of heme and is mediated by a secretory type of ferritin. Heme and iron systemic homeostasis in ticks represents, therefore, key adaptive traits enabling successful feeding and reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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Han H, Han S, Qin Q, Chen J, Wang D, He Y. Molecular Identification and Functional Characterization of Vitellogenin Receptor From Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 115:325-333. [PMID: 34922376 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toab224] [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: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vitellogenin receptors (VgRs) have vital roles in reproduction by mediating endocytosis of the vitellogenin (Vg) in oviparous insects. Same as most insect species that possess only one VgR, in this study, a single VgR mRNA (HmVgR) was identified in an important natural enemy ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas). The open reading frame of HmVgR was 5,340 bases encoding a protein of 1,779 amino acids. Bioinformatic analyses showed that HmVgR had conserved domain motifs of low-density lipoprotein receptor family. Based on phylogenetic analysis, HmVgR had highly homologous within the Coleoptera. The transcriptional level of HmVgR was initially detected in the newly emerged female adults, gradually increased from day 3 to day 9, peaked on day 13, and then sharply decreased on day 15. Similar to most insects, HmVgR was expressed specifically in ovarian tissue. Moreover, RNA interference (RNAi) clearly decreased the transcription levels of HmVgR, which blocked the deposition of yolk protein in the ovaries, shortened the ovarian length, and led to negative impacts on reproductive-related parameters (i.e., prolonged preoviposition periods, reduced spawning and depressed hatchability). In sum, these results indicated that HmVgR may be critical for yolk protein deposition of oocytes and can play a key role in reproduction of female adults of H. axyridis. Our results provide conclusive proof for the important roles of HmVgR in fecundity, and establish a basis for further research on its interaction with vitellogenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Han
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - ShiPeng Han
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - QiuJu Qin
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
- Laboratory of Plant Protection, Handan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Handan 056000, China
| | - Da Wang
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Yunzhuan He
- College of Plant Protection, Hebei Agricultural University, Baoding 071000, China
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Zhao Y, Liu L, Liu JB, Wu CY, Duan DY, Cheng TY. Cloning, expression, and function of ferritins in the tick Haemaphysalis flava. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2021; 13:101892. [PMID: 34942560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The full-length cDNA of two ferritins of Haemaphysalis flava were cloned after which recombinant Hf-FER1 and Hf-FER2 were expressed and their function was analyzed. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) based on the injection of Hf-fer1 or Hf-fer2 dsRNA into fully engorged female ticks was performed. The cDNA encoding Hf-FER1 is 834 bp in length. It contains an iron-responsive element in the 5' untranslated region and encodes 174 amino acid residues. The full-length cDNA of Hf-FER2 contains 696 bp and encodes 199 amino acids, including a putative signal peptide sequence. Hf-FER1 and Hf-FER2 both have the ferroxidase iron center and the ferrihydrite nucleation center. The evolutionary relationship of Hf-FER1 and Hf-FER2 was established, and the predicted quaternary structures were assembled as typical spherical shells composed of 24 subunits which was demonstrated by nature PAGE. Real-time PCR showed that Hf-fer1 and Hf-fer2 were expressed in all developmental stages, with the highest expression in fully engorged females. The expression of Hf-fer1 and Hf-fer2 were relatively high in unfed larvae. Hf-fer1 was expressed in all tissues and was especially abundant in the salivary glands of fully engorged females. In contrast, the highest levels of Hf-fer2 were found in the midgut of fully engorged females, and no expression was found in the salivary glands of this life stage. Both recombinant Hf-FER1 and Hf-FER2 had iron-binding capabilities. Silencing of both Hf-fer1 and Hf-fer2 affected fecundity. Compared to the control, the percentage of ticks that laid eggs in the Hf-fer1 and Hf-fer2 RNAi groups was 73.3% and 66.7%, respectively. The silenced ticks that laid eggs had lower egg weight to body weight ratios, and the eggs had abnormal morphologies. The hatchability of eggs with normal morphology in the Hf-fer1 and Hf-fer2 silenced groups was 47.8% and 22.8%, respectively, which was significantly different from the control group (P < 0.005). These findings indicate that Hf-FER1 and Hf-FER2 play important roles in the iron storage of H. flava.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China; College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang 464000, Henan, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Jin-Bao Liu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Cong-Ying Wu
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - De-Yong Duan
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China
| | - Tian-Yin Cheng
- Research Center for Parasites & Vectors, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan, China.
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Ponnusamy L, Sutton H, Mitchell RD, Sonenshine DE, Apperson CS, Roe RM. Tick Ecdysteroid Hormone, Global Microbiota/ Rickettsia Signaling in the Ovary versus Carcass during Vitellogenesis in Part-Fed (Virgin) American Dog Ticks, Dermacentor variabilis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1242. [PMID: 34201013 PMCID: PMC8228290 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The transovarial transmission of tick-borne bacterial pathogens is an important mechanism for their maintenance in natural populations and transmission, causing disease in humans and animals. The mechanism for this transmission and the possible role of tick hormones facilitating this process have never been studied. Injections of physiological levels of the tick hormone, 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), into part-fed (virgin) adult females of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, attached to the host caused a reduction in density of Rickettsia montanensis in the carcass and an increase in the ovaries compared to buffer-injected controls. This injection initiates yolk protein synthesis and uptake by the eggs but has no effect on blood feeding. Francisella sp. and R. montanensis were the predominant bacteria based on the proportionality in the carcass and ovary. The total bacteria load increased in the carcass and ovaries, and bacteria in the genus Pseudomonas increased in the carcass after the 20E injection. The mechanism of how the Rickettsia species respond to changes in tick hormonal regulation needs further investigation. Multiple possible mechanisms for the proliferation of R. montanensis in the ovaries are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loganathan Ponnusamy
- Department of Entomology and Plath Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (L.P.); (H.S.); (R.D.M.III); (C.S.A.)
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Haley Sutton
- Department of Entomology and Plath Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (L.P.); (H.S.); (R.D.M.III); (C.S.A.)
- North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
| | - Robert D. Mitchell
- Department of Entomology and Plath Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (L.P.); (H.S.); (R.D.M.III); (C.S.A.)
- Office of Pesticide Programs, Invertebrate and Vertebrate Branch 1, Registration Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington, DC 20460, USA
| | - Daniel E. Sonenshine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA;
| | - Charles S. Apperson
- Department of Entomology and Plath Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (L.P.); (H.S.); (R.D.M.III); (C.S.A.)
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Richard Michael Roe
- Department of Entomology and Plath Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; (L.P.); (H.S.); (R.D.M.III); (C.S.A.)
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
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Zhao Y, Qu ZH, Jiao FC. De novo transcriptome sequencing and comparative profiling of the ovary in partially engorged and fully engorged Haemaphysalis flava ticks. Parasitol Int 2021; 83:102344. [PMID: 33894390 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Haemaphysalis flava is the vector of several pathogens and has medical and veterinary importance. Transcriptome information of the ovary of H. flava is unavailable and limits understanding of its molecular basis of reproduction. We studied the ovary transcriptome of partially engorged and fully engorged H. flava using high-throughput RNA sequencing technology. A total of 53,025,360 and 57,942,890 clean reads were obtained with 7.95 GB and 8.69 GB clean bases in partially engorged ticks (PETs) and fully engorged ticks (FETs), respectively. The clean reads were assembled into 138,711 unigenes. A total of 72,043 unigenes (51.93%) were annotated and 66,668 unigenes (48.07%) were unknown. A total of 38,487 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found between PET and FET with 19,031 upregulated genes and 19,456 downregulated genes. The RNA-seq results were validated by qRT-PCR, including six upregulated genes and three downregulated genes. Some unigenes coding for nutrient transporters, proteases, and protease inhibitors were found and analyzed. This study was the first time to perform the transcriptome sequences of the ovary of partially engorged and fully engorged H. flava. The results can benefit the understanding of the molecular basis of ovary maturation and oogenesis of the H. flava and boost the development of the strategies for control of H. flava.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang 464000, Henan province, China; Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Engineering in Animal Vaccines, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhe-Hui Qu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang 464000, Henan province, China
| | - Feng-Chao Jiao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Xinyang Agriculture and Forestry University, Xinyang 464000, Henan province, China.
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Molecular approaches underlying the oogenic cycle of the scleractinian coral, Acropora tenuis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9914. [PMID: 32555307 PMCID: PMC7303178 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the physiological processes of oogenesis in Acropora tenuis. Genes/proteins related to oogenesis were investigated: Vasa, a germ cell marker, vitellogenin (VG), a major yolk protein precursor, and its receptor (LDLR). Coral branches were collected monthly from coral reefs around Sesoko Island (Okinawa, Japan) for histological observation by in situ hybridisation (ISH) of the Vasa (AtVasa) and Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor (AtLDLR) genes and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of AtVasa and AtVG. AtVasa immunoreactivity was detected in germline cells and ooplasm, whereas AtVG immunoreactivity was detected in ooplasm and putative ovarian tissues. AtVasa was localised in germline cells located in the retractor muscles of the mesentery, whereas AtLDLR was localised in the putative ovarian and mesentery tissues. AtLDLR was detected in coral tissues during the vitellogenic phase, whereas AtVG immunoreactivity was found in primary oocytes. Germline cells expressing AtVasa are present throughout the year. In conclusion, Vasa has physiological and molecular roles throughout the oogenic cycle, as it determines gonadal germline cells and ensures normal oocyte development, whereas the roles of VG and LDLR are limited to the vitellogenic stages because they act in coordination with lipoprotein transport, vitellogenin synthesis, and yolk incorporation into oocytes.
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Jiang J, Zhang Y, Ma L, Niu T, Dong T, Sheng R, Li L, Xu Y, Xi L, Li G. Molecular Characterization of Neoseiulus barkeri Vitellogenin Genes and Vitellogenin Receptor during Reproductive Diapause. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11040203. [PMID: 32225063 PMCID: PMC7240613 DOI: 10.3390/insects11040203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between reproductive diapause and the genes related to vitellogenin (Vg) and its receptor (VgR) in insectoid ovarian development is still unclear. Accordingly, in the present study, we used hematoxylin and eosin staining to study the ovarian structure in the predatory mite Neoseiulus barkeri, a species that shows promise as a biological pest control agent. Staining revealed the presence of oocytes on ovary surfaces, and the oocytes were deposited as yolk granules through the intake of Vg and other nutrients with the development of the ovary. Development of the ovary stopped at the oocyte stage in diapausing adult mites, and this stage presented the same characteristics as the first day of adulthood in non-diapause female adults, where oocytes with nutrient cells, but no yolk granules are observed. In order to further explore the effects of the Vg gene and its receptor on reproduction, the sequences of the N. barkeri vitellogenin genes NbVg1, NbVg2, NbVg3, and NbVgR were analyzed using bioinformatics, and the expression levels of the NbVgs and the VgR at different developmental stages were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The results showed that the NbVgs and NbVgR have complete domains and that the positions of many conservative regions and conservative motif are consistent. The expression levels of the NbVgs and NbVgR were highest in the ovipositional period, followed by those in the preovipositional period. The expression levels of the NbVgs and the VgR in non-diapause female adult mites were significantly higher than those in reproductive diapause female adult mites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guiting Li
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-1395-606-2545
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Comparative impact of coumaphos, amitraz and plant extract of Ageratum conyzoides on the oogenesis of Rhipicephalus microplus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:1085-1095. [PMID: 31186201 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present experiment was conducted to evaluate and compare the impact of Ageratum conyzoides plant extract (ACE) with routinely used synthetic acaricides i.e., amitraz and coumaphos on the oogenesis of engorged adult females of Rhipicephalus microplus tick. On the day of dropping from the host, panoistic ovary of R. microplus appeared white in colour, horseshoe shaped, hollow tubular organ with immature oocytes predominantly in dorsal groove. Different developmental stages of oocytes (I-V) proceed simultaneously and asynchronously. Oocytes showed gradual increase in size, deep brown colored with accumulation of eggs in oviduct during 24-72 hours of development.At LC90 concentration a highly significant (p < 0.001) cessation of egg laying after exposure to amitraz and ACE while significant reduction (p < 0.01) of egg laying in coumaphos treated ticks was observed. Upon dissection of treated ticks, uterus and oviduct packed with eggs, which failed to pass out was observed. The histo-architectural alterations including presence of extensive vacuolation, alteration of oocyte morphology, deformation of chorion and disorganization of yolk granules were observed in the treated ovaries. Histochemically, low level of storage or synthesis of essential elements viz., proteins, polysaccharides and lipids in treated oocytes responsible for reduction of fertility and inhibition of progress of vitellogenesis was observed.
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Mitchell RD, Sonenshine DE, Pérez de León AA. Vitellogenin Receptor as a Target for Tick Control: A Mini-Review. Front Physiol 2019; 10:618. [PMID: 31178755 PMCID: PMC6537121 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
While much effort has been put into understanding vitellogenesis in insects and other organisms, much less is known of this process in ticks. There are several steps that facilitate yolk formation in developing oocytes of which the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) is a key component. The tick VgR binds vitellogenin (Vg) circulating in the hemolymph to initiate receptor-mediated endocytosis and its transformation into vitellin (Vn). The conversion of Vg into Vn, the final form of the yolk protein, occurs inside oocytes of the female tick ovary. Vn is critical to tick embryos since it serves as the nutritional source for their development, survival, and reproduction. Recent studies also suggest that pathogenic microbes, i.e., Babesia spp., that rely on ticks for propagation and dissemination likely "hitchhike" onto Vg molecules as they enter developing oocytes through the VgR. Suppressing VgR messenger RNA synthesis via RNA interference (RNAi) completely blocked Babesia spp. transmission into developing tick oocytes, thereby inhibiting vertical transmission of these pathogenic microbes from female to eggs. To date, VgRs from only four tick species, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus microplus, Amblyomma hebraeum, and Haemaphysalis longicornis, have been fully sequenced and characterized. In contrast, many more VgRs have been described in various insect species. VgR is a critical component in egg formation and maturation that can serve as a precise target for tick control. However, additional research will help identify unique residues within the receptor that are specific to ticks or other arthropod disease vectors while avoiding cross-reactivity with non-target species. Detailed knowledge of the molecular structure and functional role of tick VgRs will enable development of novel vaccines to control ticks and tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D. Mitchell
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, United States
| | - Daniel E. Sonenshine
- Laboratory for Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Adalberto A. Pérez de León
- USDA-ARS, Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, Kerrville, TX, United States
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12
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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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13
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Liu W, Guo S, Sun D, Zhu L, Zhu F, Lei CL, Sheng L, Phelps B, Wang XP. Molecular characterization and juvenile hormone-regulated transcription of the vitellogenin receptor in the cabbage beetle Colaphellus bowringi. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2019; 229:69-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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14
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Hussein HE, Johnson WC, Taus NS, Suarez CE, Scoles GA, Ueti MW. Silencing expression of the Rhipicephalus microplus vitellogenin receptor gene blocks Babesia bovis transmission and interferes with oocyte maturation. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:7. [PMID: 30611310 PMCID: PMC6321724 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rhipicephalus microplus is an efficient biological vector of Babesia bovis, a causative agent of bovine babesiosis. Babesia bovis is passed transovarially to the next generation of ticks, which then transmit the parasite to naïve animals. Due to the importance of the R. microplus ovary for tick reproduction and transmission of B. bovis, we investigated the hypothesis that silencing vitellogenin receptor gene expression in the ovary during tick feeding on B. bovis-infected cattle would affect parasite transmission to the next generation of ticks. Results Silencing expression of the vitellogenin receptor in the ovary by RNA interference, resulted in reduced tick fertility. We observed reduced egg production (i.e. reduced weight of eggs), a lower rate of embryonic development, and a reduction in hatching. Analysis of individual larvae by PCR confirmed that RNAi mediated downregulation of the R. microplus vitellogenin receptor and also interfered with transovarial transmission of B. bovis. None of the larvae (0/58) from the RmVgR dsRNA-injected group were PCR-positive, whereas 12% (7/58) and 17% (10/58) of larvae from the non-injected and buffer-injected control groups, respectively, were infected with B. bovis. Conclusions The combined effects of reduced fecundity and reduced infection in surviving larvae resulting from silencing indicate that vitellogenin receptor is essential for tick reproduction and may play a vital role in B. bovis transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala E Hussein
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA. .,Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, 12613, Egypt.
| | - Wendell C Johnson
- Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Naomi S Taus
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Carlos E Suarez
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Glen A Scoles
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
| | - Massaro W Ueti
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.,Animal Disease Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Washington State University, 3003 ADBF, P.O. Box 646630, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA
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15
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Antunes S, Couto J, Ferrolho J, Rodrigues F, Nobre J, Santos AS, Santos-Silva MM, de la Fuente J, Domingos A. Rhipicephalus bursa Sialotranscriptomic Response to Blood Feeding and Babesia ovis Infection: Identification of Candidate Protective Antigens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:116. [PMID: 29780749 PMCID: PMC5945973 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are among the most prevalent blood-feeding arthropods, and they act as vectors and reservoirs for numerous pathogens. Sialotranscriptomic characterizations of tick responses to blood feeding and pathogen infections can offer new insights into the molecular interplay occurring at the tick-host-pathogen interface. In the present study, we aimed to identify and characterize Rhipicephalus bursa salivary gland (SG) genes that were differentially expressed in response to blood feeding and Babesia ovis infection. Our experimental approach consisted of RNA sequencing of SG from three different tick samples, fed-infected, fed-uninfected, and unfed-uninfected, for characterization and inter-comparison. Overall, 7,272 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were constructed from unfed-uninfected, 13,819 ESTs from fed-uninfected, and 15,292 ESTs from fed-infected ticks. Two catalogs of transcripts that were differentially expressed in response to blood feeding and B. ovis infection were produced. Four genes coding for a putative vitellogenin-3, lachesin, a glycine rich protein, and a secreted cement protein were selected for RNA interference functional studies. A reduction of 92, 65, and 51% was observed in vitellogenin-3, secreted cement, and lachesin mRNA levels in SG, respectively. The vitellogenin-3 knockdown led to increased tick mortality, with 77% of ticks dying post-infestation. The reduction of the secreted cement protein-mRNA levels resulted in 46% of ticks being incapable of correctly attaching to the host and significantly lower female weights post-feeding in comparison to the control group. The lachesin knockdown resulted in a 70% reduction of the levels associated with B. ovis infection in R. bursa SG and 70% mortality. These results improved our understanding of the role of tick SG genes in Babesia infection/proliferation and tick feeding. Moreover, lachesin, vitellogenin-3, and secreted cement proteins were validated as candidate protective antigens for the development of novel tick and tick-borne disease control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Couto
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Ferrolho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fábio Rodrigues
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Nobre
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Pólo de Santarém, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - Ana S Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas Dr. Francisco Cambournac (CEVDI/INSA), Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - M Margarida Santos-Silva
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas Dr. Francisco Cambournac (CEVDI/INSA), Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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16
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Seixas A, Alzugaray MF, Tirloni L, Parizi LF, Pinto AFM, Githaka NW, Konnai S, Ohashi K, Yates Iii JR, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I. Expression profile of Rhipicephalus microplus vitellogenin receptor during oogenesis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2017; 9:72-81. [PMID: 29054547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The vitellogenin receptor (VgR), which belongs to the low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) family, regulates the absorption of yolk protein accumulated in developing oocytes during oogenesis. In the present study, the full sequence of Rhipicephalus microplus VgR (RmVgR) and the partial sequence of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus VgR (RaVgR) ORF were determined and cloned. The RmVgR amino acid sequence contains the five highly conserved structural motifs characteristic of LDLR superfamily members, the same overall structure as observed in other species. Phylogenetic analysis separated VgRs in two major groups, corresponding to receptors from acarines and insects. Consistent with observations from other arthropods, RmVgR was specifically expressed in the ovarian tissue and its peak of expression occurs in females that are detaching from the host. Silencing with RmVgR dsRNA reduced VgR expression, which resulted in reduced fertility, evidenced by a decrease in the number of larvae. The present study confirms RmVgR is a specific receptor involved in yolk protein uptake and oocyte maturation in R. microplus, playing an important role in tick reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Seixas
- Departamento de Farmacociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - María Fernanda Alzugaray
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil; Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la Republica, Alberto Lasplaces 1550 a 1620, Montevideo, Código Postal 11600, Uruguay.
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
| | - Luis Fernando Parizi
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Frederico Michel Pinto
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 90037 USA; Centro de Pesquisas em Biologia Molecular e Funcional, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Tuberculose (INCT-TB), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Naftaly Wang'ombe Githaka
- Tick Unit, Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Satoru Konnai
- Department of Disease Control, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiko Ohashi
- Department of Disease Control, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, 060-0818, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - John R Yates Iii
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 90037 USA.
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Prédio 43421, Campus do Vale, Caixa Postal 15005, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9090, Porto Alegre, RS, 91540-000, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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17
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Han C, Chen E, Shen G, Peng Z, Xu Y, Zhang H, Liu H, Zhang Y, Wu J, Lin Y, Xia Q. Vitellogenin receptor selectively endocytoses female-specific and highly-expressed hemolymph proteins in the silkworm, Bombyx mori. Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 95:510-516. [PMID: 28376312 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2016-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
VgR, a member of the LDLR family, functions to transport vitellogenin into the ovaries to protome ovarian growth and embryonic development. In insects, the only widely accepted ligand of VgR is Vg. Recently, BmVgR has been shown to interact with BmSP1 in vitro. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated whether BmVgR could transport BmSP1 into certain cells. Although BmVgR could combine with BmVg and BmSP1, BmVgR did not affect the amount of BmSP1 taken up by Sf9 cells. Parallel immunofluorescence showed that most BmVg and BmVgR were localized in the inner oocyte membrane, showing tissue localization similar to that of BmVg labeled with pHrodo Red absorbed by the ovaries on day 2 of pupation. Although BmSP1 showed localization similar to BmVgR during the same phase, little BmSP1 was present in the ovary. Additionally, BmSP1 did not exist in ovaries when the ovaries contained BmVgR on day 5 of pupation, suggesting that BmSP1 in the ovaries was not endocytosed by BmVgR. In summary, BmVgR could facilitate uptake of BmVg by developing oocytes, but did not modulate in the transport of BmSP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoshan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Enxiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanwang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhixin Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yandi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jinxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingyou Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
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18
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Wang F, Lu X, Guo F, Gong H, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Cao J, Zhou J. The immunomodulatory protein RH36 is relating to blood-feeding success and oviposition in hard ticks. Vet Parasitol 2017; 240:49-59. [PMID: 28449954 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2017.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An immunomodulatory protein designated RH36 was identified in the tick Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides. The cDNA sequence of RH36 has 844bp and encodes a deduced protein with a predicted molecular weight of 24kDa. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that RH36 presented a degree of similarity of 34.36% with the immunomodulatory protein p36 from the tick Dermacentor andersoni. The recombinant RH36 (rRH36) expressed in Sf9 insect cells suppressed the T-lymphocyte mitogen-driven in vitro proliferation of splenocytes and the expression of several cytokines such as IL-2, IL-12, and TNF-α. Furthermore, the proliferation of splenocytes isolated from rRH36-inoculated mice was significantly lower than that in control mice, suggesting that rRH36 could directly suppress immune responses in vivo. In addition, microarray analysis of splenocytes indicated that the expression of several immunomodulatory genes was downregulated by rRH36. The silencing of the RH36 gene by RNAi led to a 37.5% decrease in the tick attachment rate 24h after placement into the rabbit ears, whereas vaccination with RH36 caused a 53.06% decrease in the tick engorgement rate. Unexpectedly, RNAi induced a significant decrease in the oviposition rate, ovary weight at day 12 after engorgement, and egg-hatching rate. The effects of RH36 on blood feeding and oviposition were further confirmed by vaccination tests using the recombinant protein. These results indicate that RH36 is a novel member of immunosuppressant proteins and affects tick blood feeding and oviposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiaojuan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Fengxun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haiyan Gong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China.
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19
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Molecular Characterization and Function Analysis of the Vitellogenin Receptor from the Cotton Bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155785. [PMID: 27192057 PMCID: PMC4871585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Developing oocytes accumulate plentiful yolk protein during oogenesis through receptor-mediated endocytosis. The vitellogenin receptor (VgR), belonging to the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family, regulates the absorption of yolk protein. In this work, the full-length vitellogenin receptor (HaVgR) in the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera was identified, encoding a 1817 residue protein. Sequence alignment revealed that the sequence of HaVgR contained all of the conservative structural motifs of LDLR family members, and phylogenetic analysis indicated that HaVgR had a high identity among Lepidoptera and was distinct from that of other insects. Consistent with other insects, HaVgR was specifically expressed in ovarian tissue. The developmental expression pattern showed that HaVgR was first transcribed in the newly metamorphosed female adults, reached a peak in 2-day-old adults and then declined. Western blot analysis also revealed an ovarian-specific and developing expression pattern, which was consistent with the HaVgR mRNA transcription. Moreover, RNAi-mediated HaVgR knockdown strongly reduced the VgR expression in both the mRNA and protein levels, which inhibited the yolk protein deposition in the ovaries, led to the dramatic accumulation of vitellogenin and the up-regulation of HaVg expression in hemolymph, and eventually resulted in a declined fecundity. Together, all of these findings demonstrate that HaVgR is a specific receptor in uptake and transportation of yolk protein for the maturation of oocytes and that it plays a critical role in female reproduction.
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20
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The Essential Role of Vitellogenin Receptor in Ovary Development and Vitellogenin Uptake in Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:18368-83. [PMID: 26262609 PMCID: PMC4581250 DOI: 10.3390/ijms160818368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The vitellogenin receptor (VgR) functions as an essential component in uptaking and transporting vitellogenin (Vg) in female adults, which is involved in ovary development and oviposition. This study aimed to clarify the molecular characteristics and function of VgR in the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). Here, we identified the full-length of BdVgR (GenBank Accession No. JX469118), encoding a 1925 residue (aa) protein with a 214.72 kDa molecular mass and several typical motifs of low-density lipoprotein receptor superfamily (LDLR). Phylogenic analysis suggested that BdVgR was evolutionary conserved with other Dipteran VgRs. The expression of BdVgR was exclusively detected in the ovaries rather than head, thorax or other tissues. The developmental expression patterns showed that the signal of BdVgR was detectable in very beginning of adult stage, and positively correlated with the growth rate of ovaries and the expression levels of its ligands. In addition, we also demonstrated that the expression level of BdVgR, and ovary development were significantly suppressed after being injected with BdVgR-targeted dsRNA. Together, all of these results indicated that BdVgR was critical for yolk protein absorption and ovary maturation in B. dorsalis, playing a vital role in female reproduction.
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Molecular characterization of two vitellogenin genes from the tick, Amblyomma hebraeum (Acari: Ixodidae). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:821-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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