1
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Reyes JB, McVicar M, Beniwal S, Sharma A, Tillett R, Petereit J, Nuss A, Gulia-Nuss M. A multi-omics approach for understanding blood digestion dynamics in Ixodes scapularis and identification of anti-tick vaccine targets. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2024; 15:102379. [PMID: 39033644 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2024.102379] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Ixodes scapularis, the black-legged tick, is a major arthropod vector that transmits the causative agents of Lyme disease and several other pathogens of human significance. The tick midgut is the main tissue involved in blood acquisition and digestion and the first organ to have contact with pathogens ingested through the blood meal. Gene expression in the midgut before, during, and after a blood meal may vary in response to the physiological changes due to blood feeding. A systems biology approach based on RNA and protein sequencing was used to gain insight into the changes in tick midgut transcripts and proteins during blood ingestion (unfed and partially fed) and digestion (1-, 2-, 7-, and 14 days post detachment from the host) by the Ixodes scapularis female ticks. A total of 2,726 differentially expressed transcripts, and 449 proteins were identified across the time points. Genes involved in detoxification of xenobiotics, proteases, protease inhibitors, metabolism, and immunity were differentially expressed in response to blood feeding. Similarly, proteins corresponding to the same groups were also differentially expressed. Nine genes from major gene categories were chosen as potential vaccine candidates, and, using RNA interference, the effect of these gene knockdowns on tick biology was investigated. Knockdown of these genes had variable negative impacts on tick physiology, such as the inability to engorge fully and to produce eggs and increased mortality. These and additional gene targets provide opportunities to explore novel tick control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah B Reyes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA, 89557; Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada Reno, USA, 89557
| | - Molly McVicar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA, 89557
| | - Saransh Beniwal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA, 89557; Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, USA, 89557
| | - Arvind Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA, 89557
| | - Richard Tillett
- Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada Reno, USA, 89557
| | - Juli Petereit
- Nevada Bioinformatics Center, University of Nevada Reno, USA, 89557
| | - Andrew Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA, 89557; Department of Agriculture, Veterinary, and Rangeland Science, University of Nevada Reno, USA, 89557
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA, 89557.
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2
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Manjunatha M, Pham M, Gulia-Nuss M, Nuss A. Gene editing in agricultural, health, and veterinary pest arthropods: recent advances. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2024; 65:101235. [PMID: 39019112 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2024.101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Pest arthropods cause significant crop damage or are vectors of pathogens for both plants and animals. The current standard of pest management prevents against crop losses and protects human and animal health, but shortcomings exist, such as insecticide resistance and environmental damage to nontarget organisms. New management methods are therefore needed. The development of new tools, such as site-specific gene editing, has accelerated the study of gene function and phenotype in nonmodel arthropod species and may enable the development of new strategies for pathogen and arthropod control. Here, the most recent developments in gene editing in arthropod pests are briefly reviewed. Additionally, technological advances that could be applicable to new species or enhance the success rates of gene editing in species with already established protocols are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhusudan Manjunatha
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary, and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Michael Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Andrew Nuss
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary, and Rangeland Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA.
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3
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Samaddar S, Rolandelli A, O'Neal AJ, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Marnin L, Singh N, Wang X, Butler LR, Rangghran P, Kitsou C, Cabrera Paz FE, Valencia L, R Ferraz C, Munderloh UG, Khoo B, Cull B, Rosche KL, Shaw DK, Oliver J, Narasimhan S, Fikrig E, Pal U, Fiskum GM, Polster BM, Pedra JHF. Bacterial reprogramming of tick metabolism impacts vector fitness and susceptibility to infection. Nat Microbiol 2024:10.1038/s41564-024-01756-0. [PMID: 38997520 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-024-01756-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne pathogens are responsible for hundreds of millions of infections in humans each year. The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the predominant arthropod vector in the United States and is responsible for transmitting several human pathogens, including the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi and the obligate intracellular rickettsial bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. However, tick metabolic response to microbes and whether metabolite allocation occurs upon infection remain unknown. Here we investigated metabolic reprogramming in the tick ectoparasite I. scapularis and determined that the rickettsial bacterium A. phagocytophilum and the spirochete B. burgdorferi induced glycolysis in tick cells. Surprisingly, the endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri had a minimal effect on bioenergetics. An unbiased metabolomics approach following A. phagocytophilum infection of tick cells showed alterations in carbohydrate, lipid, nucleotide and protein metabolism, including elevated levels of the pleiotropic metabolite β-aminoisobutyric acid. We manipulated the expression of genes associated with β-aminoisobutyric acid metabolism in I. scapularis, resulting in feeding impairment, diminished survival and reduced bacterial acquisition post haematophagy. Collectively, we discovered that metabolic reprogramming affects interspecies relationships and fitness in the clinically relevant tick I. scapularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anya J O'Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hanna J Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Energy Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University; Knowledge Corridor, Gandhinagar, India
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- MP Biomedicals, Solon, OH, USA
| | - L Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Parisa Rangghran
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Chrysoula Kitsou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Francy E Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Camila R Ferraz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Benedict Khoo
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Benjamin Cull
- Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Kristin L Rosche
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Dana K Shaw
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan Oliver
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sukanya Narasimhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gary M Fiskum
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian M Polster
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joao H F Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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4
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Wudarski J, Aliabadi S, Gulia-Nuss M. Arthropod promoters for genetic control of disease vectors. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:619-632. [PMID: 38824066 PMCID: PMC11223965 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2024.04.011] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) impose devastating effects on human health and a heavy financial burden. Malaria, Lyme disease, and dengue fever are just a few examples of VBDs that cause severe illnesses. The current strategies to control VBDs consist mainly of environmental modification and chemical use, and to a small extent, genetic approaches. The genetic approaches, including transgenesis/genome modification and gene-drive technologies, provide the basis for developing new tools for VBD prevention by suppressing vector populations or reducing their capacity to transmit pathogens. The regulatory elements such as promoters are required for a robust sex-, tissue-, and stage-specific transgene expression. As discussed in this review, information on the regulatory elements is available for mosquito vectors but is scant for other vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Wudarski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Simindokht Aliabadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA.
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5
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Matsuda N, Takahashi M, Shirai Y, Hinomoto N, Daimon T. Direct parental CRISPR gene editing in the predatory bug Orius strigicollis, a biocontrol agent against small arthropods. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024. [PMID: 38934844 DOI: 10.1002/ps.8275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The predatory flower bug Orius strigicollis serves as a valuable biocontrol agent against small arthropods; however, its effectiveness can vary, especially when population establishment fails due to low prey/pest densities. A promising approach to improve the efficacy of O. strigicollis as a biocontrol agent is through gene editing. However, as females lay their eggs in plant tissue, the conventional embryo injection approach is challenging in this species. RESULTS In this study, we aimed to develop an efficient and practical gene editing technique for O. strigicollis using direct parental CRISPR (DIPA-CRISPR). Female bugs at various postemergence stages received Cas9 ribonucleoprotein injections, with subsequent genotyping of their offspring (G0) using PCR and a heteroduplex mobility assay. We targeted the kynurenine 3-monooxygenase gene (cinnabar), pivotal for insect ommochrome pigment biosynthesis. Through experimental optimization, we achieved a peak gene editing efficiency of 52%, i.e., 52% of G0 progeny carried gene-edited alleles when injecting 1 day postemergence. Notably, some gene-edited G0 adults exhibited a red-eye mosaic phenotype, in contrast to the black-eyed wild type. Crossing experiments confirmed the heritability of the introduced mutations in the subsequent generation (G1), enabling the establishment of a cinnabar-knockout line with bright red eyes. CONCLUSION We demonstrate that our DIPA-CRISPR gene editing method tailored for O. strigicollis is efficient and practical. Our findings highlight the potency of DIPA-CRISPR as a tool for O. strigicollis genetic engineering and suggest broader applications for enhancing other biocontrol agents. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Matsuda
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Momoyo Takahashi
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yu Shirai
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Norihide Hinomoto
- Division of Environmental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takaaki Daimon
- Division of Applied Biosciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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6
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Klementz BC, Brenneis G, Hinne IA, Laumer EM, Neu SM, Hareid GM, Gainett G, Setton EVW, Simian C, Vrech DE, Joyce I, Barnett AA, Patel NH, Harvey MS, Peretti AV, Gulia-Nuss M, Sharma PP. A novel expression domain of extradenticle underlies the evolutionary developmental origin of the chelicerate patella. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.16.594547. [PMID: 38826321 PMCID: PMC11142128 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.16.594547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Neofunctionalization of duplicated gene copies is thought to be an important process underlying the origin of evolutionary novelty and provides an elegant mechanism for the origin of new phenotypic traits. One putative case where a new gene copy has been linked to a novel morphological trait is the origin of the arachnid patella, a taxonomically restricted leg segment. In spiders, the origin of this segment has been linked to the origin of the paralog dachshund-2 , suggesting that a new gene facilitated the expression of a new trait. However, various arachnid groups that possess patellae do not have a copy of dachshund-2 , disfavoring the direct link between gene origin and trait origin. We investigated the developmental genetic basis for patellar patterning in the harvestman Phalangium opilio , which lacks dachshund-2 . Here, we show that the harvestman patella is established by a novel expression domain of the transcription factor extradenticle . Leveraging this definition of patellar identity, we surveyed targeted groups across chelicerate phylogeny to assess when this trait evolved. We show that a patellar homolog is present in Pycnogonida (sea spiders) and various arachnid orders, suggesting a single origin of the patella in the ancestor of Chelicerata. A potential loss of the patella is observed in Ixodida. Our results suggest that the modification of an ancient gene, rather than the neofunctionalization of a new gene copy, underlies the origin of the patella. Broadly, this work underscores the value of comparative data and broad taxonomic sampling when testing hypotheses in evolutionary developmental biology.
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7
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de la Fuente J, Ghosh S. Evolution of tick vaccinology. Parasitology 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38586999 DOI: 10.1017/s003118202400043x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Ticks represent a major concern for society worldwide. Ticks are also difficult to control, and vaccines represent the most efficacious, safe, economically feasible and environmentally sustainable intervention. The evolution of tick vaccinology has been driven by multiple challenges such as (1) Ticks are difficult to control, (2) Vaccines control tick infestations by reducing ectoparasite fitness and reproduction, (3) Vaccine efficacy against multiple tick species, (4) Impact of tick strain genetic diversity on vaccine efficacy, (5) Antigen combination to improve vaccine efficacy, (6) Vaccine formulations and delivery platforms and (7) Combination of vaccines with transgenesis and paratransgenesis. Tick vaccine antigens evolved from organ protein extracts to recombinant proteins to chimera designed by vaccinomics and quantum vaccinomics. Future directions will advance in these areas together with other novel technologies such as multiomics, AI and Big Data, mRNA vaccines, microbiota-driven probiotics and vaccines, and combination of vaccines with other interventions in collaboration with regions with high incidence of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases for a personalized medicine approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Parasitology Division, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar 243122, Bareilly, UP, India
- Eastern Regional Station- Indian Veterinary Research Institute, 37 Belgachia Road, Kolkata-700037, West Bengal, India
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8
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Lima L, Berni M, Mota J, Bressan D, Julio A, Cavalcante R, Macias V, Li Z, Rasgon JL, Bier E, Araujo H. Gene Editing in the Chagas Disease Vector Rhodnius prolixus by Cas9-Mediated ReMOT Control. CRISPR J 2024; 7:88-99. [PMID: 38564197 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2023.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus is currently the model vector of choice for studying Chagas disease transmission, a debilitating disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi parasites. However, transgenesis and gene editing protocols to advance the field are still lacking. Here, we tested protocols for the maternal delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly spaced palindromic repeats/Cas-9 associated) elements to developing R. prolixus oocytes and strategies for the identification of insertions and deletions (indels) in target loci of resulting gene-edited generation zero (G0) nymphs. We demonstrate successful gene editing of the eye color markers Rp-scarlet and Rp-white, and the cuticle color marker Rp-yellow, with highest effectiveness obtained using Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT Control) with the ovary-targeting BtKV ligand. These results provide proof of concepts for generating somatic mutations in R. prolixus and potentially for generating germ line-edited lines in triatomines, laying the foundation for gene editing protocols that could lead to the development of novel control strategies for vectors of Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Lima
- Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mateus Berni
- Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jamile Mota
- Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Bressan
- Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alison Julio
- Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Robson Cavalcante
- Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Macias
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas, USA
| | - Zhiqian Li
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, The Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ethan Bier
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Helena Araujo
- Program in Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular (INCT-EM), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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9
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Singh N, Rolandelli A, O’Neal AJ, Butler LR, Samaddar S, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Butnaru M, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Pedra JHF. Genetic manipulation of an Ixodes scapularis cell line. mBio 2024; 15:e0247923. [PMID: 38380961 PMCID: PMC10936194 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02479-23] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Although genetic manipulation is one of the hallmarks of model organisms, its applicability to non-model species has remained difficult due to our limited understanding of their fundamental biology. For instance, manipulation of a cell line originated from the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis, an arthropod that serves as a vector for several human pathogens, has yet to be established. Here, we demonstrate the successful genetic modification of the commonly used tick ISE6 line through ectopic expression and clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats [(CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9)] genome editing. We performed ectopic expression using nucleofection and attained CRISPR-Cas9 editing via homology-dependent recombination. Targeting the E3 ubiquitin ligase x-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (xiap) and its substrate p47 led to an alteration in molecular signaling within the immune deficiency network and increased infection of the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum in I. scapularis ISE6 cells. Collectively, our findings complement techniques for the genetic engineering of I. scapularis ticks, which currently limit efficient and scalable molecular genetic screens in vivo.IMPORTANCEGenetic engineering in arachnids has lagged compared to insects, largely because of substantial differences in their biology. This study unveils the implementation of ectopic expression and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in a tick cell line. We introduced fluorescently tagged proteins in ISE6 cells and edited its genome via homology-dependent recombination. We ablated the expression of xiap and p47, two signaling molecules present in the immune deficiency (IMD) pathway of Ixodes scapularis. Impairment of the tick IMD pathway, an analogous network of the tumor necrosis factor receptor in mammals, led to enhanced infection of the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Altogether, our findings provide a critical technical resource to the scientific community to enable a deeper understanding of biological circuits in the black-legged tick I. scapularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Butnaru
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie E. Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Joao H. F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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10
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Rolandelli A, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Bogale HN, Singh N, Samaddar S, O'Neal AJ, Ferraz CR, Butnaru M, Mameli E, Xia B, Mendes MT, Butler LR, Marnin L, Cabrera Paz FE, Valencia LM, Rana VS, Skerry C, Pal U, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Serre D, Pedra JHF. Tick hemocytes have a pleiotropic role in microbial infection and arthropod fitness. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2117. [PMID: 38459063 PMCID: PMC10923820 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46494-3] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Uncovering the complexity of systems in non-model organisms is critical for understanding arthropod immunology. Prior efforts have mostly focused on Dipteran insects, which only account for a subset of existing arthropod species in nature. Here we use and develop advanced techniques to describe immune cells (hemocytes) from the clinically relevant tick Ixodes scapularis at a single-cell resolution. We observe molecular alterations in hemocytes upon feeding and infection with either the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi or the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We reveal hemocyte clusters exhibiting defined signatures related to immunity, metabolism, and proliferation. Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes affects hemocytin and astakine levels, two I. scapularis hemocyte markers, impacting blood-feeding, molting behavior, and bacterial acquisition. Mechanistically, astakine alters hemocyte proliferation, whereas hemocytin affects the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway in I. scapularis. Altogether, we discover a role for tick hemocytes in immunophysiology and provide a valuable resource for comparative biology in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hanna J Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haikel N Bogale
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Rancho BioSciences, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Energy Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University; Knowledge Corridor, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anya J O'Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camila R Ferraz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Matthew Butnaru
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Baolong Xia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - L Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Francy E Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa M Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vipin S Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Ciaran Skerry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie E Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
| | - David Serre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joao H F Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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11
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Rosani U, Sollitto M, Fogal N, Salata C. Comparative analysis of Presence-Absence gene Variations in five hard tick species: impact and functional considerations. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:147-156. [PMID: 37806426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Tick species are vectors of harmful human and animal diseases, and their expansion is raising concerns under the global environmental changes' scenario. Ticks host and transmit bacteria, protozoa and viruses, making the understanding of host-pathogen molecular pathways critical to development of effective disease control strategies. Despite the considerable sizes and repeat contents of tick genomes, individual tick genomics is perhaps the most effective approach to reveal genotypic traits of interest. Presence-Absence gene Variations (PAVs) can contribute to individual differences within species, with dispensable genes carried by subsets of individuals possibly underpinning functional significance at individual or population-levels. We exploited 350 resequencing datasets of Dermacentor silvarum, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes persulcatus, Rhipicephalus microplus and Rhipicephalus sanguineus hard tick specimens to reveal the extension of PAV and the conservation of dispensable genes among individuals and, comparatively, between species. Overall, we traced 550-3,346 dispensable genes per species and were able to reconstruct 5.3-7 Mb of genomic regions not included in the respective reference genomes, as part of the tick pangenomes. Both dispensable genes and de novo predicted genes indicated that PAVs preferentially impacted mobile genetic elements in these tick species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Rosani
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Marco Sollitto
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy; Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Glagoljaška 8, 6000 Koper, Slovenia
| | - Nicolò Fogal
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Cristiano Salata
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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12
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Butler LR, Singh N, Marnin L, Valencia LM, O'Neal AJ, Paz FEC, Shaw DK, Chavez ASO, Pedra JHF. The role of Rab27 in tick extracellular vesicle biogenesis and pathogen infection. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:57. [PMID: 38336752 PMCID: PMC10854084 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06150-7] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, transmits most vector-borne diseases in the US. It vectors seven pathogens of public health relevance, including the emerging human pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Nevertheless, it remains critically understudied compared to other arthropod vectors. Ixodes scapularis releases a variety of molecules that assist in the modulation of host responses. Recently, it was found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry several of these molecules and may impact microbial transmission to the mammalian host. EV biogenesis has been studied in mammalian systems and is relatively well understood, but the molecular players important for the formation and secretion of EVs in arthropods of public health relevance remain elusive. RabGTPases are among the major molecular players in mammalian EV biogenesis. They influence membrane identity and vesicle budding, uncoating, and motility. METHODS Using BLAST, an in silico pathway for EV biogenesis in ticks was re-constructed. We identified Rab27 for further study. EVs were collected from ISE6 tick cells after knocking down rab27 to examine its role in tick EV biogenesis. Ixodes scapularis nymphs were injected with small interfering RNAs to knock down rab27 and then fed on naïve and A. phagocytophilum-infected mice to explore the importance of rab27 in tick feeding and bacterial acquisition. RESULTS Our BLAST analysis identified several of the proteins involved in EV biogenesis in ticks, including Rab27. We show that silencing rab27 in I. scapularis impacts tick fitness. Additionally, ticks acquire less A. phagocytophilum after rab27 silencing. Experiments in the tick ISE6 cell line show that silencing of rab27 causes a distinct range profile of tick EVs, indicating that Rab27 is needed to regulate EV biogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Rab27 is needed for successful tick feeding and may be important for acquiring A. phagocytophilum during a blood meal. Additionally, silencing rab27 in tick cells results in a shift of extracellular vesicle size. Overall, we have observed that Rab27 plays a key role in tick EV biogenesis and the tripartite interactions among the vector, the mammalian host, and a microbe it encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Rainer Butler
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Anya J O'Neal
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Dana K Shaw
- Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | | | - Joao H F Pedra
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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13
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De Rouck S, Mocchetti A, Dermauw W, Van Leeuwen T. SYNCAS: Efficient CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing in difficult to transform arthropods. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 165:104068. [PMID: 38171463 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.104068] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The genome editing technique CRISPR/Cas9 has led to major advancements in many research fields and this state-of-the-art tool has proven its use in genetic studies for various arthropods. However, most transformation protocols rely on microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 components into embryos, a method which is challenging for many species. Alternatively, injections can be performed on adult females, but transformation efficiencies can be very low as was shown for the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, a minute but important chelicerate pest on many crops. In this study, we explored different CRISPR/Cas9 formulations to optimize a maternal injection protocol for T. urticae. We observed a strong synergy between branched amphipathic peptide capsules and saponins, resulting in a significant increase of CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out efficiency, exceeding 20%. This CRISPR/Cas9 formulation, termed SYNCAS, was used to knock-out different T. urticae genes - phytoene desaturase, CYP384A1 and Antennapedia - but also allowed to develop a co-CRISPR strategy and facilitated the generation of T. urticae knock-in mutants. In addition, SYNCAS was successfully applied to knock-out white and white-like genes in the western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis. The SYNCAS method allows routine genome editing in these species and can be a game changer for genetic research in other hard to transform arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander De Rouck
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Antonio Mocchetti
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Wannes Dermauw
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium.
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14
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Xu S, Neupane S, Wang H, Pham TP, Snyman M, Huynh TV, Wang L. Efficient CRISPR genome editing and integrative genomic analyses reveal the mosaicism of Cas-induced mutations and pleiotropic effects of scarlet gene in an emerging model system. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.577787. [PMID: 38352317 PMCID: PMC10862705 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.577787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Despite the revolutionary impacts of CRISPR-Cas gene editing systems, the effective and widespread use of CRISPR technologies in emerging model organisms still faces significant challenges. These include the inefficiency in generating heritable mutations at the organismal level, limited knowledge about the genomic consequences of gene editing, and an inadequate understanding of the inheritance patterns of CRISPR-Cas-induced mutations. This study addresses these issues by 1) developing an efficient microinjection delivery method for CRISPR editing in the microcrustacean Daphnia pulex; 2) assessing the editing efficiency of Cas9 and Cas12a nucleases, examining mutation inheritance patterns, and analyzing the local and global mutation spectrum in the scarlet mutants; and 3) investigating the transcriptomes of scarlet mutants to understand the pleiotropic effects of scarlet underlying their swimming behavior changes. Our reengineered CRISPR microinjection method results in efficient biallelic editing with both nucleases. While indels are dominant in Cas-induced mutations, a few on-site large deletions (>1kb) are observed, most likely caused by microhomology-mediated end joining repair. Knock-in of a stop codon cassette to the scarlet locus was successful, despite complex induced mutations surrounding the target site. Moreover, extensive germline mosaicism exists in some mutants, which unexpectedly produce different phenotypes/genotypes in their asexual progenies. Lastly, our transcriptomic analyses unveil significant gene expression changes associated with scarlet knock-out and altered swimming behavior in mutants, including several genes (e.g., NMDA1, ABAT, CNTNAP2) involved in human neurodegenerative diseases. This study expands our understanding of the dynamics of gene editing in the tractable model organism Daphnia and highlights its promising potential as a neurological disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Xu
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Swatantra Neupane
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, 76019, USA
| | - Thinh Phu Pham
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, 76019, USA
| | - Marelize Snyman
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas, 76019, USA
| | - Trung V. Huynh
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, 65211, USA
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15
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Terradas G, Macias VM, Peterson H, McKeand S, Krawczyk G, Rasgon JL. The Development and Expansion of in vivo Germline Editing Technologies in Arthropods: Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT Control) and Beyond. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1550-1563. [PMID: 37742320 PMCID: PMC10755176 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past 20 years, sequencing technologies have led to easy access to genomic data from nonmodel organisms in all biological realms. Insect genetic manipulation, however, continues to be a challenge due to various factors, including technical and cost-related issues. Traditional techniques such as microinjection of gene-editing vectors into early stage embryos have been used for arthropod transgenesis and the discovery of Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR-Cas) technologies allowed for targeted mutagenesis and the creation of knockouts or knock-ins in arthropods. Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT Control) acts as an alternative to embryonic microinjections, which require expensive equipment and extensive hands-on training. ReMOT Control's main advantage is its ease of use coupled with the ability to hypothetically target any vitellogenic species, as injections are administered to the egg-laying adult rather than embryos. After its initial application in the mosquito Aedes aegypti, ReMOT Control has successfully produced mutants not only for mosquitoes but for multiple arthropod species from diverse orders, such as ticks, mites, wasps, beetles, and true bugs, and is being extended to crustaceans, demonstrating the versatility of the technique. In this review, we discuss the current state of ReMOT Control from its proof-of-concept to the advances and challenges in the application across species after 5 years since its development, including novel extensions of the technique such as direct parental (DIPA)-CRISPR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Terradas
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Vanessa M Macias
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Hillary Peterson
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Sage McKeand
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Grzegorz Krawczyk
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
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16
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Yu B, Dong S, Jiang X, Qiao L, Chen J, Li T, Pan G, Zhou Z, Li C. Cas9-Mediated Gene Editing Using Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT) Control in Bombyx mori. INSECTS 2023; 14:932. [PMID: 38132605 PMCID: PMC10743513 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Lepidoptera is one of the most speciose insect orders, causing enormous damage to agricultural and forest crops. Although genome editing has been achieved in a few Lepidoptera for insect controls, most techniques are still limited. Here, by injecting female pupae of the Lepidoptera model species, Bombyx mori, gene editing was established using the Receptor-Mediated Ovary Transduction of Cargo (ReMOT) control technique. We identified a B. mori oocytes-targeting peptide ligand (BmOTP, a 29 aa of vitellogenin N-terminal of silkworms) with a highly conserved sequence in lepidopteran insects that could efficiently deliver mCherry into oocytes. When BmOTP was fused to CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) and the BmOTP-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex was injected into female pupae, heritable editing of the offspring was achieved in the silkworms. Compared with embryo microinjection, individual injection is more convenient and eliminates the challenge of injecting extremely small embryos. Our results will significantly facilitate the genetic manipulation of other lepidopteran insects, which is essential for advancing lepidopteran pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Sichen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaoyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China;
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Tian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guoqing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zeyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China;
| | - Chunfeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China; (B.Y.); (S.D.); (X.J.); (J.C.); (T.L.); (G.P.)
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Microsporidia Infection and Prevention, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
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17
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Cheatle Jarvela AM, Wexler JR. Advances in genome sequencing reveal changes in gene content that contribute to arthropod macroevolution. Dev Genes Evol 2023; 233:59-76. [PMID: 37982820 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-023-00712-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Current sequencing technology allows for the relatively affordable generation of highly contiguous genomes. Technological advances have made it possible for researchers to investigate the consequences of diverse sorts of genomic variants, such as gene gain and loss. With the extraordinary number of high-quality genomes now available, we take stock of how these genomic variants impact phenotypic evolution. We take care to point out that the identification of genomic variants of interest is only the first step in understanding their impact. Painstaking lab or fieldwork is still required to establish causal relationships between genomic variants and phenotypic evolution. We focus mostly on arthropod research, as this phylum has an impressive degree of phenotypic diversity and is also the subject of much evolutionary genetics research. This article is intended to both highlight recent advances in the field and also to be a primer for learning about evolutionary genetics and genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alys M Cheatle Jarvela
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA.
- HHMI Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, VA, USA.
| | - Judith R Wexler
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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18
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Pham M, Hoffmann HH, Kurtti TJ, Chana R, Garcia-Cruz O, Aliabadi S, Gulia-Nuss M. Validation of a heat-inducible Ixodes scapularis HSP70 promoter and developing a tick-specific 3xP3 promoter sequence in ISE6 cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.29.569248. [PMID: 38076872 PMCID: PMC10705397 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Ixodes scapularis is an important vector of many pathogens, including the causative agent of Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and anaplasmosis. The study of gene function in I. scapularis and other ticks has been hampered by the lack of genetic tools, such as an inducible promoter to permit temporal control over transgenes encoding protein or double-stranded RNA expression. Studies of vector-pathogen relationships would also benefit from the capability to activate anti-pathogen genes at different times during pathogen infection and dissemination. We have characterized an intergenic sequence upstream of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene that can drive Renilla luciferase expression and mCherry fluorescence in the I. scapularis cell line ISE6. In another construct, we replaced the Drosophila melanogaster minimal HSP70 promoter in the synthetic 3xP3 promoter with a minimal portion of the I. scapularis HSP70 promoter and generated an I. scapularis specific 3xP3 (Is3xP3) promoter. Both promoter constructs, IsHSP70 and Is3xP3, allow for heat-inducible expression of mCherry fluorescence in ISE6 cells with an approximately 10-fold increase in the percentage of fluorescent positive cells upon exposure to a 2 h heat shock. These promoters described here will be valuable tools for gene function studies and temporal control of gene expression, including anti-pathogen genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | | | | | - Randeep Chana
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Omar Garcia-Cruz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Simindokht Aliabadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Monika Gulia-Nuss
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
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19
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Simões ML. Transgenic approaches in medical entomology: 2022 highlights. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:1262-1268. [PMID: 37658779 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad105] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Transgenesis has emerged as a powerful tool to control arthropod vectors and the diseases they transmit. Here, we highlight the latest developments on transgenic approaches in ticks, Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes, based on recent findings and significant papers from 2022. We survey topics ranging from population replacement, population suppression, gene drive, sex ratio distortion, public engagement and capacity building, and gene editing in ticks. While presenting these advancements, we discuss the current challenges surrounding the application of arthropod transgenesis for the development of novel vector control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria L Simões
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp, Nationalestraat 155, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
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20
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Marnin L, Bogale HN, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Valencia LM, Rolandelli A, O’Neal AJ, Ferraz CR, Schmitter-Sánchez AD, Cuevas EB, Nguyen TT, Leal-Galvan B, Rickert DM, Bruno VM, Tays Mendes M, Samaddar S, Rainer Butler L, Singh N, Cabrera Paz FE, Oliver JD, Jameson JM, Munderloh UG, Oliva Chávez AS, Mulenga A, Park S, Serre D, Pedra JH. Tick extracellular vesicles impair epidermal homeostasis through immune-epithelial networks during hematophagy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.10.566612. [PMID: 37986907 PMCID: PMC10659423 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.10.566612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Hematophagous ectoparasites, such as ticks, rely on impaired wound healing for skin attachment and blood feeding. Wound healing has been extensively studied through the lens of inflammatory disorders and cancer, but limited attention has been given to arthropod-borne diseases. Here, we used orthogonal approaches combining single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), flow cytometry, murine genetics, and intravital microscopy to demonstrate how tick extracellular vesicles (EVs) disrupt networks involved in tissue repair. Impairment of EVs through silencing of the SNARE protein vamp33 negatively impacted ectoparasite feeding and survival in three medically relevant tick species, including Ixodes scapularis. Furthermore, I. scapularis EVs affected epidermal γδ T cell frequencies and co-receptor expression, which are essential for keratinocyte function. ScRNAseq analysis of the skin epidermis in wildtype animals exposed to vamp33-deficient ticks revealed a unique cluster of keratinocytes with an overrepresentation of pathways connected to wound healing. This biological circuit was further implicated in arthropod fitness when tick EVs inhibited epithelial proliferation through the disruption of phosphoinositide 3-kinase activity and keratinocyte growth factor levels. Collectively, we uncovered a tick-targeted impairment of tissue repair via the resident γδ T cell-keratinocyte axis, which contributes to ectoparasite feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Haikel N. Bogale
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Luisa M. Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Camila Rodrigues Ferraz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Axel D. Schmitter-Sánchez
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Emily Bencosme Cuevas
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Thu-Thuy Nguyen
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Brenda Leal-Galvan
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David M. Rickert
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Vincent M. Bruno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - M. Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Francy E. Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Oliver
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Julie M Jameson
- Department of Biology, California State University San Marcos, San Marcos, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sangbum Park
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - David Serre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joao H.F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Rainer Butler L, Singh N, Marnin L, Valencia LM, O’Neal AJ, Cabrera Paz FE, Shaw DK, Oliva Chavez AS, Pedra JH. Rab27 in tick extracellular vesicle biogenesis and infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.02.565357. [PMID: 37961338 PMCID: PMC10635084 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.02.565357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, transmits most vector-borne diseases in the United States. It vectors seven pathogens of public health relevance, including the emerging human pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Nevertheless, it remains critically understudied when compared to other arthropod vectors. I. scapularis releases a variety of molecules that assist in the modulation of host responses. Recently, it was found that extracellular vesicles (EVs) carry several of these molecules and may impact microbial transmission to the mammalian host. EV biogenesis has been studied in mammalian systems and is relatively well understood, but the molecular players important for the formation and secretion of EVs in arthropods of public health relevance remain elusive. RabGTPases are among the major molecular players in mammalian EV biogenesis. They influence membrane identity and vesicle budding, uncoating, and motility. Methods Using BLAST, an in-silico pathway for EV biogenesis in ticks was re-constructed. We identified Rab27 for further study. EVs were collected from ISE6 tick cells after knocking down rab27 to examine its role in tick EV biogenesis. I. scapularis nymphs were injected with small interfering RNAs to knock down rab27 then fed on naïve and A. phagocytophilum infected mice to explore the importance of rab27 in tick feeding and bacterial acquisition. Results Our BLAST analysis identified several of the proteins involved in EV biogenesis in ticks, including Rab27. We show that silencing rab27 in I. scapularis impacts tick fitness. Additionally, ticks acquire less A. phagocytophilum after rab27 silencing. Experiments in the tick ISE6 cell line show that silencing of rab27 causes a distinct range profile of tick EVs, indicating that Rab27 is needed to regulate EV biogenesis. Conclusions Rab27 is needed for successful tick feeding and may be important for acquiring A. phagocytophilum during a blood meal. Additionally, silencing rab27 in tick cells results in a shift of extracellular vesicle size. Overall, we have observed that Rab27 plays a key role in tick EV biogenesis and the tripartite interactions among the vector, the mammalian host, and a microbe it encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nisha Singh
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Anya J. O’Neal
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Dana K. Shaw
- Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA
| | | | - Joao H.F. Pedra
- The University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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22
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Zhang MQ, Gong LL, Zhao YQ, Ma YF, Long GJ, Guo H, Liu XZ, Hull JJ, Dewer Y, Yang C, Zhang NN, He M, He P. Efficient DIPA-CRISPR-mediated knockout of an eye pigment gene in the white-backed planthopper, Sogatella furcifera. INSECT SCIENCE 2023. [PMID: 37919237 DOI: 10.1111/1744-7917.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Although CRISPR/Cas9 has been widely used in insect gene editing, the need for the microinjection of preblastoderm embryos can preclude the technique being used in insect species with eggs that are small, have hard shells, and/or are difficult to collect and maintain outside of their normal environment. Such is the case with Sogatella furcifera, the white-backed planthopper (WBPH), a significant pest of Oryza sativa (rice) that oviposits inside rice stems. Egg extraction from the stem runs the risk of mechanical damage and hatching is heavily influenced by the micro-environment of the rice stem. To bypass these issues, we targeted embryos prior to oviposition via direct parental (DIPA)-CRISPR, in which Cas9 and single-guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for the WBPH eye pigment gene tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase were injected into the hemocoel of adult females. Females at varying numbers of days posteclosion were evaluated to determine at what stage their oocyte might be most capable of taking up the gene-editing components. An evaluation of the offspring indicated that the highest G0 gene-edited efficacy (56.7%) occurred in females injected 2 d posteclosion, and that those mutations were heritably transmitted to the G1 generation. This study demonstrates the potential utility of DIPA-CRISPR for future gene-editing studies in non-model insect species and can facilitate the development of novel pest management applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Qi Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lang-Lang Gong
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Ya-Qin Zhao
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Yun-Feng Ma
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Gui-Jun Long
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Huan Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xuan-Zheng Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - J Joe Hull
- Pest Management and Biocontrol Research Unit, US Arid Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Services, Maricopa, Arizona, USA
| | - Youssef Dewer
- Phytotoxicity Research Department, Central Agricultural Pesticide Laboratory, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Chao Yang
- Guizhou Jifeng Seed Industry Limited Liability Company, Xingyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ning-Ning Zhang
- Shandong Facility Horticulture Bioengineering Research Center, Weifang University of Science and Technology, Weifang, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Peng He
- National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Center for R&D of Fine Chemicals of Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
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23
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de la Fuente J, Mazuecos L, Contreras M. Innovative approaches for the control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102227. [PMID: 37419001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Ticks and tick-borne diseases constitute a major threat for human and animal health worldwide. Vaccines for the control of tick infestations and transmitted pathogens still represents a challenge for science and health. Vaccines have evolved with antigens derived from inactivated pathogens to recombinant proteins and vaccinomics approaches. Recently, vaccines for the control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have shown the efficacy of new antigen delivery platforms. However, until now only two vaccines based on recombinant Bm86/Bm95 antigens have been registered and commercialized for the control of cattle-tick infestations. Nevertheless, recently new technologies and approaches are under consideration for vaccine development for the control of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Genetic manipulation of tick commensal bacteria converted enemies into friends. Frankenbacteriosis was used to control tick pathogen infection. Based on these results, the way forward is to develop new paratransgenic interventions and vaccine delivery platforms for the control of tick-borne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA.
| | - Lorena Mazuecos
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marinela Contreras
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005, Ciudad Real, Spain
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24
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Hajdusek O, Kopacek P, Perner J. Experimental platforms for functional genomics in ticks. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2023; 59:101102. [PMID: 37586557 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2023.101102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are blood-feeding ectoparasites that devastate cattle farming and are an omnipresent nuisance to pets and humans, posing a threat of pathogen transmission. Laboratory experimental models can be instrumental in the search for molecular targets of novel acaricides or vaccines. Mainly, though, the experimental models represent invaluable tools for broadening our basic understanding of key processes of tick blood-feeding physiology and vector competence. In order to understand the function of a single component within the full complexity of a feeding tick, genetic or biochemical interventions are used for systemic phenotypisation. In this work, we summarise current experimental modalities that represent powerful approaches for determining biological functions of tick molecular components.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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25
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Rolandelli A, Laukaitis-Yousey HJ, Bogale HN, Singh N, Samaddar S, O’Neal AJ, Ferraz CR, Butnaru M, Mameli E, Xia B, Mendes MT, Butler LR, Marnin L, Cabrera Paz FE, Valencia LM, Rana VS, Skerry C, Pal U, Mohr SE, Perrimon N, Serre D, Pedra JH. Tick hemocytes have pleiotropic roles in microbial infection and arthropod fitness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.31.555785. [PMID: 37693411 PMCID: PMC10491215 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.31.555785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Uncovering the complexity of systems in non-model organisms is critical for understanding arthropod immunology. Prior efforts have mostly focused on Dipteran insects, which only account for a subset of existing arthropod species in nature. Here, we describe immune cells or hemocytes from the clinically relevant tick Ixodes scapularis using bulk and single cell RNA sequencing combined with depletion via clodronate liposomes, RNA interference, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats activation (CRISPRa) and RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We observe molecular alterations in hemocytes upon tick infestation of mammals and infection with either the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi or the rickettsial agent Anaplasma phagocytophilum. We predict distinct hemocyte lineages and reveal clusters exhibiting defined signatures for immunity, metabolism, and proliferation during hematophagy. Furthermore, we perform a mechanistic characterization of two I. scapularis hemocyte markers: hemocytin and astakine. Depletion of phagocytic hemocytes affects hemocytin and astakine levels, which impacts blood feeding and molting behavior of ticks. Hemocytin specifically affects the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, whereas astakine alters hemocyte proliferation in I. scapularis. Altogether, we uncover the heterogeneity and pleiotropic roles of hemocytes in ticks and provide a valuable resource for comparative biology in arthropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis-Yousey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haikel N. Bogale
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Camila R. Ferraz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Butnaru
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Enzo Mameli
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Microbiology, National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Baolong Xia
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - M. Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Francy E. Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luisa M. Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Vipin S. Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Ciaran Skerry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie E. Mohr
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - David Serre
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joao H.F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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26
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De Rouck S, İnak E, Dermauw W, Van Leeuwen T. A review of the molecular mechanisms of acaricide resistance in mites and ticks. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 159:103981. [PMID: 37391089 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The Arachnida subclass of Acari comprises many harmful pests that threaten agriculture as well as animal health, including herbivorous spider mites, the bee parasite Varroa, the poultry mite Dermanyssus and several species of ticks. Especially in agriculture, acaricides are often used intensively to minimize the damage they inflict, promoting the development of resistance. Beneficial predatory mites used in biological control are also subjected to acaricide selection in the field. The development and use of new genetic and genomic tools such as genome and transcriptome sequencing, bulked segregant analysis (QTL mapping), and reverse genetics via RNAi or CRISPR/Cas9, have greatly increased our understanding of the molecular genetic mechanisms of resistance in Acari, especially in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae which emerged as a model species. These new techniques allowed to uncover and validate new resistance mutations in a larger range of species. In addition, they provided an impetus to start elucidating more challenging questions on mechanisms of gene regulation of detoxification associated with resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander De Rouck
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Emre İnak
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Ankara University, Dıskapı, 06110, Ankara, Turkiye
| | - Wannes Dermauw
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium; Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Plant Sciences Unit, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Thomas Van Leeuwen
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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27
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Samaddar S, O’Neal AJ, Marnin L, Rolandelli A, Singh N, Wang X, Butler LR, Rangghran P, Laukaitis HJ, Cabrera Paz FE, Fiskum GM, Polster BM, Pedra JHF. Metabolic disruption impacts tick fitness and microbial relationships. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542501. [PMID: 37292783 PMCID: PMC10245996 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne microbes rely on the metabolic state of a host to cycle between evolutionarily distant species. For instance, arthropod tolerance to infection may be due to redistribution of metabolic resources, often leading to microbial transmission to mammals. Conversely, metabolic alterations aids in pathogen elimination in humans, who do not ordinarily harbor arthropod-borne microbes. To ascertain the effect of metabolism on interspecies relationships, we engineered a system to evaluate glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in the tick Ixodes scapularis. Using a metabolic flux assay, we determined that the rickettsial bacterium Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, which are transstadially transmitted in nature, induced glycolysis in ticks. On the other hand, the endosymbiont Rickettsia buchneri, which is transovarially maintained, had a minimal effect on I. scapularis bioenergetics. Importantly, the metabolite β-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) was elevated during A. phagocytophilum infection of tick cells following an unbiased metabolomics approach. Thus, we manipulated the expression of genes associated with the catabolism and anabolism of BAIBA in I. scapularis and detected impaired feeding on mammals, reduced bacterial acquisition, and decreased tick survival. Collectively, we reveal the importance of metabolism for tick-microbe relationships and unveil a valuable metabolite for I. scapularis fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Parisa Rangghran
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Francy E. Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Gary M. Fiskum
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Brian M. Polster
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Joao H. F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
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28
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O’Neal A, Singh N, Rolandelli A, Laukaitis HJ, Wang X, Shaw D, Young B, Narasimhan S, Dutta S, Snyder G, Samaddar S, Marnin L, Butler L, Mendes M, Cabrera Paz F, Valencia L, Sundberg E, Fikrig E, Pal U, Weber D, Pedra J. Croquemort elicits activation of the immune deficiency pathway in ticks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2208673120. [PMID: 37155900 PMCID: PMC10193931 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208673120] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune deficiency (IMD) pathway directs host defense in arthropods upon bacterial infection. In Pancrustacea, peptidoglycan recognition proteins sense microbial moieties and initiate nuclear factor-κB-driven immune responses. Proteins that elicit the IMD pathway in non-insect arthropods remain elusive. Here, we show that an Ixodes scapularis homolog of croquemort (Crq), a CD36-like protein, promotes activation of the tick IMD pathway. Crq exhibits plasma membrane localization and binds the lipid agonist 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol. Crq regulates the IMD and jun N-terminal kinase signaling cascades and limits the acquisition of the Lyme disease spirochete B. burgdorferi. Additionally, nymphs silenced for crq display impaired feeding and delayed molting to adulthood due to a deficiency in ecdysteroid synthesis. Collectively, we establish a distinct mechanism for arthropod immunity outside of insects and crustaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya J. O’Neal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Agustin Rolandelli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Hanna J. Laukaitis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Dana K. Shaw
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA99164
| | - Brianna D. Young
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Sukanya Narasimhan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Shraboni Dutta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD20742
| | - Greg A. Snyder
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Sourabh Samaddar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Liron Marnin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - L. Rainer Butler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - M. Tays Mendes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Francy E. Cabrera Paz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Luisa M. Valencia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Eric J. Sundberg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA30322
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT06510
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD20742
| | - David J. Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
| | - Joao H. F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD21201
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Fadahunsi AI, Kumm C, Graham K, de León AAP, Guerrero F, Sparagano OAE, Finn RD. Biochemical characterisation of Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase from the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, highlights potential new acaricide target. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102148. [PMID: 36905815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102148] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Management of the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, presents a challenge because some populations of this cosmopolitan and economically important ectoparasite are resistant to multiple classes of acaricides. Cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (CPR) is part of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) monooxygenases that are involved in metabolic resistance by their ability to detoxify acaricides. Inhibiting CPR, the sole redox partner that transfers electrons to CYP450s, could overcome this type of metabolic resistance. This report represents the biochemical characterisation of a CPR from ticks. Recombinant CPR of R. microplus (RmCPR), minus its N-terminal transmembrane domain, was produced in a bacterial expression system and subjected to biochemical analyses. RmCPR displayed a characteristic dual flavin oxidoreductase spectrum. Incubation with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) lead to an increase in absorbance between 500 and 600 nm with a corresponding appearance of a peak absorbance at 340-350 nm indicating functional transfer of electrons between NADPH and the bound flavin cofactors. Using the pseudoredox partner, kinetic parameters for both cytochrome c and NADPH binding were calculated as 26.6 ± 11.4 µM and 7.03 ± 1.8 µM, respectively. The turnover, Kcat, for RmCPR for cytochrome c was calculated as 0.08 s-1 which is significantly lower than the CPR homologues of other species. IC50 (Half maximal Inhibitory Concentration) values obtained for the adenosine analogues 2', 5' ADP, 2'- AMP, NADP+and the reductase inhibitor diphenyliodonium were: 140, 82.2, 24.5, and 75.3 µM, respectively. Biochemically, RmCPR resembles CPRs of hematophagous arthropods more so than mammalian CPRs. These findings highlight the potential of RmCPR as a target for the rational design of safer and potent acaricides against R. microplus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeyinka I Fadahunsi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biotechnology Programme, Elizade University, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Christopher Kumm
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Kirsty Graham
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK
| | - Adalberto A Pérez de León
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Felix Guerrero
- Knipling-Bushland U.S. Livestock Insects Research Laboratory and Veterinary Pest Genomics Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Kerrville, TX, USA
| | - Oliver A E Sparagano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Robert D Finn
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK; Department of Biochemistry & Genetics, Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, St George's International School of Medicine, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK.
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Mans BJ. Paradigms in tick evolution. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:475-486. [PMID: 37061441 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The study of tick evolution may be classified into disciplines such as taxonomy and systematics, biogeography, evolution and development (evo-devo), ecology, and hematophagy. These disciplines overlap and impact each other to various extents. Advances in one field may lead to paradigm shifts in our understanding of tick evolution not apparent to other fields. The current study considers paradigm shifts that occurred, are in the process, or may occur in future for the disciplines that study tick evolution. Some disciplines have undergone significant changes, while others may still be developing their own paradigms. Integration of these various disciplines is essential to come to a holistic view of tick evolution; however, maturation of paradigms may be necessary before this vision can be attained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Mans
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Onderstepoort, South Africa; Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa.
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31
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Tsujimoto H, Metz HC, Smith AA, Sakamoto JM, Pal U, Rasgon JL. Function and evolution of the aquaporin IsAQP1 in the Lyme disease vector Ixodes scapularis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36680546 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and protozoans to humans, wildlife, and domestic animals. Due to their life cycles, ticks face significant challenges related to water homeostasis. When blood-feeding, they must excrete water and ions, but when off-host (for stretches lasting several months), they must conserve water to avoid desiccation. Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of membrane-bound water channels, are key players in osmoregulation in many animals but remain poorly characterized in ticks. Here, we bioinformatically identified AQP-like genes from the deer tick Ixodes scapularis and used phylogenetic approaches to map the evolution of the aquaporin gene family in arthropods. Most arachnid AQP-like sequences (including those of I. scapularis) formed a monophyletic group clustered within aquaglycerolporins (GLPs) from bacteria to vertebrates. This gene family is absent from insects, revealing divergent evolutionary paths for AQPs in different hematophagous arthropods. Next, we sequenced the full-length cDNA of I. scapularis aquaporin 1 (IsAQP1) and expressed it heterologously in Xenopus oocytes to functionally characterize its permeability to water and solutes. Additionally, we examined IsAQP1 expression across different life stages and adult female organs. We found IsAQP1 is an efficient water channel with high expression in salivary glands prior to feeding, suggesting it plays a role in osmoregulation before or during blood feeding. Its functional properties are unique: unlike most GLPs, IsAQP1 has low glycerol permeability, and unlike most AQPs, it is insensitive to mercury. Together, our results suggest IsAQP1 plays an important role in tick water balance physiology and that it may hold promise as a target of novel vector control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tsujimoto
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hillery C Metz
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexis A Smith
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Joyce M Sakamoto
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Bonnet SI, Vourc’h G, Raffetin A, Falchi A, Figoni J, Fite J, Hoch T, Moutailler S, Quillery E. The control of Hyalomma ticks, vectors of the Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever virus: Where are we now and where are we going? PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010846. [PMCID: PMC9671348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
At a time of major global, societal, and environmental changes, the shifting distribution of pathogen vectors represents a real danger in certain regions of the world as generating opportunities for emergency. For example, the recent arrival of the Hyalomma marginatum ticks in southern France and the concurrent appearance of cases of Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF)—a disease vectored by this tick species—in neighboring Spain raises many concerns about the associated risks for the European continent. This context has created an urgent need for effective methods for control, surveillance, and risk assessment for ticks and tick-borne diseases with a particular concern regarding Hyalomma sp. Here, we then review the current body of knowledge on different methods of tick control—including chemical, biological, genetical, immunological, and ecological methods—and the latest developments in the field, with a focus on those that have been tested against ticks from the genus Hyalomma. In the absence of a fully and unique efficient approach, we demonstrated that integrated pest management combining several approaches adapted to the local context and species is currently the best strategy for tick control together with a rational use of acaricide. Continued efforts are needed to develop and implement new and innovative methods of tick control. Disease-bearing Hyalomma ticks are an increasingly emerging threat to humans and livestock worldwide. Various chemical, biological, genetic, and ecological methods for tick control have been developed, with variable efficiencies. Today, the best tick control strategy involves an integrated pest management approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah I. Bonnet
- Animal Health Department, INRAE, Nouzilly, France
- Ecology and Emergence of Arthropod-borne Pathogens Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000, Université Paris-cité, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Gwenaël Vourc’h
- Université Clermont Auvergne, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
- Université de Lyon, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, UMR EPIA, Marcy l’Etoile, France
| | - Alice Raffetin
- Reference Centre for Tick-Borne Diseases, Paris and Northern Region, Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital of Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, 40 allée de la Source, Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France
- EA 7380 Dynamyc, UPEC, Créteil, France
- Unité de recherche EpiMAI, USC ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alessandra Falchi
- UR7310, Faculté de Sciences, Campus Grimaldi, Université de Corse, Corte, France
| | - Julie Figoni
- Santé publique France, 94410 Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Johanna Fite
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
| | | | - Sara Moutailler
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Elsa Quillery
- French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety, 14 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, Maisons-Alfort Cedex, France
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One Health Approach to Identify Research Needs on Rhipicephalus microplus Ticks in the Americas. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101180. [PMID: 36297237 PMCID: PMC9612381 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to provide a harmonized view of the factors that affect the survival and promote the spread of R. microplus in the Neotropics, approaching its different facets of biology, ecology, distribution, and control. We review the interactions among environmental niche, landscape fragmentation, vegetal coverage (abiotic traits), and the biotic aspects of its ecology (abundance of domesticated or wild competent hosts), proposing emerging areas of research. We emphasize a holistic view integrating an economically and ecologically sustainable control of infestations and transmitted pathogens by R. microplus in the Neotropics. Examples of research link the trends of climate, the composition of the community of hosts, the landscape features, and a tailored management based on ecological grounds. Our view is that factors driving the spread of R. microplus are complex and deeply interrelated, something that has been seldom considered in control strategies. The effects of climate may affect the dynamics of wildlife or the landscape composition, promoting new patterns of seasonal activity of the tick, or its spread into currently free areas. In this paper we encourage a One Health approach highlighting the main aspects governing the components of the tick’s life cycle and its interactions with livestock and wild animals.
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Kight E, Alfaro R, Gadila SKG, Chang S, Evans D, Embers M, Haselton F. Direct Capture and Early Detection of Lyme Disease Spirochete in Skin with a Microneedle Patch. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:819. [PMID: 36290956 PMCID: PMC9599122 DOI: 10.3390/bios12100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato family of spirochetes causes Lyme disease (LD) in animals and humans. As geographic territory of ticks expands across the globe, surveillance measures are needed to measure transmission rates and provide early risk testing of suspected bites. The current standard testing of LD uses an indirect two-step serological assay that detects host immune reactivity. Early detection remains a challenge because the host antibody response develops several weeks after infection. A microneedle (MN) device was developed to sample interstitial fluid (ISF) and capture spirochetes directly from skin. After sampling, the MN patch is easily dissolved in water or TE buffer, and the presence of spirochete DNA is detected by PCR. Performance was tested by spiking porcine ear skin with inactivated Borrelia burgdorferi, which had an approximate recovery of 80% of spirochetes. With further development, this simple direct PCR method could be a transformative approach for early detection of the causative agent of Lyme disease and enable rapid treatment to patients when infection is early, and numbers of systemic spirochetes are low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Kight
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
| | - Rosana Alfaro
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
| | - Shiva Kumar Goud Gadila
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA 70433, USA
| | - Shuang Chang
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
| | - David Evans
- Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37211, USA
| | - Monica Embers
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University Health Sciences, Covington, LA 70433, USA
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de la Fuente J, Kocan KM. The Impact of RNA Interference in Tick Research. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080827. [PMID: 35894050 PMCID: PMC9394339 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, RNA interference (RNAi) in ticks, in combination with omics technologies, have greatly advanced the discovery of tick gene and molecular function. While mechanisms of RNAi were initially elucidated in plants, fungi, and nematodes, the classic 2002 study by Aljamali et al. was the first to demonstrate RNAi gene silencing in ticks. Subsequently, applications of RNAi have led to the discovery of genes that impact tick function and tick-host-pathogen interactions. RNAi will continue to lead to the discovery of an array of tick genes and molecules suitable for the development of vaccines and/or pharmacologic approaches for tick control and the prevention of pathogen transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- The Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
- Correspondence: or
| | - Katherine M. Kocan
- The Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA;
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Nakamura T, Ylla G, Extavour CG. Genomics and genome editing techniques of crickets, an emerging model insect for biology and food science. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 50:100881. [PMID: 35123119 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Most tools available for manipulating gene function in insects have been developed for holometabolous species. In contrast, functional genetics tools for the Hemimetabola are highly underdeveloped. This is a barrier both to understanding ancestral insect biology, and to optimizing contemporary study and manipulation of particular large hemimetabolous orders of crucial economic and agricultural importance like the Orthoptera. For orthopteran insects, including crickets, the rapid spread of next-generation sequencing technology has made transcriptome data available for a wide variety of species over the past decade. Furthermore, whole genome sequences of orthopteran insects with relatively large genome sizes are now available. With these new genome assemblies and the development of genome editing technologies such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system, it has become possible to create gene knock-out and knock-in strains in orthopteran insects. As a result, orthopteran species should become increasingly feasible for laboratory study not only in research fields that have traditionally used insects, but also in agricultural fields that use them as food and feed. In this review, we summarize these recent advances and their relevance to such applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Nakamura
- Division of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan.
| | - Guillem Ylla
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA; Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Cassandra G Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge MA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
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Mito T, Ishimaru Y, Watanabe T, Nakamura T, Ylla G, Noji S, Extavour CG. Cricket: The third domesticated insect. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 147:291-306. [PMID: 35337452 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Many researchers are using crickets to conduct research on various topics related to development and regeneration in addition to brain function, behavior, and biological clocks, using advanced functional and perturbational technologies such as genome editing. Recently, crickets have also been attracting attention as a food source for the next generation of humans. In addition, crickets are increasingly being used as disease models and biological factories for pharmaceuticals. Cricket research has thus evolved over the last century from use primarily in highly important basic research, to use in a variety of applications and practical uses. These insects are now a state-of-the-art model animal that can be obtained and maintained in large quantities at low cost. We therefore suggest that crickets are useful as a third domesticated insect for scientific research, after honeybees and silkworms, contributing to the achievement of global sustainable development goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Mito
- Division of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Yoshiyasu Ishimaru
- Division of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Takahito Watanabe
- Division of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Taro Nakamura
- Division of Evolutionary Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Guillem Ylla
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Genome Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sumihare Noji
- Division of Bioscience and Bioindustry, Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima City, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Cassandra G Extavour
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, United States.
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