1
|
Vaz-Rodrigues R, Mazuecos L, Villar M, Contreras M, González-García A, Bonini P, Scimeca RC, Mulenga A, de la Fuente J. Tick salivary proteome and lipidome with low glycan content correlate with allergic type reactions in the zebrafish model. Int J Parasitol 2024:S0020-7519(24)00139-5. [PMID: 39074655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2024.07.002] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Ticks, as hematophagous ectoparasites, can manipulate host immune and metabolic processes, causing tick-borne allergies such as α-Gal syndrome (AGS). Glycolipids with bound galactose-alpha-1-3-galactose (α-Gal) are potential allergenic molecules associated with AGS. Nevertheless, proteins and lipids lacking α-Gal modifications may contribute to tick salivary allergies and be linked to AGS. In this study, we characterized the effect of deglycosylated tick salivary proteins without lipids on treated zebrafish fed with dog food formulated with mammalian (beef, lamb, pork) meat by quantitative proteomics analysis of intestinal samples. The characterization and functional annotations of tick salivary lipids with low representation of glycolipids was conducted using a lipidomics approach. Results showed a significant effect of treatment with saliva and saliva deglycosylated protein fraction on zebrafish abnormal or no feeding (p < 0.005). Treatment with this fraction affected multiple metabolic pathways, defense responses to pathogens and protein metabolism, which correlated with abnormal or no feeding. Lipidomics analysis identified 23 lipid classes with low representation of glycolipids (0.70% of identified lipids). The lipid class with highest representation was phosphatidylcholine (PC; 26.66%) and for glycolipids it corresponded to diacylglycerol (DG; 0.48%). Qualitative analysis of PC antibodies revealed that individuals bitten by ticks were more likely to produce PC-IgG antibodies (p < 0.001). DG levels were significantly higher in tick salivary glands (p < 0.05) compared with tick saliva and salivary fractions. The α-Gal content was higher in tick saliva than in deglycosylated saliva and lipid fractions. These results support a possible role for tick salivary proteins and lipids without α-Gal modifications in AGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Vaz-Rodrigues
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lorena Mazuecos
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Science and Chemical Technologies, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marinela Contreras
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Almudena González-García
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Paolo Bonini
- oloBion SL, Av. Dr. Marañón 8, 08028Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruth C Scimeca
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liu Q, Liu B, Sun T, Wang P, Sun W, Pan B. Vitellogenin and its upstream gene TOR play essential roles in the reproduction of Dermanyssus gallinae. Exp Parasitol 2024; 260:108746. [PMID: 38513972 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2024.108746] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
In Dermanyssus gallinae, a hematophagous mite, the initiation of vitellogenesis induced by blood feeding is essential for its reproduction. However, the precise gene structures and physiological functions of Vg in D. gallinae and its upstream gene, Target of Rapamycin (TOR), have not been fully understood. This study revealed the presence of four homologous genes within D. gallinae, named Dg-Vg1, Dg-Vg1-like, Dg-Vg2, and Dg-Vg2-like, especially, Dg-Vg2-like was firstly identified in the mites. The expression levels of all these Vg genes were significantly higher in adult females than other stages. Following blood feeding, the expression levels of these genes increased significantly, followed by a subsequent decrease, aligning with egg production. Silencing Dg-Vgs by RNA interference (RNAi) led to decreased fecundity and egg hatching rates, as well as abnormal embryonic development, suggesting a vital role for Dg-Vgs in both egg formation and embryonic development. Furthermore, the knockdown of Dg-TOR significantly reduced the expression of Dg-Vgs and negatively impacted the reproductive capabilities of PRMs, indicating that TOR influences PRM reproduction by regulating the expression of Dg-Vgs. In summary, these findings demonstrated the crucial roles of Dg-Vgs and Dg-TOR in PRM reproduction, highlighting their potential as targets for pest control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Boxing Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Tiancong Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Penglong Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weiwei Sun
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100193, China.
| | - Baoliang Pan
- National Key Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health Security, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Hai Dian District, Beijing, 100193, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lu S, Martins LA, Kotál J, Ribeiro JMC, Tirloni L. A longitudinal transcriptomic analysis from unfed to post-engorgement midguts of adult female Ixodes scapularis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11360. [PMID: 37443274 PMCID: PMC10345007 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The hematophagy behavior has evolved independently several times within the Arthropoda phylum. Interestingly, the process of acquiring a blood meal in ticks is considerably distinct from that observed in other blood-feeding arthropods. Instead of taking seconds to minutes to complete a blood meal, an adult female Ixodes scapularis tick can remain attached to its host for numerous days. During this extended feeding period, the tick undergoes drastic morphological changes. It is well established that the tick midgut plays a pivotal role not only in blood meal digestion but also in pathogen acquisition and transmission. However, our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in these events remains limited. To expedite tick research, we conducted a comprehensive longitudinal RNA-sequencing of the tick midgut before, during, and after feeding. By collecting ticks in different feeding stages (unfed, slow feeding, rapid feeding, and early post-detached), we obtained a comprehensive overview of the transcripts present in each stage and the dynamic transcriptional changes that occur between them. This provides valuable insights into tick physiology. Additionally, through unsupervised clustering, we identified transcripts with similar patterns and stage-specific sequences. These findings serve as a foundation for selecting targets in the development of anti-tick control strategies and facilitate a better understanding of how blood feeding and pathogen infection impact tick physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Lu
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Larissa A Martins
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Neuroimmunology Unit, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jan Kotál
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yuan C, Yang Q, Wu J, Peng Y, Li Y, Xiong S, Zhou J, Wang M, Hu Z, Zou Z, Xia Q. Proteomics reveals the hemolymph components of partially fed Hyalomma asiaticum ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2022; 13:102032. [PMID: 36088665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2022.102032] [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: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Hemolymph infection facilitates pathogen invasion of internal tick tissues. However, the overall protein composition of the hemolymph has not been analyzed for any tick species. Here, a gel based liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was used to characterize the hemolymph proteome of Hyalomma asiaticum females during blood feeding. A total of 311 proteins were identified. Hemelipoglyco-carrier proteins, apolipophorin-like proteins, and intracellular proteins were the most abundant proteins. Thirteen immunity-related proteins were identified, including peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP), Thioester-containing proteins (TEPs), clip‑serine proteinases, serpins and Dome. The presence of hemocytin, proclotting enzyme homologs, serpins, TEPs, factor D-like protein and the lack of coagulin, hemocyanin, and prophenoloxidase suggest ticks may possess a unique coagulation system, which is largely different from that of insects. Taken together, the study revealed the constitution, level, and possible functions of global hemolymph proteins in H. asiaticum and could facilitate the discovery of new targets for control of tick-borne pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qingtai Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jia Wu
- Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory, Mega-Science Center for Bio-Safety Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yun Peng
- Wuhan National Biosafety Laboratory, Mega-Science Center for Bio-Safety Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Shirui Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199, China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Manli Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhihong Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zhen Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Qianfeng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571199, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pérez-Sánchez R, Carnero-Morán A, Luz Valero M, Oleaga A. A proteomics informed by transcriptomics insight into the proteome of Ornithodoros erraticus adult tick saliva. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:1. [PMID: 34980218 PMCID: PMC8722417 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05118-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The argasid tick Ornithodoros erraticus is the main vector of tick-borne human relapsing fever (TBRF) and African swine fever (ASF) in the Mediterranean Basin. The prevention and control of these diseases would greatly benefit from the elimination of O. erraticus populations, and anti-tick vaccines are envisaged as an effective and sustainable alternative to chemical acaricide usage for tick control. Ornithodoros erraticus saliva contains bioactive proteins that play essential functions in tick feeding and host defence modulation, which may contribute to host infection by tick-borne pathogens. Hence, these proteins could be candidate antigen targets for the development of vaccines aimed at the control and prevention of O. erraticus infestations and the diseases this tick transmits. The objective of the present work was to obtain and characterise the proteome of the saliva of O. erraticus adult ticks as a means to identify and select novel salivary antigen targets. METHODS A proteomics informed by transcriptomics (PIT) approach was applied to analyse samples of female and male saliva separately using the previously obtained O. erraticus sialotranscriptome as a reference database and two different mass spectrometry techniques, namely liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in data-dependent acquisition mode and sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra MS (SWATH-MS). RESULTS Up to 264 and 263 proteins were identified by LC-MS/MS in the saliva of O. erraticus female and male ticks, respectively, totalling 387 non-redundant proteins. Of these, 224 were further quantified by SWATH-MS in the saliva of both male and female ticks. Quantified proteins were classified into 23 functional categories and their abundance compared between sexes. Heme/iron-binding proteins, protease inhibitors, proteases, lipocalins and immune-related proteins were the categories most abundantly expressed in females, while glycolytic enzymes, protease inhibitors and lipocalins were the most abundantly expressed in males. Ninety-seven proteins were differentially expressed between the sexes, of which 37 and 60 were overexpressed in females and males, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The PIT approach demonstrated its usefulness for proteomics studies of O. erraticus, a non-model organism without genomic sequences available, allowing the publication of the first comprehensive proteome of the saliva of O. erraticus reported to date. These findings confirm important quantitative differences between sexes in the O. erraticus saliva proteome, unveil novel salivary proteins and functions at the tick-host feeding interface and improve our understanding of the physiology of feeding in O. erraticus ticks. The integration of O. erraticus sialoproteomic and sialotranscriptomic data will drive a more rational selection of salivary candidates as antigen targets for the development of vaccines aimed at the control of O. erraticus infestations and the diseases it transmits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitology Laboratory, Spanish National Research Council Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (CSIC-IRNASA), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Angel Carnero-Morán
- Parasitology Laboratory, Spanish National Research Council Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (CSIC-IRNASA), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - M. Luz Valero
- Proteomics Section, Central Service for Experimental Research, University of Valencia, Carrer del Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitology Laboratory, Spanish National Research Council Institute of Natural Resources and Agrobiology (CSIC-IRNASA), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
- Proteomics Section, Central Service for Experimental Research, University of Valencia, Carrer del Dr. Moliner, 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Villar M, Pacheco I, Mateos-Hernández L, Cabezas-Cruz A, Tabor AE, Rodríguez-Valle M, Mulenga A, Kocan KM, Blouin EF, de la Fuente J. Characterization of tick salivary gland and saliva alphagalactome reveals candidate alpha-gal syndrome disease biomarkers. Expert Rev Proteomics 2021; 18:1099-1116. [PMID: 34904495 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2021.2018305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks are obligate hematophagous arthropods that synthesize the glycan Galα1-3Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R (α-Gal) associated with the alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) or allergy to mammalian meat consumption. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In this study, we used a proteomics approach to characterize tick proteins in salivary glands (sialome SG), secreted saliva (sialome SA) and with α-Gal modification (alphagalactome SG and SA) in model tick species associated with the AGS in the United States (Amblyomma americanum) and Australia (Ixodes holocyclus). Selected proteins reactive to sera (IgE) from patients with AGS were identified to advance in the identification of possible proteins associated with the AGS. For comparative analysis, the α-Gal content was measured in various tick species. RESULTS The results confirmed that ticks produce proteins with α-Gal modifications and secreted into saliva during feeding. Proteins identified in tick alphagalactome SA by sera from patients with severe AGS symptomatology may constitute candidate disease biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS The results support the presence tick-derived proteins with α-Gal modifications in the saliva with potential implications in AGS and other disorders and protective capacity against tick infestations and pathogen infection. Future research should focus on the characterization of the function of tick glycoproteins with α-Gal in tick biology and AGS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Villar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.,Biochemistry Section, Faculty of Science and Chemical Technologies, and Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Iván Pacheco
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos (IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, 94700, France
| | - Ala E Tabor
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, 68 Cooper Road, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Manuel Rodríguez-Valle
- Queensland Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation, Centre for Animal Science, The University of Queensland, 306 Carmody Road, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX77843, United States
| | - Katherine M Kocan
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Edmour F Blouin
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pérez-Sánchez R, Carnero-Morán Á, Soriano B, Llorens C, Oleaga A. RNA-seq analysis and gene expression dynamics in the salivary glands of the argasid tick Ornithodoros erraticus along the trophogonic cycle. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:170. [PMID: 33743776 PMCID: PMC7980729 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04671-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The argasid tick Ornithodoros erraticus is the main vector of tick-borne human relapsing fever (TBRF) and African swine fever (ASF) in the Mediterranean Basin. Tick salivary proteins secreted to the host at the feeding interface play critical roles for tick feeding and may contribute to host infection by tick-borne pathogens; accordingly, these proteins represent interesting antigen targets for the development of vaccines aimed at the control and prevention of tick infestations and tick-borne diseases. METHODS To identify these proteins, the transcriptome of the salivary glands of O. erraticus was de novo assembled and the salivary gene expression dynamics assessed throughout the trophogonic cycle using Illumina sequencing. The genes differentially upregulated after feeding were selected and discussed as potential antigen candidates for tick vaccines. RESULTS Transcriptome assembly resulted in 22,007 transcripts and 18,961 annotated transcripts, which represent 86.15% of annotation success. Most salivary gene expression took place during the first 7 days after feeding (2088 upregulated transcripts), while only a few genes (122 upregulated transcripts) were differentially expressed from day 7 post-feeding onwards. The protein families more abundantly overrepresented after feeding were lipocalins, acid and basic tail proteins, proteases (particularly metalloproteases), protease inhibitors, secreted phospholipases A2, 5'-nucleotidases/apyrases and heme-binding vitellogenin-like proteins. All of them are functionally related to blood ingestion and regulation of host defensive responses, so they can be interesting candidate protective antigens for vaccines. CONCLUSIONS The O. erraticus sialotranscriptome contains thousands of protein coding sequences-many of them belonging to large conserved multigene protein families-and shows a complexity and functional redundancy similar to those observed in the sialomes of other argasid and ixodid tick species. This high functional redundancy emphasises the need for developing multiantigenic tick vaccines to reach full protection. This research provides a set of promising candidate antigens for the development of vaccines for the control of O. erraticus infestations and prevention of tick-borne diseases of public and veterinary health relevance, such as TBRF and ASF. Additionally, this transcriptome constitutes a valuable reference database for proteomics studies of the saliva and salivary glands of O. erraticus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Ángel Carnero-Morán
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Beatriz Soriano
- Biotechvana, Scientific Park, University of Valencia, Calle Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carlos Llorens
- Biotechvana, Scientific Park, University of Valencia, Calle Catedrático José Beltrán 2, Paterna, 46980, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, 37008, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Perner J, Helm D, Haberkant P, Hatalova T, Kropackova S, Ribeiro JM, Kopacek P. The Central Role of Salivary Metalloproteases in Host Acquired Resistance to Tick Feeding. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:563349. [PMID: 33312963 PMCID: PMC7708348 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.563349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During feeding on vertebrate hosts, ticks secrete saliva composed of a rich cocktail of bioactive molecules modulating host immune responses. Although most of the proteinaceous fraction of tick saliva is of little immunogenicity, repeated feeding of ticks on mammalian hosts may lead to impairment of tick feeding, preventing full engorgement. Here, we challenged rabbits with repeated feeding of both Ixodes ricinus nymphs and adults and observed the formation of specific antibodies against several tick salivary proteins. Repeated feeding of both I. ricinus stages led to a gradual decrease in engorged weights. To identify the salivary antigens, isolated immunoglobulins from repeatedly infested rabbits were utilized for a protein pull-down from the saliva of pilocarpine-treated ticks. Eluted antigens were first identified by peptide mass fingerprinting with the aid of available I. ricinus salivary gland transcriptomes originating from early phases of tick feeding. To increase the authenticity of immunogens identified, we also performed, for the first time, de novo assembly of the sialome from I. ricinus females fed for six days, a timepoint used for pilocarpine-salivation. The most dominant I. ricinus salivary immunogens identified in our study were zinc-dependent metalloproteases of three different families. To corroborate the role of metalloproteases at the tick/host interface, we fed ticks micro-injected with a zinc metalloprotease inhibitor, phosphoramidon, on a rabbit. These ticks clearly failed to initiate feeding and to engorge. However, neither feeding to ticks immune blood of repeatedly infested rabbits, nor phosphoramidon injection into ticks, prevented their engorgement when fed in vitro on an artificial membrane system. These data show that Zn metalloproteases play a decisive role in the success of tick feeding, mediated by complex molecular interactions between the host immune, inflammatory, and hemostatic processes, which are absent in in vitro feeding. This basic concept warrants further investigation and reconsideration of the current strategies towards the development of an effective “anti-tick” vaccine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Dominic Helm
- Proteomics Core Facility, The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Per Haberkant
- Proteomics Core Facility, The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tereza Hatalova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Sara Kropackova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Jose M Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
AmbuAli A, Monaghan SJ, McLean K, Inglis NF, Bekaert M, Wehner S, Bron JE. Identification of proteins from the secretory/excretory products (SEPs) of the branchiuran ectoparasite Argulus foliaceus (Linnaeus, 1758) reveals unique secreted proteins amongst haematophagous ecdysozoa. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:88. [PMID: 32070416 PMCID: PMC7029603 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3964-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is hypothesised that being a blood-feeding ectoparasite, Argulus foliaceus (Linnaeus, 1758), uses similar mechanisms for digestion and host immune evasion to those used by other haematophagous ecdysozoa, including caligid copepods (e.g. sea louse). We recently described and characterised glands associated with the feeding appendages of A. foliaceus using histological techniques. The work described in the present study is the first undertaken with the objective of identifying and partially characterising the components secreted from these glands using a proteomic approach. METHODS Argulus foliaceus parasites were sampled from the skin of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), from Loch Fad on the Isle of Bute, Scotland, UK. The proteins from A. foliaceus secretory/excretory products (SEPs) were collected from the supernatant of artificial freshwater conditioned with active adult parasites (n = 5-9 per ml; n = 560 total). Proteins within the SEPs were identified and characterised using LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD016226. RESULTS Data mining of a protein database translated from an A. foliaceus dataset using ProteinScape allowed identification of 27 predicted protein sequences from the A. foliaceus SEPs, each protein matching the criteria of 2 peptides with at least 4 contiguous amino acids. Nine proteins had no matching sequence through OmicsBox (Blast2GO) analysis searches suggesting that Argulus spp. may additionally have unique proteins present in their SEPs. SignalP 5.0 software, identified 13 proteins with a signal sequence suggestive of signal peptides and supportive of secreted proteins being identified. Notably, the functional characteristics of identified A. foliaceus proteins/domains have also been described from the salivary glands and saliva of other blood-feeding arthropods such as ticks. Identified proteins included: transporters, peroxidases, metalloproteases, proteases and serine protease inhibitors which are known to play roles in parasite immune evasion/induction (e.g. astacin), immunomodulation (e.g. serpin) and digestion (e.g. trypsin). CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, the present study represents the first proteomic analysis undertaken for SEPs from any branchiuran fish louse. Here we reveal possible functional roles of A. foliaceus SEPs in digestion and immunomodulation, with a number of protein families shared with other haematophagous ectoparasites. A number of apparently unique secreted proteins were identified compared to other haematophagous ecdysozoa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha AmbuAli
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA UK
- Department of Marine Science and Fisheries, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 34, 123 Al-Khoud, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Sean J. Monaghan
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA UK
| | - Kevin McLean
- Moredun Proteomics Facility, Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Neil F. Inglis
- Moredun Proteomics Facility, Moredun Research Institute, Pentland Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian, EH26 0PZ UK
| | - Michaël Bekaert
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA UK
| | - Stefanie Wehner
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA UK
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - James E. Bron
- Institute of Aquaculture, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Antunes S, Couto J, Ferrolho J, Sanches GS, Merino Charrez JO, De la Cruz Hernández N, Mazuz M, Villar M, Shkap V, de la Fuente J, Domingos A. Transcriptome and Proteome Response of Rhipicephalus annulatus Tick Vector to Babesia bigemina Infection. Front Physiol 2019; 10:318. [PMID: 31001128 PMCID: PMC6454348 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A system biology approach was used to gain insight into tick biology and interactions between vector and pathogen. Rhipicephalus annulatus is one of the main vectors of Babesia bigemina which has a massive impact on animal health. It is vital to obtain more information about this relationship, to better understand tick and pathogen biology, pathogen transmission dynamics, and new potential control approaches. In ticks, salivary glands (SGs) play a key role during pathogen infection and transmission. RNA sequencing obtained from uninfected and B. bigemina infected SGs obtained from fed female ticks resulted in 6823 and 6475 unigenes, respectively. From these, 360 unigenes were found to be differentially expressed (p < 0.05). Reversed phase liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified a total of 3679 tick proteins. Among them 406 were differently represented in response to Babesia infection. The omics data obtained suggested that Babesia infection lead to a reduction in the levels of mRNA and proteins (n = 237 transcripts, n = 212 proteins) when compared to uninfected controls. Integrated transcriptomics and proteomics datasets suggested a key role for stress response and apoptosis pathways in response to infection. Thus, six genes coding for GP80, death-associated protein kinase (DAPK-1), bax inhibitor-1 related (BI-1), heat shock protein (HSP), heat shock transcription factor (PHSTF), and queuine trna-ribosyltransferase (QtRibosyl) were selected and RNA interference (RNAi) performed. Gene silencing was obtained for all genes except phstf. Knockdown of gp80, dapk-1, and bi-1 led to a significant increase in Babesia infection levels while hsp and QtRibosyl knockdown resulted in a non-significant decrease of infection levels when compared to the respective controls. Gene knockdown did not affect tick survival, but engorged female weight and egg production were affected in the gp80, dapk-1, and QtRibosyl-silenced groups in comparison to controls. These results advanced our understanding of tick-Babesia molecular interactions, and suggested new tick antigens as putative targets for vaccination to control tick infestations and pathogen infection/transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Couto
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Ferrolho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gustavo Seron Sanches
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Ned De la Cruz Hernández
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
| | | | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Varda Shkap
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Haem Biology in Metazoan Parasites - 'The Bright Side of Haem'. Trends Parasitol 2019; 35:213-225. [PMID: 30686614 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, host haem has been recognized as a cytotoxic molecule that parasites need to eliminate or detoxify in order to survive. However, recent evidence indicates that some lineages of parasites have lost genes that encode enzymes involved specifically in endogenous haem biosynthesis. Such lineages thus need to acquire and utilize haem originating from their host animal, making it an indispensable molecule for their survival and reproduction. In multicellular parasites, host haem needs to be systemically distributed throughout their bodies to meet the haem demands in all cell and tissue types. Host haem also gets deposited in parasite eggs, enabling embryogenesis and reproduction. Clearly, a better understanding of haem biology in multicellular parasites should elucidate organismal adaptations to obligatory blood-feeding.
Collapse
|
12
|
Manjunathachar HV, Kumar B, Saravanan BC, Choudhary S, Mohanty AK, Nagar G, Chigure G, Ravi Kumar GVPPS, de la Fuente J, Ghosh S. Identification and characterization of vaccine candidates against Hyalomma anatolicum-Vector of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus. Transbound Emerg Dis 2018; 66:422-434. [PMID: 30300470 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick borne viral disease reported from different parts of the world. The distribution of the CCHF cases are linked with the distribution of the principal vector, Hyalomma anatolicum in the ecosystem. Presently, vector control is mainly dependent on repeated application of acaricides, results in partial efficacy and generated acaricide resistant tick strains. Amongst the different components of integrated management programme, immunization of hosts is considered as one of the sustainable component. To restrict CCHF virus spreading, use of anti-Hyalomma vaccines appears as a viable solution. Accordingly, present study was under taken to characterize and evaluate vaccine potential of two conserved molecules, ferritin2 (FER2) and tropomyosin (TPM). Silencing of the genes conferred a cumulative reduction (rejection + unable to engorge) of 61.3% in FER2 and 70.2% in TPM respectively. Furthermore, 44.2% and 72.7% reduction in engorgement weight, 63.6% and 94.9% reduction in egg masses in FER2 and TPM silenced ticks in comparison to LUC-control group was recorded. The recombinant protein, rHaFER2 was characterized as 35 kDa protein with pI of 5.84 and possesses iron binding domains. While rHaTPM is a 51kDa protein with pI of 4.94 having calcium binding domains. Immunization of cross-bred calves by rHaFER2 conferred 51.7% and 51.2% protection against larvae and adults of H. anatolicum challenge infestations. While rHaTPM conferred 63.7% and 66.4% protection against larvae and adults infestations, respectively. The results were comparable with the data generated by RNAi and it clearly showed the possibility for the development of anti-hyalomma vaccine to manage CCHF virus and Theileria annulata infection in human and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Binod Kumar
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | | | - Suman Choudhary
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Ashok K Mohanty
- Animal Biotechnology Centre, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Gaurav Nagar
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | - Gajanan Chigure
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| | | | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Srikant Ghosh
- Entomology Laboratory, Division of Parasitology, Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)-Izatnagar, Bareilly, India
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Antunes S, Couto J, Ferrolho J, Rodrigues F, Nobre J, Santos AS, Santos-Silva MM, de la Fuente J, Domingos A. Rhipicephalus bursa Sialotranscriptomic Response to Blood Feeding and Babesia ovis Infection: Identification of Candidate Protective Antigens. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2018; 8:116. [PMID: 29780749 PMCID: PMC5945973 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Ticks are among the most prevalent blood-feeding arthropods, and they act as vectors and reservoirs for numerous pathogens. Sialotranscriptomic characterizations of tick responses to blood feeding and pathogen infections can offer new insights into the molecular interplay occurring at the tick-host-pathogen interface. In the present study, we aimed to identify and characterize Rhipicephalus bursa salivary gland (SG) genes that were differentially expressed in response to blood feeding and Babesia ovis infection. Our experimental approach consisted of RNA sequencing of SG from three different tick samples, fed-infected, fed-uninfected, and unfed-uninfected, for characterization and inter-comparison. Overall, 7,272 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were constructed from unfed-uninfected, 13,819 ESTs from fed-uninfected, and 15,292 ESTs from fed-infected ticks. Two catalogs of transcripts that were differentially expressed in response to blood feeding and B. ovis infection were produced. Four genes coding for a putative vitellogenin-3, lachesin, a glycine rich protein, and a secreted cement protein were selected for RNA interference functional studies. A reduction of 92, 65, and 51% was observed in vitellogenin-3, secreted cement, and lachesin mRNA levels in SG, respectively. The vitellogenin-3 knockdown led to increased tick mortality, with 77% of ticks dying post-infestation. The reduction of the secreted cement protein-mRNA levels resulted in 46% of ticks being incapable of correctly attaching to the host and significantly lower female weights post-feeding in comparison to the control group. The lachesin knockdown resulted in a 70% reduction of the levels associated with B. ovis infection in R. bursa SG and 70% mortality. These results improved our understanding of the role of tick SG genes in Babesia infection/proliferation and tick feeding. Moreover, lachesin, vitellogenin-3, and secreted cement proteins were validated as candidate protective antigens for the development of novel tick and tick-borne disease control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Antunes
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Couto
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Ferrolho
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fábio Rodrigues
- Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João Nobre
- Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e Veterinária, Pólo de Santarém, Vale de Santarém, Portugal
| | - Ana S Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas Dr. Francisco Cambournac (CEVDI/INSA), Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - M Margarida Santos-Silva
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Centro de Estudos de Vectores e Doenças Infecciosas Dr. Francisco Cambournac (CEVDI/INSA), Águas de Moura, Portugal
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Ana Domingos
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Whiten SR, Eggleston H, Adelman ZN. Ironing out the Details: Exploring the Role of Iron and Heme in Blood-Sucking Arthropods. Front Physiol 2018; 8:1134. [PMID: 29387018 PMCID: PMC5776124 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.01134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme and iron are essential molecules for many physiological processes and yet have the ability to cause oxidative damage such as lipid peroxidation, protein degradation, and ultimately cell death if not controlled. Blood-sucking arthropods have evolved diverse methods to protect themselves against iron/heme-related damage, as the act of bloodfeeding itself is high risk, high reward process. Protective mechanisms in medically important arthropods include the midgut peritrophic matrix in mosquitoes, heme aggregation into the crystalline structure hemozoin in kissing bugs and hemosomes in ticks. Once heme and iron pass these protective mechanisms they are presumed to enter the midgut epithelial cells via membrane-bound transporters, though relatively few iron or heme transporters have been identified in bloodsucking arthropods. Upon iron entry into midgut epithelial cells, ferritin serves as the universal storage protein and transport for dietary iron in many organisms including arthropods. In addition to its role as a nutrient, heme is also an important signaling molecule in the midgut epithelial cells for many physiological processes including vitellogenesis. This review article will summarize recent advancements in heme/iron uptake, detoxification and exportation in bloodfeeding arthropods. While initial strides have been made at ironing out the role of dietary iron and heme in arthropods, much still remains to be discovered as these molecules may serve as novel targets for the control of many arthropod pests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shavonn R Whiten
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Heather Eggleston
- Genetics Graduate Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Zach N Adelman
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Durán P, Siñani E, Depickère S. On triatomines, cockroaches and haemolymphagy under laboratory conditions: new discoveries. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 111:605-613. [PMID: 27706376 PMCID: PMC5066326 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760160027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
For a long time, haematophagy was considered an obligate condition for triatomines
(Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to complete their life cycle. Today, the ability to use
haemolymphagy is suggested to represent an important survival strategy for some
species, especially those in genus Belminus. As Eratyrus
mucronatus and Triatoma boliviana are found with
cockroaches in the Blaberinae subfamily in Bolivia, their developmental cycle from
egg to adult under a “cockroach diet” was studied. The results suggested that having
only cockroach haemolymph as a food source compromised development cycle completion
in both species. Compared to a “mouse diet”, the cockroach diet increased: (i) the
mortality at each nymphal instar; (ii) the number of feedings needed to molt; (iii)
the volume of the maximum food intake; and (iv) the time needed to molt. In
conclusion, haemolymph could effectively support survival in the field in both
species. Nevertheless, under laboratory conditions, the use of haemolymphagy as a
survival strategy in the first developmental stages of these species was not
supported, as their mortality was very high. Finally, when Triatoma
infestans, Rhodnius stali and Panstrongylus
rufotuberculatus species were reared on a cockroach diet under similar
conditions, all died rather than feeding on cockroaches. These results are discussed
in the context of the ecology of each species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Durán
- Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, Instituto de Investigación en Salud y Desarrollo, Cátedra de Parasitología, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Edda Siñani
- Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud, Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, La Paz, Bolivia
| | - Stéphanie Depickère
- Instituto Nacional de Laboratorios de Salud, Laboratorio de Entomología Médica, La Paz, Bolivia.,Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Embajada Francia, La Paz, Plurinational State of Bolivia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mans BJ, de Castro MH, Pienaar R, de Klerk D, Gaven P, Genu S, Latif AA. Ancestral reconstruction of tick lineages. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:509-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
17
|
Perner J, Sobotka R, Sima R, Konvickova J, Sojka D, Oliveira PLD, Hajdusek O, Kopacek P. Acquisition of exogenous haem is essential for tick reproduction. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 26949258 PMCID: PMC4821805 DOI: 10.7554/elife.12318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Haem and iron homeostasis in most eukaryotic cells is based on a balanced flux between haem biosynthesis and haem oxygenase-mediated degradation. Unlike most eukaryotes, ticks possess an incomplete haem biosynthetic pathway and, together with other (non-haematophagous) mites, lack a gene encoding haem oxygenase. We demonstrated, by membrane feeding, that ticks do not acquire bioavailable iron from haemoglobin-derived haem. However, ticks require dietary haemoglobin as an exogenous source of haem since, feeding with haemoglobin-depleted serum led to aborted embryogenesis. Supplementation of serum with haemoglobin fully restored egg fertility. Surprisingly, haemoglobin could be completely substituted by serum proteins for the provision of amino-acids in vitellogenesis. Acquired haem is distributed by haemolymph carrier protein(s) and sequestered by vitellins in the developing oocytes. This work extends, substantially, current knowledge of haem auxotrophy in ticks and underscores the importance of haem and iron metabolism as rational targets for anti-tick interventions. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12318.001 Ticks are small blood-feeding parasites that transmit a range of diseases through their bites, including Lyme disease and encephalitis in humans. Like other blood-feeders, ticks acquire essential nutrients from their host in order to develop and reproduce. Iron and haem (the iron-containing part of haemoglobin) are essential for the metabolism of every breathing animal on Earth. Most organisms obtain iron by degrading haem and, reciprocally, most of the iron in cells is used to make haem. However, an initial search of existing genome databases revealed that ticks lack the genes required to make the proteins that make and degrade haem. Perner et al. wanted to find out if ticks can steal haem from the host and use it for their own development. To achieve this, Perner et al. exploited a method of tick membrane feeding that simulates natural feeding on a host by using a silicone imitation of a skin and cow smell extracts (“l´odeur de vache”). Ticks were fed either a haemoglobin-rich (whole blood) or a haemoglobin-poor (serum) diet. This experiment revealed that ticks can develop normally without haemoglobin, but female ticks fed a haemoglobin-poor diet lay sterile eggs out of which no offspring can hatch. Further investigation showed that haemoglobin is vitally important as a source of haem but not as a source of the amino acids needed to produce the vitellin proteins that nourish embryos. As ticks are not armed with the ability to degrade haem, they do not acquire iron from the host haem but rather from a serum transferrin, a major iron transporter protein found in mammalian blood. Further experiments revealed that ticks have evolved proteins that can transport and store haem and so make the obtained haem available across the whole tick body. Overall, Perner et al.’s findings suggest that targeting the mechanisms by which ticks metabolise haem and iron could lead to the design of new “anti-tick” strategies. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12318.002
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Sobotka
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Trebon, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Sima
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Konvickova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Sojka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Pedro Lagerblad de Oliveira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Programa de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Brasil, Brazil
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hajdusek O, Sima R, Perner J, Loosova G, Harcubova A, Kopacek P. Tick iron and heme metabolism - New target for an anti-tick intervention. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2016; 7:565-72. [PMID: 26810909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are blood-feeding parasites and vectors of serious human and animal diseases. Ixodes ricinus is a common tick in Europe, transmitting tick-borne encephalitis, Lyme borreliosis, anaplasmosis, or babesiosis. Immunization of hosts with recombinant tick proteins has, in theory, the potential to interfere with tick feeding and block transmission of pathogens from the tick to the host. However, the efficacy of tick antigens has, to date, not been fully sufficient to achieve this. We have focused on 11 in silico identified genes encoding proteins potentially involved in tick iron and heme metabolism. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) expression profiling was carried out to preferentially target proteins that are up-regulated during the blood meal. RNA interference (RNAi) was then used to score the relative importance of these genes in tick physiology. Finally, we performed vaccination screens to test the suitability of these proteins as vaccine candidates. These newly identified tick antigens have the potential to improve the available anti-tick vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Radek Sima
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Gabriela Loosova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Adela Harcubova
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Kopacek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kotsyfakis M, Kopáček P, Franta Z, Pedra JHF, Ribeiro JMC. Deep Sequencing Analysis of the Ixodes ricinus Haemocytome. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003754. [PMID: 25970599 PMCID: PMC4430169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ixodes ricinus is the main tick vector of the microbes that cause Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis in Europe. Pathogens transmitted by ticks have to overcome innate immunity barriers present in tick tissues, including midgut, salivary glands epithelia and the hemocoel. Molecularly, invertebrate immunity is initiated when pathogen recognition molecules trigger serum or cellular signalling cascades leading to the production of antimicrobials, pathogen opsonization and phagocytosis. We presently aimed at identifying hemocyte transcripts from semi-engorged female I. ricinus ticks by mass sequencing a hemocyte cDNA library and annotating immune-related transcripts based on their hemocyte abundance as well as their ubiquitous distribution. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS De novo assembly of 926,596 pyrosequence reads plus 49,328,982 Illumina reads (148 nt length) from a hemocyte library, together with over 189 million Illumina reads from salivary gland and midgut libraries, generated 15,716 extracted coding sequences (CDS); these are displayed in an annotated hyperlinked spreadsheet format. Read mapping allowed the identification and annotation of tissue-enriched transcripts. A total of 327 transcripts were found significantly over expressed in the hemocyte libraries, including those coding for scavenger receptors, antimicrobial peptides, pathogen recognition proteins, proteases and protease inhibitors. Vitellogenin and lipid metabolism transcription enrichment suggests fat body components. We additionally annotated ubiquitously distributed transcripts associated with immune function, including immune-associated signal transduction proteins and transcription factors, including the STAT transcription factor. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This is the first systems biology approach to describe the genes expressed in the haemocytes of this neglected disease vector. A total of 2,860 coding sequences were deposited to GenBank, increasing to 27,547 the number so far deposited by our previous transcriptome studies that serves as a discovery platform for studies with I. ricinus biochemistry and physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michalis Kotsyfakis
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Budweis, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Petr Kopáček
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Budweis, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Franta
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Center of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Budweis, Czech Republic
| | - Joao H. F. Pedra
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - José M. C. Ribeiro
- Vector Biology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pomerantz AF, Hoy MA. Expression analysis of Drosophila doublesex, transformer-2, intersex, fruitless-like, and vitellogenin homologs in the parahaploid predator Metaseiulus occidentalis (Chelicerata: Acari: Phytoseiidae). EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2015; 65:1-16. [PMID: 25344448 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-014-9855-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Characterization and expression analyses are essential to gain insight into sex-determination pathways in members of the Acari. Little is known about sex determination at the molecular level in the western orchard predatory mite Metaseiulus occidentalis (Arthropoda: Chelicerata: Arachnida: Acari: Phytoseiidae), a parahaploid species. In this study, eight genes previously identified as putative homologs to genes involved in the sex-determination pathway in Drosophila melanogaster were evaluated for sex-specific alternative splicing and sex-biased expression using reverse-transcriptase PCR and quantitative real-time PCR techniques, respectively. The homologs evaluated in M. occidentalis included two doublesex-like genes (Moccdsx1 and Moccdsx2), transformer-2 (Mocctra-2), intersex (Moccix), two fruitless-like genes (MoccBTB1 and MoccBTB2), as well as two vitellogenin-like genes (Moccvg1 and Moccvg2). Single transcripts of equal size were detected in males and females for Moccdsx1, Moccdsx2, Mocctra-2, Moccix, and MoccBTB2, suggesting that their pre-mRNAs do not undergo alternative splicing in a sex-specific manner. Three genes, Moccdsx1, Moccdsx2 and MoccBTB2, displayed male-biased expression relative to females. One gene, Moccix, displayed female-biased expression relative to males. Two genes, Mocctra-2 and MoccBTB1, did not display detectable differences in transcript abundance in males and females. Expression of Moccvg1 and Moccvg2 were detected in females only, and transcript levels were up-regulated in mated females relative to unmated females. To our knowledge, this represents the first attempt to elucidate expression patterns of putative sex-determination genes in an acarine. This study is an initial step towards understanding the sex-determination pathway in the parahaploid M. occidentalis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron F Pomerantz
- Department of Entomology and Nematology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA,
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Galay RL, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Iron metabolism in hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae): the antidote to their toxic diet. Parasitol Int 2014; 64:182-9. [PMID: 25527065 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are notorious parasitic arthropods, known for their completely host-blood-dependent lifestyle. Hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) feed on their hosts for several days and can ingest blood more than a hundred times their unfed weight. Their blood-feeding habit facilitates the transmission of various pathogens. It is remarkable how hard ticks cope with the toxic nature of their blood meal, which contains several molecules that can promote oxidative stress including iron. While it is required in several physiological processes, high amounts of iron can be dangerous because iron can also participate in the formation of free radicals that may cause cellular damage and death. Here we review the current knowledge on heme and inorganic iron metabolism in hard ticks and compare it with that in vertebrates and other arthropods. We briefly discuss the studies on heme transport, storage and detoxification, and the transport and storage of inorganic iron, with emphasis on the functions of tick ferritins. This review points out other aspects of tick iron metabolism that warrant further investigation, as compared to mammals and other arthropods. Further understanding of this physiological process may help in formulating new control strategies for tick infestation and the spread of tick-borne diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Rika Umemiya-Shirafuji
- National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Inada-cho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-8555, Japan
| | - Masami Mochizuki
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Kozo Fujisaki
- National Agricultural and Food Research Organization, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan; Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Molecular characterization of two vitellogenin genes from the tick, Amblyomma hebraeum (Acari: Ixodidae). Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2014; 5:821-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
23
|
Villar M, Popara M, Mangold AJ, de la Fuente J. Comparative proteomics for the characterization of the most relevant Amblyomma tick species as vectors of zoonotic pathogens worldwide. J Proteomics 2013; 105:204-16. [PMID: 24382551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2013.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Ticks transmit zoonotic pathogens worldwide. Nevertheless, very little information is available on their genome, transcriptome and proteome. Herein, we characterized the proteome of Amblyomma americanum adults and nymphs because of their role in pathogen transmission and compared the proteome of A. americanum, A. cajennense and A. variegatum adult ticks. We also used de novo sequencing proteomics data for the analysis of the phylogenetic relationships between the three Amblyomma spp. in a proof of concept for phyloproteomics. The results showed that host and tick proteins involved in blood digestion, heme detoxification, development and innate immunity were differentially represented between adults and nymphs. Although these ticks were unfed, over-represented host proteins may supply nutrients during off-host periods. Tick proteins involved in tick attachment, feeding, heat shock response, protease inhibition and heme detoxification were differentially represented between Amblyomma spp., suggesting adaptation processes to biotic and abiotic factors. These results suggested that phyloproteomics might be a useful tool for the phylogenetic analysis of tick species in which sequence data is a limiting factor and demonstrate the possibilities of proteomics studies for the characterization of relevant tick vector species and provide new relevant information to understand the physiology, development and evolution of these tick species. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE This is the first report on the proteome of the most important Amblyomma tick species for their relevance as vectors of zoonotic pathogens worldwide. Nevertheless, very little information is available on the genome, transcriptome and proteome of these vector ectoparasites. The results reported herein provide new relevant information to understand the physiology, development and evolution of these tick species. Phyloproteomics using de novo protein sequencing was assayed as a new approach for the phylogenetic analysis of tick species in which sequence data is a limiting factor.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Proteomics of non-model organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Villar
- Sabio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Marina Popara
- Sabio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Atilio J Mangold
- Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela, CC 22, CP 2300 Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - 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.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sandoval CM, Medone P, Nieves EE, Jaimes DA, Ortiz N, Rabinovich JE. Demographic fitness of Belminus ferroae (Hemiptera: Triatominae) on three different hosts under laboratory conditions. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2013; 108:854-64. [PMID: 24141961 PMCID: PMC3970645 DOI: 10.1590/0074-0276130211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Triatominae are widely recognised for their role as vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi. One of the main biological characteristics of this subfamily is their obligate haematophagous condition. However, previous studies on Belminus herreri and Belminus ferroae suggested that cockroaches are their principal hosts in domiciles. Due to this peculiar behaviour, the aim of this study was to analyse several demographic and reproductive parameters of B. ferroae fed on three different hosts (mice, cockroaches and Rhodnius prolixus) and relate B. ferroae fitness to these alternative hosts. The cohorts were reared under constant conditions. The egg hatching rate was similar for cohorts fed on cockroaches (69.4%) and R. prolixus (63.8%), but was much lower for the cohort fed on mice (16%). The development time from the nymph to adult stage and the average age of first reproduction (α) presented lower values in the cohort fed on cockroaches, which is consistent with the higher population growth rate associated with this host. Demographic parameters [intrinsic rate of natural increase, finite rate of population growth, net reproductive rate and damping ratio] showed statistically significant differences between the cohorts. Analysis of the life history of B. ferroae revealed a higher fitness related to the cockroach. The implications of these results for the origin of the subfamily are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Magaly Sandoval
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Paula Medone
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Elsa Evelia Nieves
- Laboratorio de Parasitología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida, Venezuela
| | - Diego Alexander Jaimes
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Pamplona, Pamplona, Norte de Santander, Colombia
| | - Nelcy Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Pamplona, Pamplona, Norte de Santander, Colombia
| | - Jorge Eduardo Rabinovich
- Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, La Plata, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Filimonova SA. Morphological aspects of blood digestion in a parasitic mite Bakericheyla chanayi. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2013; 42:265-276. [PMID: 23518384 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2013.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
All life stages of B. chanayi (Acariformes: Cheyletidae) are characterized by occasional bloodsucking and a long period of digestion. No newly engorged mites were found during the period of their host birds' migration. The fine structure of the digestive tract of a blood-feeding acariform mite is described for the first time. The anterior midgut (AMG) is a place of blood digestion, while the posterior midgut (PMG) is involved in nitrogen metabolism forming guanine crystals as the main end-product. The AMG epithelium consists of digestive cells that probably arise from mitotically active basal cells with high synthesizing activity. As observed in ticks, blood digestion is accompanied by the formation of huge endosomes that serve as places of storage and sorting of ingested material. Digestive cells show different types of endocytotic activity as well as various late endosomes, which implies different subcellular pathways for different blood components. In both midgut regions, elimination of the excretory material occurs by apocrine secretion or by discharging of apical cell fragments (loaded with lysosomes) into the gut lumen. The formation of guanine granules occurs inside the lysosomes of PMG epithelial cells thus having much in common with intracellular digestion. Peculiarities of intracellular blood digestion were analyzed according to the modern hypothesis of endocytosis and compared to what is known in ticks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S A Filimonova
- Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya Embankment 1, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Heekin AM, Guerrero FD, Bendele KG, Saldivar L, Scoles GA, Dowd SE, Gondro C, Nene V, Djikeng A, Brayton KA. Gut transcriptome of replete adult female cattle ticks, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, feeding upon a Babesia bovis-infected bovine host. Parasitol Res 2013; 112:3075-90. [PMID: 23749091 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-013-3482-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
As it feeds upon cattle, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is capable of transmitting a number of pathogenic organisms, including the apicomplexan hemoparasite Babesia bovis, a causative agent of bovine babesiosis. The R. microplus female gut transcriptome was studied for two cohorts: adult females feeding on a bovine host infected with B. bovis and adult females feeding on an uninfected bovine. RNA was purified and used to generate a subtracted cDNA library from B. bovis-infected female gut, and 4,077 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were sequenced. Gene expression was also measured by a microarray designed from the publicly available R. microplus gene index: BmiGI Version 2. We compared gene expression in the tick gut from females feeding upon an uninfected bovine to gene expression in tick gut from females feeding upon a splenectomized bovine infected with B. bovis. Thirty-three ESTs represented on the microarray were expressed at a higher level in female gut samples from the ticks feeding upon a B. bovis-infected calf compared to expression levels in female gut samples from ticks feeding on an uninfected calf. Forty-three transcripts were expressed at a lower level in the ticks feeding upon B. bovis-infected female guts compared with expression in female gut samples from ticks feeding on the uninfected calf. These array data were used as initial characterization of gene expression associated with the infection of R. microplus by B. bovis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Heekin
- Knipling-Bushland US Livestock Insects Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 2700 Fredericksburg Road, Kerrville, TX 78028, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Galay RL, Aung KM, Umemiya-Shirafuji R, Maeda H, Matsuo T, Kawaguchi H, Miyoshi N, Suzuki H, Xuan X, Mochizuki M, Fujisaki K, Tanaka T. Multiple ferritins are vital to successful blood feeding and reproduction of the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 216:1905-15. [PMID: 23393286 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.081240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous parasites and important vectors of diseases. The large amount of blood they consume contains great quantities of iron, an essential but also toxic element. The function of ferritin, an iron storage protein, and iron metabolism in ticks need to be further elucidated. Here, we investigated the function a newly identified secreted ferritin from the hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (HlFER2), together with the previously identified intracellular ferritin (HlFER1). Recombinant ferritins, expressed in Escherichia coli, were used for anti-serum preparation and were also assayed for iron-binding activity. RT-PCR and western blot analyses of different organs and developmental stages of the tick during blood feeding were performed. The localization of ferritins in different organs was demonstrated through an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test. RNA interference (RNAi) was performed to evaluate the importance of ferritin in blood feeding and reproduction of ticks. The midgut was also examined after RNAi using light and transmission electron microscopy. RT-PCR showed differences in gene expression in some organs and developmental stages. Interestingly, only HlFER2 was detected in the ovary during oviposition and in the egg despite the low mRNA transcript. RNAi induced a reduction in post-blood meal body weight, high mortality and decreased fecundity. The expression of vitellogenin genes was affected by silencing of ferritin. Abnormalities in digestive cells, including disrupted microvilli, and alteration of digestive activity were also observed. Taken altogether, our results show that the iron storage and protective functions of ferritin are crucial to successful blood feeding and reproduction of H. longicornis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remil Linggatong Galay
- Department of Pathological and Preventive Veterinary Science, The United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, Yoshida, Yamaguchi 753-8515, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cabrera Cordon AR, Shirk PD, Duehl AJ, Evans JD, Teal PEA. Variable induction of vitellogenin genes in the varroa mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman), by the honeybee, Apis mellifera L, host and its environment. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 22:88-103. [PMID: 23331492 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Transcript levels of vitellogenins (Vgs) in the varroa mite, Varroa destructor (Anderson & Trueman), were variably induced by interactions between the developing honeybee, Apis mellifera L, as a food source and the capped honeybee cell environment. Transcripts for two Vgs of varroa mites were sequenced and putative Vg protein products characterized. Sequence analysis of VdVg1 and VdVg2 proteins showed that each had greater similarity with Vg1 and Vg2 proteins from ticks, respectively, than between themselves and were grouped separately by phylogenetic analyses. This suggests there was a duplication of the ancestral acarine Vg gene prior to the divergence of the mites and ticks. Low levels of transcript were detected in immature mites, males and phoretic females. Following cell invasion by phoretic females, VdVg1 and VdVg2 transcript levels were up-regulated after cell capping to a maximum at the time of partial cocoon formation by the honeybee. During oviposition the two transcripts were differentially expressed with higher levels of VdVg2 being observed. A bioassay based on assessing the transcript levels was established. Increases in VdVg1 and VdVg2 transcripts were induced experimentally in phoretic females when they were placed inside a cell containing an early metamorphosing last instar bee but not when exposed to the metamorphosing bee alone. The variable response of Vg expression to the food source as well as environmental cues within the capped cell demonstrates that perturbation of host-parasite interactions may provide avenues to disrupt the reproductive cycle of the varroa mites and prevent varroasis.
Collapse
|
29
|
Mans BJ, de Klerk D, Pienaar R, de Castro MH, Latif AA. The mitochondrial genomes of Nuttalliella namaqua (Ixodoidea: Nuttalliellidae) and Argas africolumbae (Ixodoidae: Argasidae): estimation of divergence dates for the major tick lineages and reconstruction of ancestral blood-feeding characters. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49461. [PMID: 23145176 PMCID: PMC3493528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodida are composed of hard (Ixodidae), soft (Argasidae) and the monotypic Nuttalliellidae (Nuttalliella namaqua) tick families. Nuclear 18S rRNA analysis suggested that N. namaqua was the closest extant relative to the last common ancestral tick lineage. The mitochondrial genomes of N. namaqua and Argas africolumbae were determined using next generation sequencing and de novo assembly to investigate this further. The latter was included since previous estimates on the divergence times of argasids lacked data for this major genus. Mitochondrial gene order for both was identical to that of the Argasidae and Prostriata. Bayesian analysis of the COI, Cytb, ND1, ND2 and ND4 genes confirmed the monophyly of ticks, the basal position of N. namaqua to the other tick families and the accepted systematic relationships of the other tick genera. Molecular clock estimates were derived for the divergence of the major tick lineages and supported previous estimates on the origins of ticks in the Carboniferous. N. namaqua larvae fed successfully on lizards and mice in a prolonged manner similar to many argasids and all ixodids. Excess blood meal-derived water was secreted via the salivary glands, similar to ixodids. We propose that this prolonged larval feeding style eventually gave rise to the long feeding periods that typify the single larval, nymphal and adult stages of ixodid ticks and the associated secretion of water via the salivary glands. Ancestral reconstruction of characters involved in blood-feeding indicates that most of the characteristics unique to either hard or soft tick families were present in the ancestral tick lineage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Mans
- Parasites, Vectors and Vector-borne Diseases, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Onderstepoort, South Africa.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hamza I, Dailey HA. One ring to rule them all: trafficking of heme and heme synthesis intermediates in the metazoans. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2012; 1823:1617-32. [PMID: 22575458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 04/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The appearance of heme, an organic ring surrounding an iron atom, in evolution forever changed the efficiency with which organisms were able to generate energy, utilize gasses and catalyze numerous reactions. Because of this, heme has become a near ubiquitous compound among living organisms. In this review we have attempted to assess the current state of heme synthesis and trafficking with a goal of identifying crucial missing information, and propose hypotheses related to trafficking that may generate discussion and research. The possibilities of spatially organized supramolecular enzyme complexes and organelle structures that facilitate efficient heme synthesis and subsequent trafficking are discussed and evaluated. Recently identified players in heme transport and trafficking are reviewed and placed in an organismal context. Additionally, older, well established data are reexamined in light of more recent studies on cellular organization and data available from newer model organisms. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cell Biology of Metals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iqbal Hamza
- Department of Animal & Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lew-Tabor AE, Kurscheid S, Barrero R, Gondro C, Moolhuijzen PM, Rodriguez Valle M, Morgan JAT, Covacin C, Bellgard MI. Gene expression evidence for off-target effects caused by RNA interference-mediated gene silencing of Ubiquitin-63E in the cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus. Int J Parasitol 2011; 41:1001-14. [PMID: 21712043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2011.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 05/24/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- A E Lew-Tabor
- CRC for Beef Genetic Technologies, Armidale, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bissinger BW, Donohue KV, Khalil SMS, Grozinger CM, Sonenshine DE, Zhu J, Roe RM. Synganglion transcriptome and developmental global gene expression in adult females of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Acari: Ixodidae). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 20:465-491. [PMID: 21689185 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2011.01086.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
454 Pyrosequencing was used to characterize the expressed genes from the synganglion and associated neurosecretory organs of unfed and partially fed virgin and mated replete females of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis. A total of 14,881 contiguous sequences (contigs) was assembled, with an average size of 229 bp. Gene ontology terms for Level 2 biological processes were assigned to 4366 contigs. Seven acetylcholinesterases, a muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor, two nicotinic ACh receptor β-subunits, two ACh unc-18 regulators, two dopamine receptors, two gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, two GABA transporters, two norepinephrine transporters and an octopamine receptor are described. Microarrays were conducted to examine global gene expression and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to verify expression of selected neuropeptides. Hierarchical clustering of all differentially expressed transcripts grouped part-fed and replete ticks as being more similar in terms of differentially expressed genes with unfed ticks as the outgroup. Nine putative neuropeptides (allatostatin, bursicon-β, preprocorazonin, glycoprotein hormone α, insulin-like peptide, three orcokinins, preprosulphakinin) and a gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor were differentially expressed, and their developmental expression and role in reproduction was investigated. The presence of eclosion hormone, corazonin and bursicon in the synganglion, which in insects regulate behaviour and cuticle development associated with moulting, suggest that this system may be used in ticks to regulate blood feeding, cuticle expansion and development related to female reproduction; adult ticks do not moult.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B W Bissinger
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7647, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Khalil SMS, Donohue KV, Thompson DM, Jeffers LA, Ananthapadmanaban U, Sonenshine DE, Mitchell RD, Roe RM. Full-length sequence, regulation and developmental studies of a second vitellogenin gene from the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:400-408. [PMID: 21192946 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Vitellogenin (Vg) is the precursor of vitellin (Vn) which is the major yolk protein in eggs. In a previous report, we isolated and characterized the first Vg message from the American dog tick Dermacentor variabilis. In the current study, we describe a second Vg gene from the same tick. The Vg2 cDNA is 5956 nucleotides with a 5775 nt open reading frame coding for 1925 amino acids. The conceptual amino acid translation contains a 16-residues putative signal peptide, N-terminal lipid binding domain and C-terminal von Willebrand factor type D domain present in all known Vgs. Moreover, the amino acid sequence shows a typical GLCG domain and several RXXR cleavage sites present in most isolated Vgs. Tryptic digest-mass fingerprinting of Vg and Vn recognized 11 fragments that exist in the amino acid translation of DvVg2 cDNA. Injection of virgin females with 20 hydroxyecdysone induced DvVg2 expression, vitellogenesis and oviposition. Using RT-PCR, DvVg2 expression was detected only in tick females after mating and feeding to repletion. Northern blot analysis showed that DvVg2 is expressed in fat body and gut cells of vitellogenic females but not in the ovary. DvVg2 expression was not detected in adult fed or unfed males. The characteristics that distinguish Vg from other similar tick storage proteins like the carrier protein, CP (another hemelipoglycoprotein) are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sayed M S Khalil
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7647, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Laino A, Cunningham ML, Heras H, Garcia F. Isolation and characterization of two vitellins from eggs of the spider Polybetes pythagoricus (Araneae: Sparassidae). Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 158:142-8. [PMID: 21056682 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 10/29/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aldana Laino
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de La Plata (INIBIOLP), CONICET-UNLP, 60 y 120 (1900) La Plata, Argentina
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cabrera AR, Donohue KV, Khalil SMS, Scholl E, Opperman C, Sonenshine DE, Roe RM. New approach for the study of mite reproduction: The first transcriptome analysis of a mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:52-61. [PMID: 20888830 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2010.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2010] [Revised: 09/21/2010] [Accepted: 09/23/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Many species of mites and ticks are of agricultural and medical importance. Much can be learned from the study of transcriptomes of acarines which can generate DNA-sequence information of potential target genes for the control of acarine pests. High throughput transcriptome sequencing can also yield sequences of genes critical during physiological processes poorly understood in acarines, i.e., the regulation of female reproduction in mites. The predatory mite, Phytoseiulus persimilis, was selected to conduct a transcriptome analysis using 454 pyrosequencing. The objective of this project was to obtain DNA-sequence information of expressed genes from P. persimilis with special interest in sequences corresponding to vitellogenin (Vg) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR). These genes are critical to the understanding of vitellogenesis, and they will facilitate the study of the regulation of mite female reproduction. A total of 12,556 contiguous sequences (contigs) were assembled with an average size of 935bp. From these sequences, the putative translated peptides of 11 contigs were similar in amino acid sequences to other arthropod Vgs, while 6 were similar to VgRs. We selected some of these sequences to conduct stage-specific expression studies to further determine their function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Cabrera
- Department of Entomology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7647, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kramer CD, Poole NM, Coons LB, Cole JA. Tick saliva regulates migration, phagocytosis, and gene expression in the macrophage-like cell line, IC-21. Exp Parasitol 2010; 127:665-71. [PMID: 21145320 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2010.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/25/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We studied the effects of tick saliva on cell migration, cell signaling, phagocytosis, and gene expression in the murine macrophage cell line, IC-21. Saliva increased both basal- and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated migration in IC-21 cells. However, saliva did not affect PDGF-stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Zymosan-mediated interleukin-1 receptor associated kinase (IRAK) activity increased when cells were pretreated with saliva. Saliva suppressed phagocytosis of zymosan particles by IC-21 cells. An RT(2) Profiler™ PCR Array revealed that saliva regulates gene expression in a manner consistent with an immune response skewed toward a Th2 reaction, which is characterized by production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. Our results using IC-21 cells suggest that Dermacentor variabilis has evolved a mechanism for regulating macrophage function, which may contribute to the tick's ability to modulate immune function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn D Kramer
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Toh SQ, Glanfield A, Gobert GN, Jones MK. Heme and blood-feeding parasites: friends or foes? Parasit Vectors 2010; 3:108. [PMID: 21087517 PMCID: PMC2999593 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-3-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemoparasites, like malaria and schistosomes, are constantly faced with the challenges of storing and detoxifying large quantities of heme, released from their catabolism of host erythrocytes. Heme is an essential prosthetic group that forms the reactive core of numerous hemoproteins with diverse biological functions. However, due to its reactive nature, it is also a potentially toxic molecule. Thus, the acquisition and detoxification of heme is likely to be paramount for the survival and establishment of parasitism. Understanding the underlying mechanism involved in this interaction could possibly provide potential novel targets for drug and vaccine development, and disease treatment. However, there remains a wide gap in our understanding of these mechanisms. This review summarizes the biological importance of heme for hemoparasite, and the adaptations utilized in its sequestration and detoxification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu Qin Toh
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Queensland, 4006, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Horigane M, Shinoda T, Honda H, Taylor D. Characterization of a vitellogenin gene reveals two phase regulation of vitellogenesis by engorgement and mating in the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Argasidae). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 19:501-515. [PMID: 20456507 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2010.01007.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Synthesis of the precursor yolk protein vitellogenin (Vg) occurs after engorgement in haematophagous arthropods. We identified the Vg cDNA of the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata (OmVg) and compared its expression in mated and virgin females. Both mated and virgin females showed increases in OmVg expression after engorgement but expression was higher in mated females than virgin females particularly as time advanced. Delayed mating in virgin females induced an increase in OmVg expression. OmVg expression was observed in the midgut and fat body by whole mount in situ hybridization, but enlarged fat body with high expression occurred in only mated females during the late phase of vitellogenesis. Therefore, engorgement initially induces OmVg expression but mating is necessary for continued Vg expression to produce mature eggs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Horigane
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Cabrera AR, Donohue KV, Roe RM. Regulation of female reproduction in mites: a unifying model for the Acari. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 55:1079-1090. [PMID: 19698719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2009] [Revised: 08/11/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
It is well established in the literature that circulating high levels of juvenile hormone (JH) are responsible for the initiation of vitellogenesis and female reproduction in most insects studied so far. Exceptions include some Diptera, Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera. The current view is that JH also regulates yolk protein (vitellogenin, Vg) synthesis and female reproduction in mites. However, there is no published evidence that mites have the common insect JHs at any stage of their development. Also, research on the effects of exogenous applications of JH and JH analogs on the reproduction of mites is contradictory. Significant information is available on the life history of mite reproduction, and new information has become available on mite storage proteins including Vg. Although initial studies suggested that ticks may respond to exogenously applied juvenile hormone or anti-JHs, current research shows that ticks cannot synthesize the common insect JHs and have no detectable levels of these hormones in their hemolymph during female reproduction. In ticks, it appears that ecdysteroids, and not JH, regulate expression of the Vg gene and the synthesis and release of Vg protein into the hemolymph. In fact within the Arthropoda, JH has been found only in insects. Methyl farnesoate and not JH regulates Vg synthesis in the Crustacea, the sister group to the insects. Based on this evidence, a new working hypothesis is proposed, i.e., that ecdysteroids and not the JHs regulate vitellogenesis in the Acari including both ticks and mites. To the present, the role of neuropeptides in the regulation of female reproduction in mites is not known.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Cabrera
- North Carolina State University, Department of Entomology, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Cabrera AR, Donohue KV, Khalil SMS, Sonenshine DE, Roe RM. Characterization of vitellin protein in the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2009; 55:655-661. [PMID: 19394341 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2009.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 04/13/2009] [Accepted: 04/13/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
In mites, vitellogenin synthesis, regulation and uptake by the oocytes as vitellin remain practically unknown. Although a partial sequence of the gene is now available, no previous studies have been conducted that describe the native vitellin protein in mites. The objective of this study was to characterize vitellin in the twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae. The native twospotted spider mite vitellin migrated as a single major band with a molecular weight of 476+/-14.5 kDa as compared to 590+/-25.5 kDa for vitellin from the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis. However, isoelectric focusing analysis of native spider mite vitellin showed five bands with pI values slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.8, 6.2, 6.7, 7.0 and 7.2), as is the case for insect and tick vitellins. Reducing conditions (SDS-PAGE) also revealed multiple subunits ranging from 290.9 to 3.6 kDa and was similar to that found in D. variabilis. Spider mite vitellin weakly bound lipids and carbohydrates compared to the tick. Unlike D. variabilis, the spider mite egg yolk protein does not bind heme. The significance of non-heme binding in mites is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Cabrera
- North Carolina State University, Department of Entomology, Campus Box 7613, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|