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Zdenek CN, Cardoso FC, Robinson SD, Mercedes RS, Raidjõe ER, Hernandez-Vargas MJ, Jin J, Corzo G, Vetter I, King GF, Fry BG, Walker AA. Venom exaptation and adaptation during the trophic switch to blood-feeding by kissing bugs. iScience 2024; 27:110723. [PMID: 39280617 PMCID: PMC11402303 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Kissing bugs are known to produce anticoagulant venom that facilitates blood-feeding. However, it is unknown how this saliva evolved and if the venom produced by the entomophagous ancestors of kissing bugs would have helped or hindered the trophic shift. In this study, we show that venoms produced by extant predatory assassin bugs have strong anticoagulant properties mediated chiefly by proteolytic degradation of fibrinogen, and additionally contain anticoagulant disulfide-rich peptides. However, venom produced by predatory species also has pain-inducing and membrane-permeabilizing activities that would be maladaptive for blood-feeding, and which venom of the blood-feeding species lack. This study demonstrates that venom produced by the predatory ancestors of kissing bugs was exapted for the trophic switch to blood-feeding by virtue of its anticoagulant properties. Further adaptation to blood-feeding occurred by downregulation of venom toxins with proteolytic, cytolytic, and pain-inducing activities, and upregulation and neofunctionalization of toxins with anticoagulant activity independent of proteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fernanda C Cardoso
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Samuel D Robinson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Raine S Mercedes
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | | | - María José Hernandez-Vargas
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Jiayi Jin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gerardo Corzo
- Departamento de Medicina Molecular y Bioprocesos, Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Apartado Postal 510-3, Cuernavaca 62210, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bryan G Fry
- Venom Evolution Lab, School of the Environment, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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2
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Cheng BX, Shao GY, Li Y, Tian QQ, Wang SY, Liu F. Molecular cloning and characterisation of the PmEglin cDNA in the leech Hirudinaria sp. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-022-01277-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
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3
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Rocha FF, Gazzinelli-Guimarães PH, Soares AC, Lourdes RA, Estevão LRM, Rachid MA, Bueno LL, Gontijo NF, Pereira MH, Sant'Anna MRV, Natividade UA, Fujiwara RT, Araujo RN. Effect of Triatoma infestans saliva on mouse immune system cells: The role of the pore-forming salivary protein trialysin. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 143:103739. [PMID: 35149206 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Triatoma infestans is one of the most important vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Americas. While feeding, they release large amounts of saliva that will counteract the host's responses triggered at the bite site. Despite the various activities described on T. infestans saliva, little is known about its effect on the modulation of the host's immune system. This work aimed to describe the effects of T. infestans saliva on cells of the mouse immune system and access the role in hematophagy. The effect of saliva or salivary gland extract (SGE) was evaluated in vivo and in vitro by direct T. infestans feeding on mice or using different biological assays. Mice that were submitted to four bites by three specimens of T. infestans had their anti-saliva IgG serum levels approximately 2.4 times higher than controls, but no change in serum IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ, and TNF-α levels was observed. No macroscopic alterations were seen at the bite site, but an accumulation of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells shortly after the bite and 24 h later were observed in histological cuts. At low concentrations (up to ∼5 μg/well), SGE induced TNF-α production by macrophages and spleen cells, IFN-γ and IL-10 by spleen cells and NO by macrophages. However, at higher concentrations (10 and 20 μg/well), viability of macrophages and spleen cells was reduced by SGE, reducing the production of NO and cytokines (except TNF-α). The salivary trialysin was the main inducer of cell death as macrophage viability and NO production was restored in assays carried out with SGE from trialysin knockdown insects. The reduction of the salivary trialysin by RNAi affected the total ingestion rate, the weight gain, and retarded the molt from second to the fifth instar of T. infestans nymphs fed on mice. The results show that T. infestans saliva modulates the activity of cells of the host immune system and trialysin is an important salivary molecule that reduces host cells viability and impacts the feeding performance of T. infestans feeding on live hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda F Rocha
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pedro H Gazzinelli-Guimarães
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Adriana C Soares
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo A Lourdes
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lígia R M Estevão
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Milene A Rachid
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Lilian L Bueno
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Nelder F Gontijo
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos H Pereira
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauricio R V Sant'Anna
- Laboratory of Physiology of Hematophagous Insects, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ulisses A Natividade
- Laboratory of Hematophagous Arthopods, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo T Fujiwara
- Laboratory of Immunology and Genomics of Parasites, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo N Araujo
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Laboratory of Hematophagous Arthopods, Department of Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Rügen N, Jenkins TP, Wielsch N, Vogel H, Hempel BF, Süssmuth RD, Ainsworth S, Cabezas-Cruz A, Vilcinskas A, Tonk M. Hexapod Assassins' Potion: Venom Composition and Bioactivity from the Eurasian Assassin Bug Rhynocoris iracundus. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9070819. [PMID: 34356883 PMCID: PMC8301361 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Assassin bug venoms are potent and exert diverse biological functions, making them potential biomedical goldmines. Besides feeding functions on arthropods, assassin bugs also use their venom for defense purposes causing localized and systemic reactions in vertebrates. However, assassin bug venoms remain poorly characterized. We collected the venom from the assassin bug Rhynocoris iracundus and investigated its composition and bioactivity in vitro and in vivo. It caused lysis of murine neuroblastoma, hepatoma cells, and healthy murine myoblasts. We demonstrated, for the first time, that assassin bug venom induces neurolysis and suggest that it counteracts paralysis locally via the destruction of neural networks, contributing to tissue digestion. Furthermore, the venom caused paralysis and melanization of Galleria mellonella larvae and pupae, whilst also possessing specific antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, but not Listeria grayi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A combinatorial proteo-transcriptomic approach was performed to identify potential toxins responsible for the observed effects. We identified neurotoxic Ptu1, an inhibitory cystin knot (ICK) toxin homologous to ω-conotoxins from cone snails, cytolytic redulysins homologous to trialysins from hematophagous kissing bugs, and pore-forming hemolysins. Additionally, chitinases and kininogens were found and may be responsible for insecticidal and cytolytic activities. We demonstrate the multifunctionality and complexity of assassin bug venom, which renders its molecular components interesting for potential biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolai Rügen
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (N.R.); (A.V.)
| | - Timothy P. Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Natalie Wielsch
- Research Group Mass Spectrometry/Proteomics, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 8, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Heiko Vogel
- Department of Entomology, Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Hans-Knöll-Straße 8, 07745 Jena, Germany;
| | - Benjamin-Florian Hempel
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.-F.H.); (R.D.S.)
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies BCRT, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Roderich D. Süssmuth
- Department of Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Strasse des 17. Juni 124, 10623 Berlin, Germany; (B.-F.H.); (R.D.S.)
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Centre for Snakebite Research and Interventions, Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK;
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Anses, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France;
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Department of Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Ohlebergsweg 12, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (N.R.); (A.V.)
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Miray Tonk
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- LOEWE Centre for Translational Biodiversity Genomics (LOEWE-TBG), Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Deng Z, Zeng Q, Tang J, Zhang B, Chai J, Andersen JF, Chen X, Xu X. Anti-inflammatory effects of FS48, the first potassium channel inhibitor from the salivary glands of the flea Xenopsylla cheopis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100670. [PMID: 33864815 PMCID: PMC8131326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated potassium (Kv) 1.3 channel plays a crucial role in the immune responsiveness of T-lymphocytes and macrophages, presenting a potential target for treatment of immune- and inflammation related-diseases. FS48, a protein from the rodent flea Xenopsylla cheopis, shares the three disulfide bond feature of scorpion toxins. However, its three-dimensional structure and biological function are still unclear. In the present study, the structure of FS48 was evaluated by circular dichroism and homology modeling. We also described its in vitro ion channel activity using patch clamp recording and investigated its anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-induced Raw 264.7 macrophage cells and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. FS48 was found to adopt a common αββ structure and contain an atypical dyad motif. It dose-dependently exhibited the Kv1.3 channel in Raw 264.7 and HEK 293T cells, and its ability to block the channel pore was demonstrated by the kinetics of activation and competition binding with tetraethylammonium. FS48 also downregulated the secretion of proinflammatory molecules NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 by Raw 264.7 cells in a manner dependent on Kv1.3 channel blockage and the subsequent inactivation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathways. Finally, we observed that FS48 inhibited the paw edema formation, tissue myeloperoxidase activity, and inflammatory cell infiltrations in carrageenan-treated mice. We therefore conclude that FS48 identified from the flea saliva is a novel potassium channel inhibitor displaying anti-inflammatory activity. This discovery will promote understanding of the bloodsucking mechanism of the flea and provide a new template molecule for the design of Kv1.3 channel blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhui Deng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingye Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Tang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinwei Chai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - John F Andersen
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, National Intitutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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6
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Tull T, Henn F, Betz O, Eggs B. Structure and function of the stylets of hematophagous Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), with special reference to Dipetalogaster maxima. ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2020; 58:100952. [PMID: 32540512 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2020.100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Kissing bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) are able to bend their rod-like maxillae while searching for blood vessels in the tissue of their vertebrate hosts. Little is known about the working mechanisms of these bending movements and the distal opening of the food channel. We compared the morphological structure of the stylets (mandibles and maxillae) of four triatomine species and analyzed the feeding process of Dipetalogaster maxima (Uhler, 1894). The maxillae of triatomine bugs are interlocked by a tongue-and-groove system, allowing longitudinal sliding. While penetrating the host tissue, the animals perform rapid alternate back and forth movements of the maxillae. The resistance of the surrounding tissue pushes the asymmetric apex of the maxillae away from its straight path, i.e., if one individual maxilla is protracted alone, its tip curves inwards, and the other maxilla follows. Once a blood vessel is tapped, the spine-like tip of the left maxilla splays outwards. Apically, each of the maxillae features an abutment, the left one exhibiting a notch that presumably facilitates splaying. The mechanical interaction of the two maxillary abutments enables the distal opening of the food channel but might also support the movements of the maxillary bundle attributable to different bending moment distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Tull
- Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Fabian Henn
- Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Betz
- Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Eggs
- Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates, Institute of Evolution and Ecology, Auf der Morgenstelle 28, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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7
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Walker AA, Rosenthal M, Undheim EEA, King GF. Harvesting Venom Toxins from Assassin Bugs and Other Heteropteran Insects. J Vis Exp 2018. [PMID: 29733320 DOI: 10.3791/57729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Heteropteran insects such as assassin bugs (Reduviidae) and giant water bugs (Belostomatidae) descended from a common predaceous and venomous ancestor, and the majority of extant heteropterans retain this trophic strategy. Some heteropterans have transitioned to feeding on vertebrate blood (such as the kissing bugs, Triatominae; and bed bugs, Cimicidae) while others have reverted to feeding on plants (most Pentatomomorpha). However, with the exception of saliva used by kissing bugs to facilitate blood-feeding, little is known about heteropteran venoms compared to the venoms of spiders, scorpions and snakes. One obstacle to the characterization of heteropteran venom toxins is the structure and function of the venom/labial glands, which are both morphologically complex and perform multiple biological roles (defense, prey capture, and extra-oral digestion). In this article, we describe three methods we have successfully used to collect heteropteran venoms. First, we present electrostimulation as a convenient way to collect venom that is often lethal when injected into prey animals, and which obviates contamination by glandular tissue. Second, we show that gentle harassment of animals is sufficient to produce venom extrusion from the proboscis and/or venom spitting in some groups of heteropterans. Third, we describe methods to harvest venom toxins by dissection of anaesthetized animals to obtain the venom glands. This method is complementary to other methods, as it may allow harvesting of toxins from taxa in which electrostimulation and harassment are ineffective. These protocols will enable researchers to harvest toxins from heteropteran insects for structure-function characterization and possible applications in medicine and agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Max Rosenthal
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland
| | | | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland
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8
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Paim RMM, Nascimento BWL, Nascimento AMD, Pacheco DE, Soares AC, Araujo RN, Sant'Anna MRV, Pessoa GCD, Gontijo NF, Pereira MH. Functional aspects of salivary nitric oxide synthase of Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) and nitric oxide trafficking at the vector-host interface. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16036. [PMID: 29167493 PMCID: PMC5700186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16097-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus expresses nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the cytosol of the salivary gland (SG) cells. The NO produced is stored in the SG lumen bound to NO-carrier haemeproteins called nitrophorins (NPs). NPs bind tightly to NO in the acidic SG lumen, but release NO when the pH becomes high, e.g., at the host skin (pH~7.4). NO elicits potent and transient relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. Here, we investigated the role of salivary NO in the R. prolixus feeding behaviour and the salivary vasodilator activity of the host microcirculation. NOS knockdown in R. prolixus changed the SG colour, decreased the number of NO-loaded NPs and caused impairment of feeding performance. When salivary gland extracts (SGEs) were obtained from NOS- and NPs-knockdown insects and prepared in pH 5.0 solution and injected (i.v.) into mice via the tail vein, no vasodilation was observed, whereas SGEs from control insects caused long-term venodilation in the mouse skin. SGs disrupted directly in PBS (pH 7.4) containing BSA produced long-term vasodilation compared to the controls without BSA due to the possible formation of nitroso-albumin, suggesting that host serum albumin extends the NO half-life when NO is injected into the host skin by triatomine during their blood-feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela M M Paim
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bruno W L Nascimento
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ana Mércia D Nascimento
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Dimitri E Pacheco
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Adriana C Soares
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ricardo N Araujo
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Mauricio R V Sant'Anna
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Grasielle C D Pessoa
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Nelder F Gontijo
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos H Pereira
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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9
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Velásquez JJ, Navarro-Vargas JR, Moncada L. Potential pharmacological use of salivary compounds from hematophagous organisms. REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE MEDICINA 2017. [DOI: 10.15446/revfacmed.v65n3.52835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Introducción. La saliva de los artrópodos hematófagos contiene un arsenal de compuestos que les permite acceder a la sangre de sus hospederos vertebrados sin ser detectados.Objetivo. Explorar los compuestos salivares de insectos hematófagos que tienen propiedades vasodilatadoras, anticoagulantes, antiinflamatorias, inmunomoduladoras y anestésicas, las cuales se pueden aprovechar por su alto potencial farmacológico.Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una revisión no sistemática de la literatura mediante búsqueda electrónica en las bases de datos PubMed, EMBASE, OvidSP y ScienceDirect; la búsqueda no se limitó por fecha, idioma ni tipo de artículo. Se buscaron artículos sobre los compuestos salivares de los insectos hematófagos, cuyo tema central fuese los efectos en la hemostasia, inmunomodulación y uso farmacológico. Se encontraron 59 artículos que cumplían con los criterios para ser incluidos en la revisión.Conclusión. La saliva de los insectos hematófagos posee gran variedad de moléculas, lo que ofrece una fuente de investigación y un potencial incalculable para el descubrimiento de compuestos que podrían llegar a tener utilidad farmacológica.
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10
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Xu X, Zhang B, Yang S, An S, Ribeiro JMC, Andersen JF. Structure and Function of FS50, a salivary protein from the flea Xenopsylla cheopis that blocks the sodium channel Na V1.5. Sci Rep 2016; 6:36574. [PMID: 27819327 PMCID: PMC5098211 DOI: 10.1038/srep36574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring toxins have been invaluable tools for the study of structural and functional relationships of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). Few studies have been made of potential channel-modulating substances from blood-feeding arthropods. He we describe the characterization FS50, a salivary protein from the flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, that exhibits an inhibitory activity against the NaV1.5 channel with an IC50 of 1.58 μM. The pore-blocking mechanism of this toxin is evident from the kinetics of activation and inactivation suggesting that FS50 does not interfere with the voltage sensor of NaV1.5. FS50 exhibits high specificity for NaV1.5, since 10 μM FS50 had no discernable effect on voltage-gated Na+, K+ and Ca2+ channels in rat dorsal root ganglia or VGSC forms individually expressed in HEK 293T cells. Furthermore, intravenous injection of FS50 into rats and monkeys elicited recovery from arrhythmia induced by BaCl2, as would be expected from a blockade of NaV1.5. The crystal structure of FS50 revealed a βαββ domain similar to that of scorpion β toxin and a small N-terminal βαβ domain. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments have implicated a basic surface including the side chains of Arg 6, His 11 and Lys 32 as potentially important in the FS50 NaV1.5 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China.,The Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852 USA
| | - Bei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Shilong Yang
- The Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - Su An
- The Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
| | - José M C Ribeiro
- The Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852 USA
| | - John F Andersen
- The Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20852 USA
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11
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Walker AA, Weirauch C, Fry BG, King GF. Venoms of Heteropteran Insects: A Treasure Trove of Diverse Pharmacological Toolkits. Toxins (Basel) 2016; 8:43. [PMID: 26907342 PMCID: PMC4773796 DOI: 10.3390/toxins8020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The piercing-sucking mouthparts of the true bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera) have allowed diversification from a plant-feeding ancestor into a wide range of trophic strategies that include predation and blood-feeding. Crucial to the success of each of these strategies is the injection of venom. Here we review the current state of knowledge with regard to heteropteran venoms. Predaceous species produce venoms that induce rapid paralysis and liquefaction. These venoms are powerfully insecticidal, and may cause paralysis or death when injected into vertebrates. Disulfide-rich peptides, bioactive phospholipids, small molecules such as N,N-dimethylaniline and 1,2,5-trithiepane, and toxic enzymes such as phospholipase A2, have been reported in predatory venoms. However, the detailed composition and molecular targets of predatory venoms are largely unknown. In contrast, recent research into blood-feeding heteropterans has revealed the structure and function of many protein and non-protein components that facilitate acquisition of blood meals. Blood-feeding venoms lack paralytic or liquefying activity but instead are cocktails of pharmacological modulators that disable the host haemostatic systems simultaneously at multiple points. The multiple ways venom is used by heteropterans suggests that further study will reveal heteropteran venom components with a wide range of bioactivities that may be recruited for use as bioinsecticides, human therapeutics, and pharmacological tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Walker
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Christiane Weirauch
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Bryan G Fry
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Glenn F King
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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12
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Markvardsen SN, Kjelgaard-Hansen M, Ritz C, Sørensen DB. Less invasive blood sampling in the animal laboratory: clinical chemistry and haematology of blood obtained by the Triatominae bug Dipetalogaster maximus. Lab Anim 2012; 46:136-41. [PMID: 22334876 DOI: 10.1258/la.2011.011063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dipetalogaster maximus (Dipmax), a blood-sucking bug belonging to the family Reduviidae, has been used to obtain blood samples, for example for clinical chemistry and haematology, in a variety of zoo animals and wildlife. Using this bug allows stress-free blood sampling as the bug is able to draw blood without the mammal noticing the bug. In laboratory animal science, the need for blood samples from unstressed animals may arise, especially in animal behaviour research. The use of Dipmax bugs may prove a valuable tool for this purpose. To validate the method, we compared an array of standard blood parameters sampled from New Zealand White rabbits, sampled either by the use of bugs or by the conventional method; puncture of vena auricularis caudalis. The overall hypothesis was that there was no significant difference in clinical chemistry and haematological parameters between the bug method and the conventional method. A total of 17 clinical parameters as well as 12 haematological parameters were measured and compared in New Zealand White rabbits. The results showed that for 13 of these 29 analysed parameters, the bug method and the conventional method did not give significantly different results, and the obtained results were thus directly comparable. For the remaining parameters the obtained results were significantly different. However, all parameters were measurable in the bug samples. The influences of the bug metabolism on these parameters are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S N Markvardsen
- Department of Veterinary Disease Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Gronnegaardsvej 15, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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13
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Souza RDCMD, Soares AC, Alves CL, Lorosa ES, Pereira MH, Diotaiuti L. Feeding behavior of Triatoma vitticeps (Reduviidae: Triatominae) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2011; 106:16-22. [PMID: 21340350 DOI: 10.1590/s0074-02762011000100003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior of Triatoma vitticeps through the identification of its food sources and the characterization of the blood ingestion process. In addition, we aimed to verify if the saliva of this vector interferes with the perception of the host during the feedings by creating a nervous impulse. Here, we demonstrated that the T. vitticeps saliva reduces, gradually and irreversibly, the amplitude of the compound action potential of the nervous fibre, which helps decrease the perception of the insect by the host. The precipitin reaction demonstrated the feeding eclecticism of this vector, with the identification of eight food sources - most of them found simultaneously in the same insect. The analysis of the electrical signals produced by the cibarial pump during meals demonstrated that the best feeding performance of T. vitticeps nymphs that fed on pigeons is mainly due to the higher contraction frequency of the pump. The longer contact period with the host to obtain a complete meal compared with other triatominae species of the same instar could favor the occurrence of multiple blood sources in T. vitticeps under natural conditions, as it was evidenced by the precipitin test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita de Cássia Moreira de Souza
- Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil, 30190-002
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14
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Alves CL, Araujo RN, Gontijo NF, Pereira MH. Importance and physiological effects of hemolymphagy in triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2011; 48:372-81. [PMID: 21485376 DOI: 10.1603/me10151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Triatomines are hematophagous insects and the vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi in the Americas. Although their preferred meal is blood from vertebrate hosts, unfed triatomine nymphs are often seen feeding on different arthropod species. Triatomine saliva has a wide range of activities that aid the hematophagic process. However, nothing is known about its role during hemolymphagy. In the current study, we reproduced hemolymphagy under laboratory conditions and evaluated the influence of hemolymphagy on the survival of Triatoma infestans nymphs. The effects of saliva on the activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade in the invertebrate host and the influence of the saliva on the motility of the bugs and contractions of the dorsal vessels were assessed. Hemolymphagy prolonged the survival rate of T. infestans first instars from 60 to >120 d compared with unfed nymphs. The saliva from T. infestans caused a 50% reduction in the amplitude and frequency of the dorsal vessel contractions of adult Rhodnius prolixus and induced paralysis for >10 min when the saliva was injected into second instars. T. infestans saliva was able to inhibit the activation of the prophenoloxidase cascade from a R. prolixus hemolymph, but had no effect on the phenoloxidase activity after the cascade was activated. The paralyzing molecule in the saliva was <5 kDa and probably had no proteic or lipidic characteristics. These results suggest that triatomine saliva may play an important role during hemolymphagy by inducing paralysis and suppressing immune responses in the invertebrate host. The importance of hemolymphagy for the survival of nymphs in periods when vertebrate blood is scarce is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ceres L Alves
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Bloco I4, Sala 177, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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15
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Meiser CK, Piechura H, Meyer HE, Warscheid B, Schaub GA, Balczun C. A salivary serine protease of the haematophagous reduviid Panstrongylus megistus: sequence characterization, expression pattern and characterization of proteolytic activity. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 19:409-421. [PMID: 20345395 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2010.01002.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A cDNA encoding a trypsin-like protease from the salivary glands of the haematophagous reduviid Panstrongylus megistus was cloned and sequenced. The deduced protein sequence showed similarities to serine proteases of other hemipterans but with substitutions in the catalytic triad and the substrate binding site. The expression of the gene increased more than sixfold after feeding. Saliva showed the highest proteolytic activity at neutral to slightly basic pH. Substrate and inhibitor profiles and zymography indicated the presence of a trypsin-like protease with preference for Arg and Lys at P1. Using chromatography, a fibrinolytic enzyme was purified whose sequence was identified by tandem mass spectrometry as that encoded by the cDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- C K Meiser
- Zoology/Parasitology Group, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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16
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Khokhlova IS, Ghazaryan L, Krasnov BR, Degen AA. Does acquired resistance of rodent hosts affect metabolic rate of fleas? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 311:389-98. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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17
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Paesen GC, Siebold C, Dallas ML, Peers C, Harlos K, Nuttall PA, Nunn MA, Stuart DI, Esnouf RM. An ion-channel modulator from the saliva of the brown ear tick has a highly modified Kunitz/BPTI structure. J Mol Biol 2009; 389:734-47. [PMID: 19394347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2009.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2009] [Accepted: 04/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Ra-KLP, a 75 amino acid protein secreted by the salivary gland of the brown ear tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus has a sequence resembling those of Kunitz/BPTI proteins. We report the detection, purification and characterization of the function of Ra-KLP. In addition, determination of the three-dimensional crystal structure of Ra-KLP at 1.6 A resolution using sulphur single-wavelength anomalous dispersion reveals that much of the loop structure of classical Kunitz domains, including the protruding protease-binding loop, has been replaced by beta-strands. Even more unusually, the N-terminal portion of the polypeptide chain is pinned to the "Kunitz head" by two disulphide bridges not found in classical Kunitz/BPTI proteins. The disulphide bond pattern has been further altered by the loss of the bridge that normally stabilizes the protease-binding loop. Consistent with the conversion of this loop into a beta-strand, Ra-KLP shows no significant anti-protease activity; however, it activates maxiK channels in an in vitro system, suggesting a potential mechanism for regulating host blood supply during feeding.
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18
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Noireau F, Diosque P, Jansen AM. Trypanosoma cruzi: adaptation to its vectors and its hosts. Vet Res 2009; 40:26. [PMID: 19250627 PMCID: PMC2695024 DOI: 10.1051/vetres/2009009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2008] [Accepted: 02/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis is a parasitic zoonosis that occurs throughout Latin America. The etiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, is able to infect almost all tissues of its mammalian hosts and spreads in the environment in multifarious transmission cycles that may or not be connected. This biological plasticity, which is probably the result of the considerable heterogeneity of the taxon, exemplifies a successful adaptation of a parasite resulting in distinct outcomes of infection and a complex epidemiological pattern. In the 1990s, most endemic countries strengthened national control programs to interrupt the transmission of this parasite to humans. However, many obstacles remain to the effective control of the disease. Current knowledge of the different components involved in elaborate system that is American trypanosomiasis (the protozoan parasite T. cruzi, vectors Triatominae and the many reservoirs of infection), as well as the interactions existing within the system, is still incomplete. The Triatominae probably evolve from predatory reduvids in response to the availability of vertebrate food source. However, the basic mechanisms of adaptation of some of them to artificial ecotopes remain poorly understood. Nevertheless, these adaptations seem to be associated with a behavioral plasticity, a reduction in the genetic repertoire and increasing developmental instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Noireau
- UR 016, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Montpellier, France.
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19
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Chi S, Xiao R, Li Q, Zhou L, He R, Qi Z. Suppression of neuronal excitability by the secretion of the lamprey (Lampetra japonica) provides a mechanism for its evolutionary stability. Pflugers Arch 2009; 458:537-45. [PMID: 19198874 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-008-0631-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2008] [Revised: 12/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lampreys are one of the most primitive vertebrates still living today. They attach themselves to the body surface of the host fish through their sucker-like mouths and suck blood of the host for days. Recent fossil evidence has indicated that morphology of lampreys in the late Devonian period, over 360 million years ago, already possessed the present day major characteristics, suggesting the evolutionary stability of a highly specialized parasitic feeding habit. Obviously, nociceptive responses and hemostasis of the host are two major barriers to long-term feeding of the parasitic lamprey. It has been found, to counteract hemostasis of the host, that paired buccal glands of lampreys secrete antihemostatic compounds to prevent blood of the host from coagulation. However, it is not known how lampreys make the host lose nociceptive responses. Here, we prepared components of the crude extract from the buccal glands of the lampreys (Lampetra japonica). Then, we show that crude extract and one of its purified components reduce the firing frequency of neuronal action potentials probably through inhibiting the voltage-dependent Na(+) channels. As the voltage-gated Na(+) channels are highly conserved throughout evolution, we argue that the secretion of the lampreys could exert the similar effect on the Na(+) channels of their host fish as well. Therefore, together with its antihemostatic effect, the secretion due to its inhibitory effect on neuronal excitability might provide a mechanism for the parasitic lampreys to keep their evolutionary stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaopeng Chi
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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20
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Martins RM, Amino R, Daghastanli KR, Cuccovia IM, Juliano MA, Schenkman S. A short proregion of trialysin, a pore-forming protein of Triatoma infestans salivary glands, controls activity by folding the N-terminal lytic motif. FEBS J 2008; 275:994-1002. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-4658.2008.06260.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Santos A, Ribeiro JMC, Lehane MJ, Gontijo NF, Veloso AB, Sant'Anna MR, Araujo RN, Grisard EC, Pereira MH. The sialotranscriptome of the blood-sucking bug Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera, Triatominae). INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2007; 37:702-12. [PMID: 17550826 PMCID: PMC1896098 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2007.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2007] [Revised: 03/27/2007] [Accepted: 04/01/2007] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Triatoma brasiliensis is the most important autochthon vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil, where it is widely distributed in the semiarid areas of the Northeast. In order to advance the knowledge of the salivary biomolecules of Triatominae, a salivary gland cDNA library of T. brasiliensis was mass sequenced and analyzed. Polypeptides were sequenced by HPLC/Edman degradation experiments. Then 1712 cDNA sequences were obtained and grouped in 786 clusters. The housekeeping category had 24.4% and 17.8% of the clusters and sequences, respectively. The putatively secreted category contained 47.1% of the clusters and 68.2% of the sequences. Finally, 28.5% of the clusters, containing 14% of all sequences, were classified as unknown. The sialoma of T. brasiliensis showed a high amount and great variety of different lipocalins (93.8% of secreted proteins). Remarkably, a great number of serine proteases that were not observed in previous blood-sucking sialotranscriptomes were found. Nine Kazal peptides were identified, among them one with high homology to the tabanid vasodilator vasotab, suggesting that the Triatoma vasodilator could be a Kazal protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Santos
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Departamento de Parasitologia/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – Caixa Postal 486, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - José Marcos C. Ribeiro
- Section of Vector Biology, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 12735 Twinbrook Parkway, Room 2E32D, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Michael J. Lehane
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembrok Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, United Kingdom
| | - Nelder Figueiredo Gontijo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Departamento de Parasitologia/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – Caixa Postal 486, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Artur Botelho Veloso
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Departamento de Parasitologia/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – Caixa Postal 486, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Ricardo Nascimento Araujo
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Departamento de Parasitologia/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – Caixa Postal 486, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Edmundo C. Grisard
- Laboratório de Protozoologia, MIP, CCB, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Caixa postal 476, 88040-900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Marcos Horácio Pereira
- Laboratório de Fisiologia de Insetos Hematófagos, Departamento de Parasitologia/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – Caixa Postal 486, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
- Corresponding author. Tel.:+55 31 3499-2835, fax: +55 31 3499-2970. E-mail address:
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22
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Pereira MH, Gontijo NF, Guarneri AA, Sant'Anna MR, Diotaiuti L. Competitive displacement in Triatominae: the Triatoma infestans success. Trends Parasitol 2006; 22:516-20. [PMID: 16971183 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2006.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2006] [Revised: 08/09/2006] [Accepted: 08/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Brazil has just been certificated by Pan American Health Organization as 'free of Chagas disease transmission due to Triatoma infestans'. During the early 1980s, this species of blood-sucking bug alone was considered responsible for approximately 80% of Chagas disease transmission. But it was not always so. The species originally abundant in houses of central and eastern Brazil was Panstrongylus megistus, which seems to have been progressively displaced from houses by T. infestans during the past century. Indeed, T. infestans seems able to displace other Triatominae in artificial environments. Recent studies suggest that it might simply be because T. infestans feeds more efficiently than its Triatominae competitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos H Pereira
- Departamento de Parasitologia do Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Caixa Postal 486, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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23
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Soares AC, Carvalho-Tavares J, Gontijo NDF, dos Santos VC, Teixeira MM, Pereira MH. Salivation pattern of Rhodnius prolixus (Reduviidae; Triatominae) in mouse skin. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2006; 52:468-72. [PMID: 16580013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2006.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2005] [Revised: 12/27/2005] [Accepted: 01/04/2006] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this work was to study the pattern of salivation of triatomines during feeding in mouse skin. Rhodnius prolixus was fed with a solution of the dye acridine orange or fluorescein. The saliva was efficiently labelled with acridine orange, probably due to the difference in pH between the salivary gland (6.0) and the hemolymph (6.5-7.0). This procedure was not effective at labelling the saliva of Triatoma infestans, however, fluorescent labelling of R. prolixus saliva allowed us to demonstrate that salivation occurs during entire feeding process. The saliva is released soon after the bite. In the probing phase, saliva is pumped continuously in the host skin, including around the blood vessels. During the engorgement phase, saliva is observed in a bolus within the blood vessel and some of it is sucked up by the insect, together with blood. The frequency of saliva emission inside the vessels was low (0.51+/-0.18 Hz). The saliva deposition in the microcirculation is continuous and modulated by the frequency of the cibarial pump because, when functioning at high frequency, cibarial pump sucks almost all saliva to the insect gut. This mechanism would determine the quantity of saliva deposited in the microcirculation as necessary, and consequently minimizing the host's immune response to salivary antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Coelho Soares
- Departamento de Parasitologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Campus Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, CEP 31270-901, Brazil
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24
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Andrade BB, Teixeira CR, Barral A, Barral-Netto M. Haematophagous arthropod saliva and host defense system: a tale of tear and blood. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2005; 77:665-93. [PMID: 16341443 DOI: 10.1590/s0001-37652005000400008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The saliva from blood-feeding arthropod vectors is enriched with molecules that display diverse functions that mediate a successful blood meal. They function not only as weapons against host's haemostatic, inflammatory and immune responses but also as important tools to pathogen establishment. Parasites, virus and bacteria taking advantage of vectors' armament have adapted to facilitate their entry in the host. Today, many salivary molecules have been identified and characterized as new targets to the development of future vaccines. Here we focus on current information on vector's saliva and the molecules responsible to modify host's hemostasis and immune response, also regarding their role in disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno B Andrade
- Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Moniz, FIOCRUZ, 40295-001 Salvador, BA, Brazil
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25
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Sant'Anna MRV, Araújo JGVC, Pereira MH, Pesquero JL, Diotaiuti L, Lehane SM, Lehane MJ. Molecular cloning and sequencing of salivary gland-specific cDNAs of the blood-sucking bug Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2002; 11:585-593. [PMID: 12421416 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2583.2002.00369.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Haematophagous insects produce pharmacological substances in their saliva to counteract vertebrate host haemostasis events such as coagulation, vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. To investigate the bioactive salivary molecules of the triatomine bug Triatoma brasiliensis, we produced subtraction-enriched cDNAs of salivary-gland specific genes using suppression subtractive hybridization. Six full-length differentially expressed cDNAs (Tb113, Tb125, Tb152, Tb169, Tb180 and Tb198) were selected, cloned and sequenced. Sequence similarity searches of the databases using the putative amino acid sequence of our clones gave the following results: Tb152 - Triabin, an antithrombin induced platelet aggregation factor found in salivary gland extracts of T. pallidipennis. Tb169 - Pallidipin, an anticollagen induced platelet aggregation factor also found in T. pallidipennis salivary homogenates. Tb180 - Procalin, the major allergen of T. protracta saliva. The other three salivary-gland specific cDNAs produced no obvious homologies. Comparison of these salivary gland-specific cDNAs of with those of other triatomines combined with functional studies using recombinant proteins will allow a better understanding of the co-evolutionary process occurring between these insects and their vertebrate hosts, and may also lead to the discovery of novel antihaemostatic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R V Sant'Anna
- Departamento de Parasitologia/ICB, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais-Caixa Postal 486, 31270-901, Belo Horizonte-MG-Brazil
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26
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Ribeiro JMC, Francischetti IMB. Role of arthropod saliva in blood feeding: sialome and post-sialome perspectives. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2002; 48:73-88. [PMID: 12194906 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.48.060402.102812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 503] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This review addresses the problems insects and ticks face to feed on blood and the solutions these invertebrates engender to overcome these obstacles, including a sophisticated salivary cocktail of potent pharmacologic compounds. Recent advances in transcriptome and proteome research allow an unprecedented insight into the complexity of these compounds, indicating that their molecular diversity as well as the diversity of their targets is still larger than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M C Ribeiro
- Medical Entomology Section, Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 4 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-0425, USA.
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27
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Pires HHR, Lorenzo MG, Diotaiuti L, Lazzari CR, Lorenzo Figueiras AN. Aggregation behaviour in Panstrongylus megistus and Triatoma infestans: inter and intraspecific responses. Acta Trop 2002; 81:47-52. [PMID: 11755431 DOI: 10.1016/s0001-706x(01)00185-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We tested the aggregation response to inter and intraspecific chemical signals in Panstrongylus megistus and Triatoma infestans. As previously described for T. infestans, larvae of P. megistus significantly aggregated on papers impregnated with their own excrement and on papers marked with cuticular substances deposited on surfaces on which these insects had walked. T. infestans bugs also aggregated on papers impregnated by faeces or by cuticular substances of P. megistus, and P. megistus aggregated on papers contaminated by faeces or by cuticular substances of T. infestans. The response of P. megistus to its cuticular substances was significantly stronger than that to its faeces. The non-specificity of the two signals is discussed in the context of the ecological relationship between both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H R Pires
- Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou-FIOCRUZ, Av. Augusto de Lima 1715, CEP 30190-002, MG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Ribeiro JM, Charlab R, Valenzuela JG. The Salivary Adenosine Deaminase Activity of the MosquitoesCulex quinquefasciatusandAedes aegypti. J Exp Biol 2001; 204:2001-10. [PMID: 11441041 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.204.11.2001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYA cDNA coding for a protein with significant similarity to adenosine deaminase (ADA) was found while randomly sequencing a cDNA library constructed from salivary gland extracts of adult female Culex quinquefasciatus. Prompted by this result, we found high ADA activities in two culicine mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti, but not in the anopheline Anopheles gambiae. Homogenates from Culex quinquefasciatus also have an AMP deaminase activity that is three times greater than the ADA activity, whereas in Aedes aegypti the AMP deaminase activity is less than 10% of the ADA activity. Evidence for secretion of ADA during blood feeding by Aedes aegypti includes the presence of ADA activity in warm solutions probed through a membrane by mosquitoes and in serotonin-induced saliva and a statistically significant reduction in the levels of the enzyme in Aedes aegypti following a blood meal. We could not demonstrate, however, that C. quinquefasciatus secrete ADA in their saliva. Male Aedes aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus, which do not feed on blood, have less than 3% of the levels of ADA found in females. We propose that ADA activity in A. aegypti may help blood feeding by removing adenosine, a molecule associated with both the initiation of pain perception and the induction of mast cell degranulation in vertebrates, and by producing inosine, a molecule that potently inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines. The role of salivary ADA in Culex quinquefasciatus remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Ribeiro
- Medical Entomology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, NIAID, National Institutes of Health, 4 Center Drive, Room 4/126, Bethesda, MD 20892-0425, USA.
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