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Cano-Argüelles AL, Pérez-Sánchez R, Oleaga A. A microRNA profile of the saliva in the argasid ticks Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata and prediction of specific target genes. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102249. [PMID: 37689036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Ornithodoros erraticus and Ornithodoros moubata ticks are the main vectors of the agents of human relapsing fever (TBRF) and African swine fever (ASF) in the Mediterranean Basin and Africa, respectively. Tick saliva is crucial for complete tick feeding and pathogen transmission, as it contains numerous molecules such as proteins, lipids, and non-coding RNAs (ncRNA) including microRNAs (miRNA). MiRNAs are small ncRNAs capable of regulating the expression of their target messenger RNA (mRNA) leading to degradation or inhibition of its translation into protein. Research on miRNAs from ixodid ticks has revealed that miRNAs are involved in the regulation of different physiological processes of ticks, as well as in the modulation of host gene expression, immune response to tick bite and pathogen transmission. Regarding argasid ticks, there is not information about their miRNAs or their potential involvement in tick physiology and/or in the regulation of the tick-host-pathogen interactions. The aim of this work was to profile the miRNAs expressed in the saliva of O. erraticus and O. moubata, and the in silico prediction and functional analysis of their target genes in the swine host. As a whole, up to 72 conserved miRNAs families were identified in both species: 35 of them were shared and 23 and 14 families were unique to O. erraticus and O. moubata, respectively. The most abundant miRNAs families were mir-1, mir-10 and let-7 in O. erraticus and let-7, mir-252, mir-10 in O. moubata. Four miRNAs sequences of each species were validated by RT-qPCR confirming their presence in the saliva. Target gene prediction in the host (Sus scrofa) and functional analysis showed that the selected miRNAs are mainly involved in processes related to signal transduction, regulation of mRNA transcription and gene expression, synapse regulation, immune response, angiogenesis and vascular development. These results suggest that miRNAs could play an important role at the tick-host interface, providing new insights into this complex relationship that may contribute to a more precise selection of tick molecules for the development of therapeutic and immune strategies to control tick infestations and tick-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Laura Cano-Argüelles
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Pérez-Sánchez
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain
| | - Ana Oleaga
- Parasitología Animal, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Salamanca (IRNASA, CSIC), Cordel de Merinas, 40-52, Salamanca 37008, Spain.
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Santiago PB, da Silva Bentes KL, da Silva WMC, Praça YR, Charneau S, Chaouch S, Grellier P, Dos Santos Silva Ferraz MA, Bastos IMD, de Santana JM, de Araújo CN. Insights into the microRNA landscape of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13120. [PMID: 37573416 PMCID: PMC10423254 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40353-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The growing interest in microRNAs (miRNAs) over recent years has led to their characterization in numerous organisms. However, there is currently a lack of data available on miRNAs from triatomine bugs (Reduviidae: Triatominae), which are the vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular biology of vectors provides new insights into insect-host interactions and insect control approaches, which are key methods to prevent disease incidence in endemic areas. In this work, we describe the miRNome profiles from gut, hemolymph, and salivary gland tissues of the Rhodnius prolixus triatomine. Small RNA sequencing data revealed abundant expression of miRNAs, along with tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments. Fifty-two mature miRNAs, previously reported in Ecdysozoa, were identified, including 39 ubiquitously expressed in the three tissues. Additionally, 112, 73, and 78 novel miRNAs were predicted in the gut, hemolymph, and salivary glands, respectively. In silico prediction showed that the top eight most highly expressed miRNAs from salivary glands potentially target human blood-expressed genes, suggesting that R. prolixus may modulate the host's gene expression at the bite site. This study provides the first characterization of miRNAs in a Triatominae species, shedding light on the role of these crucial regulatory molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Beatriz Santiago
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Kaio Luís da Silva Bentes
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Yanna Reis Praça
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Sébastien Charneau
- Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Soraya Chaouch
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP52, 61 rue Buffon, 0575231, Paris Cedex, France
| | - Philippe Grellier
- UMR 7245 Molécules de Communication et Adaptation des Micro-organismes, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP52, 61 rue Buffon, 0575231, Paris Cedex, France
| | | | - Izabela Marques Dourado Bastos
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Jaime Martins de Santana
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Carla Nunes de Araújo
- Pathogen-Host Interface Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, Brazil.
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Fiorillo C, Yen PS, Colantoni A, Mariconti M, Azevedo N, Lombardo F, Failloux AB, Arcà B. MicroRNAs and other small RNAs in Aedes aegypti saliva and salivary glands following chikungunya virus infection. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9536. [PMID: 35681077 PMCID: PMC9184468 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13780-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito saliva facilitates blood feeding through the anti-haemostatic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of its proteins. However, the potential contribution of non-coding RNAs to host manipulation is still poorly understood. We analysed small RNAs from Aedes aegypti saliva and salivary glands and show here that chikungunya virus-infection triggers both the siRNA and piRNA antiviral pathways with limited effects on miRNA expression profiles. Saliva appears enriched in specific miRNA subsets and its miRNA content is well conserved among mosquitoes and ticks, clearly pointing to a non-random sorting and occurrence. Finally, we provide evidence that miRNAs from Ae. aegypti saliva may target human immune and inflammatory pathways, as indicated by prediction analysis and searching for experimentally validated targets of identical human miRNAs. Overall, we believe these observations convincingly support a scenario where both proteins and miRNAs from mosquito saliva are injected into vertebrates during blood feeding and contribute to the complex vector-host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Fiorillo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases - Division of Parasitology, "Sapienza" University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Pei-Shi Yen
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Institute Pasteur, 25 rue Dr. Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Alessio Colantoni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, "Sapienza" University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Mariconti
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Institute Pasteur, 25 rue Dr. Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Nayara Azevedo
- Genomics Core Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fabrizio Lombardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases - Division of Parasitology, "Sapienza" University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Institute Pasteur, 25 rue Dr. Roux, 75724, Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Bruno Arcà
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases - Division of Parasitology, "Sapienza" University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Ali A, Zeb I, Alouffi A, Zahid H, Almutairi MM, Ayed Alshammari F, Alrouji M, Termignoni C, Vaz IDS, Tanaka T. Host Immune Responses to Salivary Components - A Critical Facet of Tick-Host Interactions. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:809052. [PMID: 35372098 PMCID: PMC8966233 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.809052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick sialome is comprised of a rich cocktail of bioactive molecules that function as a tool to disarm host immunity, assist blood-feeding, and play a vibrant role in pathogen transmission. The adaptation of the tick's blood-feeding behavior has lead to the evolution of bioactive molecules in its saliva to assist them to overwhelm hosts' defense mechanisms. During a blood meal, a tick secretes different salivary molecules including vasodilators, platelet aggregation inhibitors, anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory proteins, and inhibitors of complement activation; the salivary repertoire changes to meet various needs such as tick attachment, feeding, and modulation or impairment of the local dynamic and vigorous host responses. For instance, the tick's salivary immunomodulatory and cement proteins facilitate the tick's attachment to the host to enhance prolonged blood-feeding and to modulate the host's innate and adaptive immune responses. Recent advances implemented in the field of "omics" have substantially assisted our understanding of host immune modulation and immune inhibition against the molecular dynamics of tick salivary molecules in a crosstalk between the tick-host interface. A deep understanding of the tick salivary molecules, their substantial roles in multifactorial immunological cascades, variations in secretion, and host immune responses against these molecules is necessary to control these parasites. In this article, we reviewed updated knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying host responses to diverse elements in tick saliva throughout tick invasion, as well as host defense strategies. In conclusion, understanding the mechanisms involved in the complex interactions between the tick salivary components and host responses is essential to decipher the host defense mechanisms against the tick evasion strategies at tick-host interface which is promising in the development of effective anti-tick vaccines and drug therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Ismail Zeb
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Abdulaziz Alouffi
- King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafsa Zahid
- Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Mashal M. Almutairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahdah Ayed Alshammari
- College of Sciences and Literature Microbiology, Nothern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alrouji
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Shaqra University, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tetsuya Tanaka
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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Agwunobi DO, Pei T, Bai R, Wang Z, Shi X, Zhang M, Yu Z, Liu J. miR-2a and miR-279 are functionally associated with cold tolerance in Dermacentor silvarum (Acari: Ixodidae). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 41:100946. [PMID: 34872025 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2021.100946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate blood-sucking ectoparasites that can attack mammals, birds, reptiles as well as amphibians. Dermacentor silvarum, an important vector of various pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and protozoans, is widely distributed in China. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22 nucleotide non-coding small RNA molecules, involved in the regulation of various physiological and cellular processes. Previous studies demonstrated the vital roles of miRNAs during the reproduction and development of ticks, whereas, the regulatory/functional roles of microRNAs during the cold response of ticks remain unexplored. Here, we identified and functionally explored D. silvarum miRNAs involved in cold response to gain further understanding of the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying cold stress in ticks. The microRNA libraries of D. silvarum were established via high-throughput sequencing after exposure to different cold treatments. A total of 147 miRNAs, including 44 known miRNAs and 103 new miRNAs, were identified. The verification of six highly differentially expressed miRNAs (miR-2a, miR-5305, miR-7, miR-279, miR-993, and novel-3) via RT-qPCR were consistent with the high-throughput sequence results. miR-2a peaked by day 6 and miR-279 expression was lowest by day 3 after cold treatment. The potential target genes of miR-2a and miR-279 were the glycogen phosphorylase (GPase) gene and serine gene, respectively. After injecting D. silvarum ticks with miR-2a and miR-279 antagonists, their respective target genes were up-regulated and vice-versa after injection with the agonists. These results indicated that these two miRNAs and their target genes may be involved in the cold response of D. silvarum ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desmond O Agwunobi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Tingwei Pei
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Ruwei Bai
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Xinyue Shi
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Zhijun Yu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
| | - Jingze Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China.
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Sousa G, de Carvalho SS, Atella GC. Trypanosoma cruzi Affects Rhodnius prolixus Lipid Metabolism During Acute Infection. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2021.737909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The interaction between Rhodnius prolixus and Trypanosoma cruzi has huge medical importance because it responds to the transmission of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease that affects about eight million people worldwide. It is known that trypanosomatid pathogens depend on active lipid endocytosis from the insect host to meet growth and differentiation requirements. However, until now, knowledge on how the parasite affects the lipid physiology of individual insect organs was largely unknown. Herein, the biochemical and molecular dynamics of the triatomine R. prolixus lipid metabolism in response to T. cruzi acute infection were investigated. A qRT-PCR approach was used to determine the expression profile of 12 protein-coding genes involved in R. prolixus lipid physiology. In addition, microscopic and biochemical assays revealed the lipid droplet profile and the levels of the different identified lipid classes. Finally, spectrometry analyses were used to determine fatty acid and sterol composition and their modulation towards the infection. T. cruzi infection downregulated the transcript levels of protein-coding genes for lipid biosynthetic and degrading pathways in individual triatomine organs. On the other hand, upregulation of lipid receptor transcripts indicates an attempt to capture more lipids from hemolymphatic lipoproteins. Consequently, several lipid classes (such as monoacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, triacylglycerol, cholesteryl ester, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine) were involved in the response to the parasite challenge, although modulating only the insect fat body. T. cruzi never leaves the insect gut and yet it modulates non-infected tissues, suggesting that the association between the parasite and the vector organs is reached by cell signaling molecules. This hypothesis raises several intriguing issues to inspire future studies in the parasite-vector interaction field.
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Park JM, Oliva Chávez AS, Shaw DK. Ticks: More Than Just a Pathogen Delivery Service. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:739419. [PMID: 34540723 PMCID: PMC8440996 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.739419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M Park
- Program in Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Adela S Oliva Chávez
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Dana K Shaw
- Program in Vector-Borne Disease, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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Changing the Recipe: Pathogen Directed Changes in Tick Saliva Components. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041806. [PMID: 33673273 PMCID: PMC7918122 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Ticks are obligate hematophagous parasites and are important vectors of a wide variety of pathogens. These pathogens include spirochetes in the genus Borrelia that cause Lyme disease, rickettsial pathogens, and tick-borne encephalitis virus, among others. Due to their prolonged feeding period of up to two weeks, hard ticks must counteract vertebrate host defense reactions in order to survive and reproduce. To overcome host defense mechanisms, ticks have evolved a large number of pharmacologically active molecules that are secreted in their saliva, which inhibits or modulates host immune defenses and wound healing responses upon injection into the bite site. These bioactive molecules in tick saliva can create a privileged environment in the host’s skin that tick-borne pathogens take advantage of. In fact, evidence is accumulating that tick-transmitted pathogens manipulate tick saliva composition to enhance their own survival, transmission, and evasion of host defenses. We review what is known about specific and functionally characterized tick saliva molecules in the context of tick infection with the genus Borrelia, the intracellular pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and tick-borne encephalitis virus. Additionally, we review studies analyzing sialome-level responses to pathogen challenge.
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miRNA profile of extracellular vesicles isolated from saliva of Haemaphysalis longicornis tick. Acta Trop 2020; 212:105718. [PMID: 32971070 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2020.105718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in host-parasite interactions. Previous studies have shown that parasites can release microRNA (miRNA) containing EVs, which can transfer their contents to host cells and regulate gene expression in recipient cells. However, a little is known about the secretion of EVs by the ticks. This study was therefore, carried out to examine the saliva of ticks for the presence of miRNA containing EVs. Vesicles were purified from saliva of partially engorged Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was carried out to confirm that vesicles within saliva were EVs based on size and morphology. Total RNA was extracted from EVs and was analyzed by deep sequencing to determine miRNA profile. TEM analysis confirmed the presence of extracellular vesicle-like structures within tick saliva. RNA-seq analysis showed that tick-derived EVs contained small non-coding RNA populations including miRNAs. The analysis of tick-derived EVs identified 36 known miRNAs, 34 novel miRNAs and 842 novel Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNA). The results of this study provide evidence that EVs containing miRNAs can be secreted by the ticks and suggest that vesicles could transfer these miRNAs to modulate host cell functions.
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Mans BJ. Quantitative Visions of Reality at the Tick-Host Interface: Biochemistry, Genomics, Proteomics, and Transcriptomics as Measures of Complete Inventories of the Tick Sialoverse. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:574405. [PMID: 33042874 PMCID: PMC7517725 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.574405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Species have definitive genomes. Even so, the transcriptional and translational products of the genome are dynamic and subject to change over time. This is especially true for the proteins secreted by ticks at the tick-host feeding interface that represent a complex system known as the sialoverse. The sialoverse represent all of the proteins derived from tick salivary glands for all tick species that may be involved in tick-host interaction and the modulation of the host's defense mechanisms. The current study contemplates the advances made over time to understand and describe the complexity present in the sialoverse. Technological advances at given periods in time allowed detection of functions, genes, and proteins enabling a deeper insight into the complexity of the sialoverse and a concomitant expansion in complexity with as yet, no end in sight. The importance of systematic classification of the sialoverse is highlighted with the realization that our coverage of transcriptome and proteome space remains incomplete, but that complete descriptions may be possible in the future. Even so, analysis and integration of the sialoverse into a comprehensive understanding of tick-host interactions may require further technological advances given the high level of expected complexity that remains to be uncovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben J Mans
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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11
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Liu WG, Luo J, Ren QY, Qu ZQ, Lin HL, Xu XF, Ni J, Xiao RH, Chen RG, Rashid M, Wu ZG, Tan YC, Qiu XF, Luo JX, Yin H, Wang H, Yang ZQ, Xiao S, Liu GY. A Novel miRNA-hlo-miR-2-Serves as a Regulatory Factor That Controls Molting Events by Targeting CPR1 in Haemaphysalis longicornis Nymphs. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1098. [PMID: 32547523 PMCID: PMC7274079 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01098] [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: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Successful completion of the molting process requires new epidermal growth and ecdysis of the old cuticle in Haemaphysalis longicornis (H. longicornis). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the development of organisms by inhibiting the expression of their target mRNAs. In this study, a novel tick-specific miRNA was identified and denoted hlo-miR-2 that serves as a novel regulator of molting events in H. longicornis nymphs by targeting a cuticular protein. The full length of this cuticular protein was first obtained and named it CPR1. A qRT-PCR analysis showed that hlo-miR-2 and CPR1 exhibit significant tissue and temporal specificity and that their transcription levels are negatively correlated during the molting process. CPR1, as a direct target of hlo-miR-2, was identified by a luciferase reporter assay in vitro. Agomir treatment indicated that the overexpression of hlo-miR-2 significantly reduced the protein expression level of CPR1, decreased the molting rate and delayed the molting time point in H. longicornis nymphs. RNA interference (RNAi) experiments demonstrated that CPR1 was significantly associated with the molting process in H. longicornis nymphs. Phenotypic rescue experiments convincingly showed that hlo-miR-2 participated in molting events by targeting CPR1 in H. longicornis nymphs. In summary, we present evidence demonstrating that miRNAs constitute a novel important regulator of molting events in addition to hormones. The described functional evidence implicating CPR1 in molting events contributes to an improved understanding of the distinct functions of the CPR family in ticks and will aid the development of a promising application of cuticular protein RNAi in tick control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ge Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jin Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiao-Yun Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Han-Liang Lin
- Xinjiang Animal Health Supervision Station, Ürümqi, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jun Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rong-Hai Xiao
- Ruili Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau Inspection and Quarantine Comprehensive Technology Center, Yunnan, China
| | - Rong-Gui Chen
- Ili Center of Animal Disease Control and Diagnosis, Ili, China
| | - Muhammad Rashid
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ze-Gong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang-Chun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jian-Xun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
- Department of Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Zeng-Qi Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Sa Xiao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Guang-Yuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Etiological Biology, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, China
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Malik MI, Nawaz M, Wang Y, Zhang H, Cao J, Zhou Y, Hassan IA, Islam MN, Anwar MN, Zhou J. Localized expression and inhibition effect of miR-184 on blood digestion and oviposition in Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae). Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:500. [PMID: 31653232 PMCID: PMC6814974 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3754-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hard tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Ixodidae) is widely distributed in East Asia, China, Australia and New Zealand. It can transmit many infectious pathogens, including the causative agents of human rickettsiosis, bovine theileriosis, bovine babesiosis and canine babesiosis. Therefore, a greater understanding of H. longicornis biology might aid in the development of more effective control measures against the tick and tick-borne pathogens. METHODS We analyzed the expression of miR-184 in different developmental stages and various tissues of H. longicornis using real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Antagomir (Ant-184) was used to knock-down miR-184, whilst Ms-Ant and non-injected ticks were used as the negative and blank controls, respectively. We used online software tools (RNAhybrid and TargetScan) to predict the putative target genes of miR-184. RESULTS The expression of miR-184 was highest in unfed nymphs and lowest in unfed larvae. The tissue distribution of miR-184 showed abundant expression in the midgut. To investigate the probable roles of miR-184, antagomir (Ant-184) was used to knock-down miR-184 (t(4) = 12.32, P = 0.0002). After inhibiting miR-184, other biological factors were examined in each group. The engorged body weight was significantly reduced in the treated group (Ant-184) in contrast to control groups (t(22) = 2.19, P = 0.0388). The mean duration of the egg-laying days was significantly increased (33.5 ± 1.91) and the number of eggs (t(10) = 3.147, P = 0.0137), and egg mass (t(10) = 3.4472, P = 0.0063) were significantly reduced in the treated group. During oviposition, eggs were monitored and in half of the ticks of the Ant-184 group the eggs were completely desiccated, lacked embryo development and did not hatch. We analyzed the expression of Vg proteins (Vg1, Vg2, Vg3) in semi-engorged ticks, engorged ticks, ticks at day 2 after engorgement and egg stage in Ant-184, non-injected and Ms-Ant groups, and found significant variation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides information on the role of miR-184 in H. longicornis ticks. The data suggest that miR-184 targets Vg proteins and affects blood digestion and oviposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Irfan Malik
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Mohsin Nawaz
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Houshuang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Jie Cao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Yongzhi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Ibrahim A. Hassan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Md. Nazrul Islam
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Muhammad Naveed Anwar
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
| | - Jinlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241 China
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