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Šofranková L, Baňas M, Pipová N, Majláth I, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Zbojovský J, Šimo L, Majláthová V. Anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation alters the transcription levels of the genes encoding the SIFamide and myoinhibitory peptide and their receptors in Ixodes ricinus synganglion. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:306. [PMID: 39167261 PMCID: PMC11339154 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08326-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The research of the influences of man-made electromagnetic fields on tick physiology has been very sparse and long neglected since the pioneer studies published in 1996 and 2000. Once multiple behavioral tests confirmed an attraction and possible perception of electromagnetic fields in ticks, a new interest in this topic erupted in recent years. In this study, qRT-PCR is utilized to determine the changes in the mRNA transcript levels of neuropeptides SIFamide and myoinhibitory peptide (mip and sifa) and their representative receptors (mip-r1 and sifa-r1) in the synganglia of the tick Ixodes ricinus irradiated by 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field. It was determined that 40 V/m intensity has a significant suppressory effect on the transcript levels of all genes after at least 60 minutes of constant exposure in both sexes. Commonly occurring intensity of radiation in urban areas (2 V/m) produced an elevation in mRNA levels after various timespans in every gene. A significant decrease of transcript abundances was detected in females after one hour of exposure to 2 V/m. Results of this study widen the knowledge of EMF-induced alterations in the neurophysiology of I. ricinus, the most commonly distributed hard tick in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Šofranková
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Miroslav Baňas
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Natália Pipová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Igor Majláth
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Kurimský
- Department of Electric Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Roman Cimbala
- Department of Electric Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ján Zbojovský
- Department of Electric Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Unitè Mixte de Recherche de Biologie Molèculaire et d'Immunologie Parasitaires (UMR BIPAR), École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, INRAE, F-94700, Maisons-Alfort, ANSES, France
| | - Viktória Majláthová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180, Košice, Slovakia.
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Šofranková L, Baňas M, Pipová N, Majláth I, Kurimský J, Cimbala R, Pavlík M, Mateos-Hernández L, Šimo L, Majláthová V. Effects of Electromagnetic Radiation on Neuropeptide Transcript Levels in the Synganglion of Ixodes ricinus. Pathogens 2023; 12:1398. [PMID: 38133283 PMCID: PMC10747470 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation is an important environmental factor affecting the functionality of biological systems. Sensitivity to various frequencies of electromagnetic radiation has been detected in ixodid ticks in the past. However, the physiological aspects of radiation effects have not yet been studied in ticks. In the presented experiment, 360 Ixodes ricinus ticks, 180 males and 180 females, were divided into 16 irradiated and 8 control groups. The irradiated groups were exposed to two different intensities of electromagnetic radiation with a frequency of 900 MHz at different lengths of exposure time. RT-PCR was utilized to determine the changes in mRNA levels in tick synganglia after irradiation. Four randomly selected neuropeptide genes were tested-allatotropin (at), FGLa-related allatostatins (fgla/ast), kinin, and arginine-vasopressin-like peptide (avpl). A significant decrease in transcript levels in all female groups exposed to higher intensity radiofrequency radiation for 1 to 3 h was found. After one hour of radiofrequency exposure, a significant downregulation in allatotropin expression in males was detected. A consistent downregulation of the at gene was detected in males irradiated with at a higher intensity. Unfortunately, the specific functions of the studied neuropeptides in ticks are not known yet, so a more comprehensive study is necessary to describe the effects of EMF on observed neuropeptides. This study represents the first report on the effects of the abiotic environment on tick neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lívia Šofranková
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180 Košice, Slovakia; (L.Š.); (M.B.); (N.P.); (I.M.)
| | - Miroslav Baňas
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180 Košice, Slovakia; (L.Š.); (M.B.); (N.P.); (I.M.)
| | - Natália Pipová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180 Košice, Slovakia; (L.Š.); (M.B.); (N.P.); (I.M.)
| | - Igor Majláth
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180 Košice, Slovakia; (L.Š.); (M.B.); (N.P.); (I.M.)
| | - Juraj Kurimský
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120 Košice, Slovakia; (J.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Roman Cimbala
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120 Košice, Slovakia; (J.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Marek Pavlík
- Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engeneering and Informatics, Technical University of Košice, Mäsiarska 74, 04120 Košice, Slovakia; (J.K.); (R.C.); (M.P.)
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Unitè Mixte de Recherche de Biologie Molèculaire et d’Immunologie Parasitaires (UMR BIPAR), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, INRAE, ANSES, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (L.Š.)
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- Laboratoire de Santé Animale, Unitè Mixte de Recherche de Biologie Molèculaire et d’Immunologie Parasitaires (UMR BIPAR), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, INRAE, ANSES, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (L.Š.)
| | - Viktória Majláthová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Šrobárova 2, 04180 Košice, Slovakia; (L.Š.); (M.B.); (N.P.); (I.M.)
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3
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Kim TK, Waldman J, Ibanez-Carrasco F, Tirloni L, Waltero C, Calixo C, Braz GR, Mulenga A, da Silva Vaz Junior I, Logullo C. Stable internal reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR analyses in Rhipicephalus microplus during embryogenesis. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2023; 14:102251. [PMID: 37708803 PMCID: PMC10555470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies on the transcriptional control of gene expression are crucial to understand changes in organism's physiological or cellular conditions. To obtain reliable data on mRNA amounts and the estimation of gene expression levels, it is crucial to normalize the target gene with one or more internal reference gene(s). However, the use of constitutive genes as reference genes is controversial, as their expression patterns are sometimes more complex than previously thought. In various arthropod vectors, including ticks, several constitutive genes have been identified by studying gene expression in different tissues and life stages. The cattle tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a major vector for several pathogens and is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions globally. Tick developmental physiology is an essential aspect of research, particularly embryogenesis, where many important developmental events occur, thus the identification of stable reference genes is essential for the interpretation of reliable gene expression data. This study aimed to identify and select R. microplus housekeeping genes and evaluate their stability during embryogenesis. Reference genes used as internal control in molecular assays were selected based on previous studies. These genes were screened by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and tested for gene expression stability during embryogenesis. Results demonstrated that the relative stability of reference genes varied at different time points during the embryogenesis. The GeNorm tool showed that elongation factor 1α (Elf1a) and ribosomal protein L4 (Rpl4) were the most stable genes, while H3 histone family 3A (Hist3A) and ribosomal protein S18 (RpS18) were the least stable. The NormFinder tool showed that Rpl4 was the most stable gene, while the ranking of Elf1a was intermediate in all tested conditions. The BestKeeper tool showed that Rpl4 and cyclophilin A (CycA) were the more and less stable genes, respectively. These data collectively demonstrate that Rpl4, Elf1a, and GAPDH are suitable internal controls for normalizing qPCR during R. microplus embryogenesis. These genes were consistently identified as the most stable in various analysis methods employed in this study. Thus, findings presented in this study offer valuable information for the study of gene expression during embryogenesis in R. microplus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Department of Diagnostic Medicine and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, USA; Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Waldman
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Freddy Ibanez-Carrasco
- Department of Entomology, Minnie Bell Heep Center, Texas A&M University, Suite 412, 2475 TAMU, 370 Olsen Blvd, College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 2415 East US Highway 83, Weslaco, TX 78596, USA
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Tick-Pathogen Transmission Unit, Laboratory of Bacteriology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Camila Waltero
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Christiano Calixo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gloria R Braz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Carlos Logullo
- Laboratório de Bioquímica de Artrópodes Hematófagos, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil,; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia - Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Mazuecos L, González-García A, de la Fuente J. Genetic modification, characterization, and co-infection of Franken Sphingomonas and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in tick cells. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102557. [PMID: 37691149 PMCID: PMC10511929 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102557] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Paratransgenesis through genetic manipulation of symbiotic or commensal microorganisms has been proposed as an effective and environmentally sound approach for the control of vector-borne diseases, including tick bite-related pathologies, and reducing pathogen transmission. Here, we present a protocol for Sphingomonas transformation with Anaplasma phagocytophilum major surface protein 4 and heat shock protein 70. We describe a step-by-step protocol for in vitro study of interactions between transformed Franken Sphingomonas and Ixodes scapularis ISE6 tick cells during A. phagocytophilum infection. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Mazuecos et al. (2023).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Mazuecos
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Almudena González-García
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Guerrib F, Ning C, Mateos-Hernandéz L, Rakotobe S, Park Y, Hajdusek O, Perner J, Vancová M, Valdés JJ, Šimo L. Dual SIFamide receptors in Ixodes salivary glands. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023:103963. [PMID: 37257628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Salivary glands are vital to tick feeding success and also play a crucial role in tick-borne pathogen transmission. In previous studies of Ixodes scapularis salivary glands, we demonstrated that saliva-producing type II and III acini are innervated by neuropeptidergic axons which release different classes of neuropeptides via their terminals (Šimo et al., 2009b, 2013). Among these, the neuropeptide SIFamide-along with its cognate receptor-were postulated to control the basally located acinar valve via basal epithelial and myoepithelial cells (Vancová et al., 2019). Here, we functionally characterized a second SIFamide receptor (SIFa_R2) from the I. scapularis genome and proved that it senses a low nanomolar level of its corresponding ligand. Insect SIFamide paralogs, SMYamides, also activated the receptor but less effectively compared to SIFamide. Bioinformatic and molecular dynamic analyses suggested that I. scapularis SIFamide receptors are class A GPCRs where the peptide amidated carboxy-terminus is oriented within the receptor binding cavity. The receptor was found to be expressed in Ixodes ricinus salivary glands, synganglia, midguts, trachea, and ovaries, but not in Malpighian tubules. Investigation of the temporal expression patterns suggests that the receptor transcript is highly expressed in unfed I. ricinus female salivary glands and then decreases during feeding. In synganglia, a significant transcript increase was detected in replete ticks. In salivary gland acini, an antibody targeting the second SIFamide receptor recognized basal epithelial cells, myoepithelial cells, and basal granular cells in close proximity to the SIFamide-releasing axon terminals. Immunoreactivity was also detected in specific neurons distributed throughout various I. ricinus synganglion locations. The current findings, alongside previous reports from our group, indicate that the neuropeptide SIFamide acts via two different receptors that regulate distinct or common cell types in the basal region of type II and III acini in I. ricinus salivary glands. The current study investigates the peptidergic regulation of the I. ricinus salivary gland in detail, emphasizing the complexity of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fetta Guerrib
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Caina Ning
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Lourdes Mateos-Hernandéz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Sabine Rakotobe
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Entomolgy department, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, 66506-4004, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Perner
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Vancová
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, 37005, Czech Republic
| | - James J Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre, Czech Academy of Sciences, Branišovská 31, 37005, České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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Mazuecos L, Alberdi P, Hernández-Jarguín A, Contreras M, Villar M, Cabezas-Cruz A, Simo L, González-García A, Díaz-Sánchez S, Neelakanta G, Bonnet SI, Fikrig E, de la Fuente J. Frankenbacteriosis targeting interactions between pathogen and symbiont to control infection in the tick vector. iScience 2023; 26:106697. [PMID: 37168564 PMCID: PMC10165458 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106697] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tick microbiota can be targeted for the control of tick-borne diseases such as human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) caused by model pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Frankenbacteriosis is inspired by Frankenstein and defined here as paratransgenesis of tick symbiotic/commensal bacteria to mimic and compete with tick-borne pathogens. Interactions between A. phagocytophilum and symbiotic Sphingomonas identified by metaproteomics analysis in Ixodes scapularis midgut showed competition between both bacteria. Consequently, Sphingomonas was selected for frankenbacteriosis for the control of A. phagocytophilum infection and transmission. The results showed that Franken Sphingomonas producing A. phagocytophilum major surface protein 4 (MSP4) mimic pathogen and reduce infection in ticks by competition and interaction with cell receptor components of infection. Franken Sphingomonas-MSP4 transovarial and trans-stadial transmission suggests that tick larvae with genetically modified Franken Sphingomonas-MSP4 could be produced in the laboratory and released in the field to compete and replace the wildtype populations with associated reduction in pathogen infection/transmission and HGA disease risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Mazuecos
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Angélica Hernández-Jarguín
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Marinela Contreras
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Margarita Villar
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Ladislav Simo
- ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Almudena González-García
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Sandra Díaz-Sánchez
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Sarah I. Bonnet
- Functional Genetics of Infectious Diseases Unit, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 2000, Université de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
- Animal Health Department, INRAE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Erol Fikrig
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 208022, USA
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio. Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo 12, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
- Corresponding author
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Medla M, Daubnerová I, Koči J, Roller L, Slovák M, Žitňan D. Identification and expression of short neuropeptide F and its receptors in the tick Ixodes ricinus. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 147:104524. [PMID: 37201579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2023.104524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In Europe, the tick Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector of numerous pathogens that are transmitted during blood feeding on their vertebrate hosts. To elucidate mechanisms controlling blood intake and associated transmission of pathogens we identified and described expression of short neuropeptide F (sNPF) and its receptors which are known to regulate feeding in insects. Using in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) we stained numerous neurons producing sNPF in the central nervous system (CNS; synganglion), while a few peripheral neurons were detected anteriorly to the synganglion, and on the surface of the hindgut and leg muscles. Apparent sNPF expression was also found in enteroendocrine cells individually scattered in anterior lobes of the midgut. In silico analyses and BLAST search for sNPF receptors revealed two putative G protein-coupled receptors (sNPFR1 and sNPFR2) in the I. ricinus genome. Aequorin-based functional assay in CHO cells showed that both receptors were specific and sensitive to sNPF in nanomolar concentrations. Increased expression levels of these receptors in the gut during blood intake suggest that sNPF signaling may be involved in regulation of feeding and digestion processes of I. ricinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Medla
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Daubnerová
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Koči
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Institute of Virology, Biomedical Centre, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ladislav Roller
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences SAS, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Mirko Slovák
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Žitňan
- Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Tsujimoto H, Metz HC, Smith AA, Sakamoto JM, Pal U, Rasgon JL. Function and evolution of the aquaporin IsAQP1 in the Lyme disease vector Ixodes scapularis. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36680546 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ticks are important vectors of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and protozoans to humans, wildlife, and domestic animals. Due to their life cycles, ticks face significant challenges related to water homeostasis. When blood-feeding, they must excrete water and ions, but when off-host (for stretches lasting several months), they must conserve water to avoid desiccation. Aquaporins (AQPs), a family of membrane-bound water channels, are key players in osmoregulation in many animals but remain poorly characterized in ticks. Here, we bioinformatically identified AQP-like genes from the deer tick Ixodes scapularis and used phylogenetic approaches to map the evolution of the aquaporin gene family in arthropods. Most arachnid AQP-like sequences (including those of I. scapularis) formed a monophyletic group clustered within aquaglycerolporins (GLPs) from bacteria to vertebrates. This gene family is absent from insects, revealing divergent evolutionary paths for AQPs in different hematophagous arthropods. Next, we sequenced the full-length cDNA of I. scapularis aquaporin 1 (IsAQP1) and expressed it heterologously in Xenopus oocytes to functionally characterize its permeability to water and solutes. Additionally, we examined IsAQP1 expression across different life stages and adult female organs. We found IsAQP1 is an efficient water channel with high expression in salivary glands prior to feeding, suggesting it plays a role in osmoregulation before or during blood feeding. Its functional properties are unique: unlike most GLPs, IsAQP1 has low glycerol permeability, and unlike most AQPs, it is insensitive to mercury. Together, our results suggest IsAQP1 plays an important role in tick water balance physiology and that it may hold promise as a target of novel vector control efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Tsujimoto
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Hillery C Metz
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexis A Smith
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Joyce M Sakamoto
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason L Rasgon
- Department of Entomology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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9
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Rispe C, Hervet C, de la Cotte N, Daveu R, Labadie K, Noel B, Aury JM, Thany S, Taillebois E, Cartereau A, Le Mauff A, Charvet CL, Auger C, Courtot E, Neveu C, Plantard O. Transcriptome of the synganglion in the tick Ixodes ricinus and evolution of the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channel family in ticks. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:463. [PMID: 35733088 PMCID: PMC9219234 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ticks represent a major health issue for humans and domesticated animals. Exploring the expression landscape of the tick's central nervous system (CNS), known as the synganglion, would be an important step in understanding tick physiology and in managing tick-borne diseases, but studies on that topic are still relatively scarce. Neuron-specific genes like the cys-loop ligand-gated ion channels (cys-loop LGICs, or cysLGICs) are important pharmacological targets of acaricides. To date their sequence have not been well catalogued for ticks, and their phylogeny has not been fully studied. RESULTS We carried out the sequencing of transcriptomes of the I. ricinus synganglion, for adult ticks in different conditions (unfed males, unfed females, and partially-fed females). The de novo assembly of these transcriptomes allowed us to obtain a large collection of cys-loop LGICs sequences. A reference meta-transcriptome based on synganglion and whole body transcriptomes was then produced, showing high completeness and allowing differential expression analyses between synganglion and whole body. Many of the genes upregulated in the synganglion were associated with neurotransmission and/or localized in neurons or the synaptic membrane. As the first step of a functional study of cysLGICs, we cloned the predicted sequence of the resistance to dieldrin (RDL) subunit homolog, and functionally reconstituted the first GABA-gated receptor of Ixodes ricinus. A phylogenetic study was performed for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and other cys-loop LGICs respectively, revealing tick-specific expansions of some types of receptors (especially for Histamine-like subunits and GluCls). CONCLUSIONS We established a large catalogue of genes preferentially expressed in the tick CNS, including the cysLGICs. We discovered tick-specific gene family expansion of some types of cysLGIC receptors, and a case of intragenic duplication, suggesting a complex pattern of gene expression among different copies or different alternative transcripts of tick neuro-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Romain Daveu
- INRAE, Oniris, BIOEPAR, Nantes, France.,Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Karine Labadie
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de biologie François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Benjamin Noel
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de biologie François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Jean-Marc Aury
- Génomique Métabolique, Genoscope, Institut de biologie François Jacob, CEA, CNRS, Université d'Evry, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Steeve Thany
- Université d'Orléans, LBLGC USC INRAE 1328, 1 rue de Chartres, 45067, Orléans, France
| | - Emiliane Taillebois
- Université d'Orléans, LBLGC USC INRAE 1328, 1 rue de Chartres, 45067, Orléans, France
| | - Alison Cartereau
- Université d'Orléans, LBLGC USC INRAE 1328, 1 rue de Chartres, 45067, Orléans, France
| | - Anaïs Le Mauff
- Université d'Orléans, LBLGC USC INRAE 1328, 1 rue de Chartres, 45067, Orléans, France
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10
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Stockmal KA, Downs LP, Davis AN, Kemp LK, Karim S, Morgan SE. Cationic Glycopolyelectrolytes for RNA Interference in Tick Cells. Biomacromolecules 2021; 23:34-46. [PMID: 34793129 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c00824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is the primary vector for bacteria that cause Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), where numerous glycosylated tick proteins are involved at the interface of vector-host-pathogen interactions. Reducing the expression of key tick proteins, such as selenoprotein K (SelK), through RNA interference is a promising approach to reduce pathogen transmission, but efficient delivery of nucleic acids to arthropods has proven challenging. While cationic glycopolymers have been used as nonviral gene delivery vehicles in mammalian cells, their use in arthropod or insect gene transfection has not been established. In this study, statistical acrylamide-based cationic glycopolymers with glucose or galactose pendant groups were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, and the effects of the saccharide pendant group and cationic monomer loading on polymer cytotoxicity, RNA complexation, and SelK gene knockdown in ISE6 cells were evaluated. All polymers exhibited low cytotoxicity, yet RNA/copolymer complex cell uptake and gene knockdown were highly dependent on the saccharide structure and the N:P (amino to phosphate groups) ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli A Stockmal
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-5050, United States
| | - Latoyia P Downs
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-5050, United States
| | - Ashley N Davis
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-5050, United States
| | - Lisa K Kemp
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-5050, United States
| | - Shahid Karim
- School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-5050, United States.,Center for Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-5050, United States
| | - Sarah E Morgan
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406-5050, United States
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11
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Koči J, Bista S, Chirania P, Yang X, Kitsou C, Rana VS, Yas OB, Sonenshine DE, Pal U. Antibodies against EGF-like domains in Ixodes scapularis BM86 orthologs impact tick feeding and survival of Borrelia burgdorferi. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6095. [PMID: 33731754 PMCID: PMC7971074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85624-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes scapularis ticks transmit multiple pathogens, including Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, and encode many proteins harboring epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like domains. We show that I. scapularis produces multiple orthologs for Bm86, a widely studied tick gut protein considered as a target of an anti-tick vaccine, herein termed as Is86. We show that Is86 antigens feature at least three identifiable regions harboring EGF-like domains (termed as EGF-1, EGF-2, and EGF-3) and are differentially upregulated during B. burgdorferi infection. Although the RNA interference-mediated knockdown of Is86 genes did not show any influences on tick engorgement or B. burgdorferi sensu stricto persistence, the immunization of murine hosts with specific recombinant EGF antigens marginally reduced spirochete loads in the skin, in addition to affecting tick blood meal engorgement and molting. However, given the borderline impact of EGF immunization on tick engorgement and pathogen survival in the vector, it is unlikely that these antigens, at least in their current forms, could be developed as potential vaccines. Further investigations of the biological significance of Is86 (and other tick antigens) would enrich our knowledge of the intricate biology of ticks, including their interactions with resident pathogens, and contribute to the development of anti-tick measures to combat tick-borne illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Koči
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA. .,Institute of Zoology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84506, Bratislava, Slovakia. .,Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 84505, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Sandhya Bista
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Payal Chirania
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Xiuli Yang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Chrysoula Kitsou
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Vipin Singh Rana
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Ozlem Buyuktanir Yas
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istinye University, Zeytinburnu, İstanbul, 34010, Turkey
| | - Daniel E Sonenshine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA
| | - Utpal Pal
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA. .,Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, College Park, MD, USA.
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12
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Chlastáková A, Kotál J, Beránková Z, Kaščáková B, Martins LA, Langhansová H, Prudnikova T, Ederová M, Kutá Smatanová I, Kotsyfakis M, Chmelař J. Iripin-3, a New Salivary Protein Isolated From Ixodes ricinus Ticks, Displays Immunomodulatory and Anti-Hemostatic Properties In Vitro. Front Immunol 2021; 12:626200. [PMID: 33732248 PMCID: PMC7957079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.626200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tick saliva is a rich source of pharmacologically and immunologically active molecules. These salivary components are indispensable for successful blood feeding on vertebrate hosts and are believed to facilitate the transmission of tick-borne pathogens. Here we present the functional and structural characterization of Iripin-3, a protein expressed in the salivary glands of the tick Ixodes ricinus, a European vector of tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease. Belonging to the serpin superfamily of protease inhibitors, Iripin-3 strongly inhibited the proteolytic activity of serine proteases kallikrein and matriptase. In an in vitro setup, Iripin-3 was capable of modulating the adaptive immune response as evidenced by reduced survival of mouse splenocytes, impaired proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes, suppression of the T helper type 1 immune response, and induction of regulatory T cell differentiation. Apart from altering acquired immunity, Iripin-3 also inhibited the extrinsic blood coagulation pathway and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages. In addition to its functional characterization, we present the crystal structure of cleaved Iripin-3 at 1.95 Å resolution. Iripin-3 proved to be a pluripotent salivary serpin with immunomodulatory and anti-hemostatic properties that could facilitate tick feeding via the suppression of host anti-tick defenses. Physiological relevance of Iripin-3 activities observed in vitro needs to be supported by appropriate in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Chlastáková
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jan Kotál
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Zuzana Beránková
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Barbora Kaščáková
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Larissa Almeida Martins
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Helena Langhansová
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Tatyana Prudnikova
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Monika Ederová
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Ivana Kutá Smatanová
- Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Michail Kotsyfakis
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
- Laboratory of Genomics and Proteomics of Disease Vectors, Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budějovice, Czechia
| | - Jindřich Chmelař
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, České Budějovice, Czechia
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13
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Mateos-Hernández L, Pipová N, Allain E, Henry C, Rouxel C, Lagrée AC, Haddad N, Boulouis HJ, Valdés JJ, Alberdi P, de la Fuente J, Cabezas-Cruz A, Šimo L. Enlisting the Ixodes scapularis Embryonic ISE6 Cell Line to Investigate the Neuronal Basis of Tick-Pathogen Interactions. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010070. [PMID: 33466622 PMCID: PMC7828734 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides are small signaling molecules expressed in the tick central nervous system, i.e., the synganglion. The neuronal-like Ixodes scapularis embryonic cell line, ISE6, is an effective tool frequently used for examining tick–pathogen interactions. We detected 37 neuropeptide transcripts in the I. scapularis ISE6 cell line using in silico methods, and six of these neuropeptide genes were used for experimental validation. Among these six neuropeptide genes, the tachykinin-related peptide (TRP) of ISE6 cells varied in transcript expression depending on the infection strain of the tick-borne pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The immunocytochemistry of TRP revealed cytoplasmic expression in a prominent ISE6 cell subpopulation. The presence of TRP was also confirmed in A. phagocytophilum-infected ISE6 cells. The in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry of TRP of I. scapularis synganglion revealed expression in distinct neuronal cells. In addition, TRP immunoreaction was detected in axons exiting the synganglion via peripheral nerves as well as in hemal nerve-associated lateral segmental organs. The characterization of a complete Ixodes neuropeptidome in ISE6 cells may serve as an effective in vitro tool to study how tick-borne pathogens interact with synganglion components that are vital to tick physiology. Therefore, our current study is a potential stepping stone for in vivo experiments to further examine the neuronal basis of tick–pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Mateos-Hernández
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Natália Pipová
- Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafarik University in Košice, 04180 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - Eléonore Allain
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Céline Henry
- AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Université Paris-Saclay, PAPPSO, INRAE, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France;
| | - Clotilde Rouxel
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Anne-Claire Lagrée
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Nadia Haddad
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
| | - James J. Valdés
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Branisovska 31, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Virology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 62100 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (J.d.l.F.)
- Neuroplasticity and Neurodegeneration Group, Regional Centre for Biomedical Research (CRIB), Ciu-dad Real Medical School, University of Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC-CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; (P.A.); (J.d.l.F.)
- Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.-C.); (L.Š.); Tel.: +33-6-31-23-51-91 (A.C.-C.); +33-1-49-77-46-52 (L.Š.)
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- UMR BIPAR, Laboratoire de Santé Animale, ANSES, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, Paris-Est Sup, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France; (L.M.-H.); (E.A.); (C.R.); (A.-C.L.); (N.H.); (H.-J.B.)
- Correspondence: (A.C.-C.); (L.Š.); Tel.: +33-6-31-23-51-91 (A.C.-C.); +33-1-49-77-46-52 (L.Š.)
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14
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Mateos-Hernandéz L, Defaye B, Vancová M, Hajdusek O, Sima R, Park Y, Attoui H, Šimo L. Cholinergic axons regulate type I acini in salivary glands of Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes scapularis ticks. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16054. [PMID: 32994503 PMCID: PMC7524744 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory factors controlling tick salivary glands (SGs) are direct upstream neural signaling pathways arising from the tick's central nervous system. Here we investigated the cholinergic signaling pathway in the SG of two hard tick species. We reconstructed the organization of the cholinergic gene locus, and then used in situ hybridization to localize mRNA encoding choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in specific neural cells in the Ixodes synganglion. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that cholinergic axonal projections exclusively reached type I acini in the SG of both Ixodes species. In type I acini, the rich network of cholinergic axons terminate within the basolateral infoldings of the lamellate cells. We also characterized two types (A and B) of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), which were expressed in Ixodes SG. We pharmacologically assessed mAChR-A to monitor intracellular calcium mobilization upon receptor activation. In vivo injection of vesamicol-a VAChT blocker-at the cholinergic synapse, suppressed forced water uptake by desiccated ticks, while injection of atropine, an mAChR-A antagonist, did not show any effect on water volume uptake. This study has uncovered a novel neurotransmitter signaling pathway in Ixodes SG, and suggests its role in water uptake by type I acini in desiccated ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Mateos-Hernandéz
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Baptiste Defaye
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Limoges, Limoges, France
- UMR SPE 6134 CNRS, Université de Corte Pascal Paoli, Corse, France
| | - Marie Vancová
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budejovice, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, České Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Hajdusek
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Sima
- Biology Centre, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, České Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS, USA
| | - Houssam Attoui
- UMR Virologie, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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15
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Kim TK, Tirloni L, Berger M, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Termignoni C, da Silva Vaz I, Mulenga A. Amblyomma americanum serpin 41 (AAS41) inhibits inflammation by targeting chymase and chymotrypsin. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 156:1007-1021. [PMID: 32320803 PMCID: PMC11005088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ticks inject serine protease inhibitors (serpins) into their feeding sites to evade serine protease-mediated host defenses against tick-feeding. This study describes two highly identitical (97%) but functionally different Amblyomma americanum tick saliva serpins (AAS41 and 46) that are secreted at the inception of tick-feeding. We show that AAS41, which encodes a leucine at the P1 site inhibits inflammation system proteases: chymase (SI = 3.23, Ka = 5.6 ± 3.7X103M-1 s-1) and α-chymotrypsin (SI = 3.18, Ka = 1.6 ± 4.1X104M-1 s-1), while AAS46, which encodes threonine has no inhibitory activity. Similary, rAAS41 inhibits rMCP-1 purified from rat peritonuem derived mast cells. Consistently, rAAS41 inhibits chymase-mediated inflammation induced by compound 48/80 in rat paw edema and vascular permeability models. Native AAS41/46 proteins are among tick saliva immunogens that provoke anti-tick immunity in repeatedly infested animals as revealed by specific reactivity with tick immune sera. Of significance, native AAS41/46 play critical tick-feeding functions in that RNAi-mediated silencing caused ticks to ingest significantly less blood. Importantly, monospecific antibodies to rAAS41 blocked inhibitory functions of rAAS41, suggesting potential for design of vaccine antigens that provokes immunity to neutralize functions of this protein at the tick-feeding site. We discuss our findings with reference to tick-feeding physiology and discovery of effective tick vaccine antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA; Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Markus Berger
- Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Foundation Peptide Biology Lab, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Termignoni
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
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Catalogue of stage-specific transcripts in Ixodes ricinus and their potential functions during the tick life-cycle. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:311. [PMID: 32546252 PMCID: PMC7296661 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04173-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The castor bean tick Ixodes ricinus is an important vector of several clinically important diseases, whose prevalence increases with accelerating global climate changes. Characterization of a tick life-cycle is thus of great importance. However, researchers mainly focus on specific organs of fed life stages, while early development of this tick species is largely neglected. Methods In an attempt to better understand the life-cycle of this widespread arthropod parasite, we sequenced the transcriptomes of four life stages (egg, larva, nymph and adult female), including unfed and partially blood-fed individuals. To enable a more reliable identification of transcripts and their comparison in all five transcriptome libraries, we validated an improved-fit set of five I. ricinus-specific reference genes for internal standard normalization of our transcriptomes. Then, we mapped biological functions to transcripts identified in different life stages (clusters) to elucidate life stage-specific processes. Finally, we drew conclusions from the functional enrichment of these clusters specifically assigned to each transcriptome, also in the context of recently published transcriptomic studies in ticks. Results We found that reproduction-related transcripts are present in both fed nymphs and fed females, underlining the poorly documented importance of ovaries as moulting regulators in ticks. Additionally, we identified transposase transcripts in tick eggs suggesting elevated transposition during embryogenesis, co-activated with factors driving developmental regulation of gene expression. Our findings also highlight the importance of the regulation of energetic metabolism in tick eggs during embryonic development and glutamate metabolism in nymphs. Conclusions Our study presents novel insights into stage-specific transcriptomes of I. ricinus and extends the current knowledge of this medically important pathogen, especially in the early phases of its development.![]()
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Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L is Involved in Larval Molting and Second Stage Nymphal Feeding in Ornithodoros Moubata. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:vaccines8020157. [PMID: 32244625 PMCID: PMC7349889 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have not been characterized in ticks despite their importance as vectors of human and animal diseases worldwide. Our investigation identifies and functionally characterizes the orthologue of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) binding methyltransferase enzyme, disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L) in Ornithodoros moubata (OmDOT1L), a soft tick vector for the relapsing fever pathogen Borrelia duttonii and the African swine fever virus. The OmDOT1L tertiary structure was predicted and compared to the Homo sapiens DOT1L which had been co-crystalized with SGC0946, a DOT1L-specific inhibitor. The amino acid residues crucial for SAM and SGC0946 binding conserved in most DOT1L sequences available, are also conserved in OmDOT1L. Quantitative PCR of Omdot1l during O. moubata life stages showed that transcripts were significantly upregulated in first-stage nymphs. O. moubata larvae exposed to SGC0946 displayed high mortality during molting to first-stage nymphs. Furthermore, a significant decrease in weight was observed in second-stage nymphs fed on recombinant OmDOT1L-immunized rabbits. In contrast, artificial blood feeding supplemented with SGC0946 did not affect survival and reproductive performance of adult female ticks. We concluded that OmDOT1L plays an essential role in the regulation of larval molting and the feeding of O. moubata second-stage nymphs.
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Salata C, Monteil V, Leijon M, Bell-Sakyi L, Mirazimi A. Identification and validation of internal reference genes for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based studies in Hyalomma anatolicum ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101417. [PMID: 32222359 PMCID: PMC7284302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging tick-borne viral disease caused by the orthonairovirus CCHF virus (CCHFV). Ticks of the genus Hyalomma are the viral reservoir and they represent the main vector transmitting the virus to their hosts during blood feeding. However, how CCHFV replicates in its natural arthropod host cells and the nature of virus/host interactions are still largely unknown. With the aim of developing tools for use in this field, we identified and validated expression of four candidate endogenous control tick genes in a Hyalomma anatolicum-derived cell line. These genes will be useful for normalization of viral/cellular transcripts in infection/expression studies or as internal controls in molecular epidemiology surveys of pathogens transmitted by Hyalomma ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Salata
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli, 63, IT-35121 Padova, Italy; Department of Microbiology, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Nobels Väg 18, SE-171 82 Solna, Sweden.
| | - Vanessa Monteil
- Department of Microbiology, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Nobels Väg 18, SE-171 82 Solna, Sweden; Department for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and KI, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Leijon
- National Veterinary Institute, SE-756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool L3 5RF, United Kingdom.
| | - Ali Mirazimi
- Department of Microbiology, The Public Health Agency of Sweden, Nobels Väg 18, SE-171 82 Solna, Sweden; Department for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital and KI, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden; National Veterinary Institute, SE-756 51 Uppsala, Sweden.
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19
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Kotsarenko K, Vechtova P, Hammerova Z, Langova N, Malinovska L, Wimmerova M, Sterba J, Grubhoffer L. Newly identified DNA methyltransferases of Ixodes ricinus ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2020; 11:101348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.101348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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20
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Almazán C, Fourniol L, Rouxel C, Alberdi P, Gandoin C, Lagrée AC, Boulouis HJ, de la Fuente J, Bonnet SI. Experimental Ixodes ricinus-Sheep Cycle of Anaplasma phagocytophilum NV2Os Propagated in Tick Cell Cultures. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:40. [PMID: 32118063 PMCID: PMC7015893 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The causative agent of tick-borne fever and human granulocytic anaplasmosis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is transmitted by Ixodes ricinus, and is currently considered an emerging disease throughout Europe. In this study, we established a model of A. phagocytophilum sheep infection and I. ricinus transmission using the European Norway variant 2 ovine strain (NV2Os) propagated in both IDE8 and ISE6 tick cells. Two sheep were inoculated with IDE8 tick cells infected with NV2Os. Both sheep developed A. phagocytophilum infection as determined by qPCR and PCR, the presence of fever 4 days post inoculation (dpi), the observation of morulae in granulocytes at 6 dpi, and the detection of A. phagocytophilum antibodies at 14 dpi. A. phagocytophilum was detected by PCR in skin, lung, small intestine, liver, spleen, uterus, bone marrow, and mesenteric lymph node from necropsies performed at 14 and 15 dpi. One sheep was infested during the acute phase of infection with I. ricinus nymphs from a pathogen-free colony. After molting, A. phagocytophilum transstadial transmission in ticks was validated with qPCR positive bacterial detection in 80% of salivary glands and 90% of midguts from female adults. Infected sheep blood collected at 14 dpi was demonstrated to be able to infect ISE6 tick cells, thus enabling the infection of two additional naive sheep, which then went on to develop similar clinical signs to the sheep infected previously. One of the sheep remained persistently infected until 115 dpi when it was euthanized, and transmitted bacteria to 70 and 2.7% of nymphs engorged as larvae during the acute and persistent infection stages, respectively. We then demonstrated that these infected nymphs were able to transmit the bacteria to one of two other naive infested sheep. As expected, when I. ricinus females were engorged during the acute phase of infection, no A. phagocytophilum transovarial transmission was detected. The development of this new experimental model will facilitate future research on this tick-borne bacterium of increasing importance, and enable the evaluation of any new tick/transmission control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo Almazán
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Lisa Fourniol
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Clotilde Rouxel
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Christelle Gandoin
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Anne-Claire Lagrée
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Henri-Jean Boulouis
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain.,Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Sarah I Bonnet
- UMR BIPAR, INRAE, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
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21
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Blisnick AA, Šimo L, Grillon C, Fasani F, Brûlé S, Le Bonniec B, Prina E, Marsot M, Relmy A, Blaise-Boisseau S, Richardson J, Bonnet SI. The Immunomodulatory Effect of IrSPI, a Tick Salivary Gland Serine Protease Inhibitor Involved in Ixodes ricinus Tick Feeding. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040148. [PMID: 31614804 PMCID: PMC6963187 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks are the most important vectors of pathogens affecting both domestic and wild animals worldwide. Hard tick feeding is a slow process—taking up to several days—and necessitates extended control over the host response. The success of the feeding process depends upon injection of tick saliva, which not only controls host hemostasis and wound healing, but also subverts the host immune response to avoid tick rejection that creates a favorable niche for the survival and propagation of diverse tick-borne pathogens. Here, we report on the molecular and biochemical features and functions of an Ixodes ricinus serine protease inhibitor (IrSPI). We characterize IrSPI as a Kunitz elastase inhibitor that is overexpressed in several tick organs—especially salivary glands—during blood-feeding. We also demonstrated that when IrSPI is injected into the host through saliva, it had no impact on tissue factor pathway-induced coagulation, fibrinolysis, endothelial cell angiogenesis or apoptosis, but the protein exhibits immunomodulatory activity. In particular, IrSPI represses proliferation of CD4+ T lymphocytes and proinflammatory cytokine secretion from both splenocytes and macrophages. Our study contributes valuable knowledge to tick-host interactions and provides insights that could be further exploited to design anti-tick vaccines targeting this immunomodulator implicated in I. ricinus feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien A Blisnick
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France.
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France.
| | - Catherine Grillon
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire-UPR 4301 CNRS, 45000 Orléans, France.
| | - Fabienne Fasani
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire-UPR 4301 CNRS, 45000 Orléans, France.
| | - Sébastien Brûlé
- Plateforme de Biophysique moléculaire, Institut Pasteur, UMR 3528 CNRS, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Bernard Le Bonniec
- INSERM UMR-S1140, Faculté de Pharmacie Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75270 Paris CEDEX 06, France.
| | - Eric Prina
- Unité de Parasitologie moléculaire et Signalisation-INSERM U1201, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Maud Marsot
- Unité EPI, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France.
| | - Anthony Relmy
- UMR Virologie 1161, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France.
| | - Sandra Blaise-Boisseau
- UMR Virologie 1161, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France.
| | - Jennifer Richardson
- UMR Virologie 1161, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France.
| | - Sarah I Bonnet
- UMR BIPAR, Animal Health Laboratory, INRA, ANSES, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Université Paris-Est, 94701 Maisons-Alfort CEDEX, France.
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22
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Amblyomma americanum serpin 27 (AAS27) is a tick salivary anti-inflammatory protein secreted into the host during feeding. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0007660. [PMID: 31449524 PMCID: PMC6730956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ticks successfully feed and transmit pathogens by injecting pharmacological compounds in saliva to thwart host defenses. We have previously used LC-MS/MS to identify proteins that are present in saliva of unfed Amblyomma americanum ticks that were exposed to different hosts. Here we show that A. americanum serine protease inhibitor (serpin) 27 (AAS27) is an immunogenic saliva protein that is injected into the host within the first day of tick feeding and is an anti-inflammatory protein that might act by blocking plasmin and trypsin functions. Although AAS27 is injected into the host throughout tick feeding, qRT-PCR and western blotting analyses indicate that the respective transcript and protein are present in high amounts within the first 24 h of tick feeding. Biochemical screening of Pichia pastoris-expressed recombinant (r) AAS27 against mammalian proteases related to host defense shows it is an inhibitor of trypsin and plasmin, with stoichiometry of inhibition indices of 3.5 and 3.8, respectively. Consistent with typical inhibitory serpins, rAAS27 formed heat- and SDS-stable irreversible complexes with both proteases. We further demonstrate that rAAS27 inhibits trypsin with ka of 6.46 ± 1.24 x 104 M-1 s-1, comparable to serpins of other tick species. We show that native AAS27 is part of the repertoire of proteins responsible for the inhibitory activity against trypsin in crude tick saliva. AAS27 is likely utilized by the tick to evade the hosts inflammation defense since rAAS27 blocks both formalin and compound 48/80-induced inflammation in rats. Tick immune sera of rabbits that had acquired resistance against tick feeding following repeated infestations with A. americanum or Ixodes scapularis ticks reacts with rAAS27. Of significant interest, antibody to rAAS27 blocks this serpin inhibitory functions. Taken together, we conclude that AAS27 is an anti-inflammatory protein secreted into the host during feeding and may represent a potential candidate for development of an anti-tick vaccine.
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Kumar D, Embers M, Mather TN, Karim S. Is selenoprotein K required for Borrelia burgdorferi infection within the tick vector Ixodes scapularis? Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:289. [PMID: 31174589 PMCID: PMC6555942 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3548-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick selenoproteins are involved in regulating oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress during prolonged tick feeding on mammalian hosts. How selenoproteins are activated upon tick-borne pathogen infection is yet to be defined. Methods To examine the functional role of selenoprotein K in Borrelia burgdorferi infection within the tick host Ixodes scapularis, RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene silencing was performed. Results Selenoprotein K is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein and a component of the ERAD complex involved in ER homeostasis. A qRT-PCR assay revealed the significant upregulation of selenogene K (selenoK) expression in B. burgdorferi-infected tick tissues. Silencing of the selenoK transcript significantly depleted B. burgdorferi copies within the infected tick tissues. Upon selenoK knockdown, another component of the ERAD complex, selenoprotein S (selenoS), was significantly upregulated, suggesting a compensatory mechanism to maintain ER homeostasis within the tick tissues. Knockdown of selenoK also upregulated ER stress-related unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway components, ATF6 and EIF2. Conclusions The exact mechanisms that contribute to depletion of B. burgdorferi upon selenoK knockdown is yet to be determined, but this study suggests that selenoK may play a vital role in the survival of B. burgdorferi within the tick host. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-019-3548-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Kumar
- Department of of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA
| | - Monica Embers
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, 70455, USA
| | - Thomas N Mather
- Center for Vector-Borne Disease, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI, 02881, USA
| | - Shahid Karim
- Department of of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA.
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Kim D, Šimo L, Park Y. Molecular characterization of neuropeptide elevenin and two elevenin receptors, IsElevR1 and IsElevR2, from the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2018; 101:66-75. [PMID: 30075240 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Understanding salivation in hematophagous arthropod vectors is crucial to developing novel methods to prevent vector-borne disease transmission. The interactions between the tick, host, and pathogens during salivation are highly complex, and are dynamically regulated by the tick central nervous system (synganglion). Recently, tick salivary modulation via neuropeptides was highlighted by mapping neuropeptidergic cells in the synganglion and salivary glands in hard ticks. In this study, we characterized the role of a novel neuropeptide, elevenin (IsElev), and its receptors (IsElevR1 and IsElevR2) in the innervation of the salivary glands from Ixodes scapularis female ticks. Homology-based BLAST searches of the I. scapularis genome and Sequence Read Archive (SRA), followed by gene cloning, identified candidate genes: IsElev, IsElevR1, and IsElevR2. The IsElev candidate contained common elevenin features: a signal peptide immediately before an elevenin precursor and two cysteines. During functional assays, synthetic IsElev efficiently activated both IsElevR1 and IsElevR2, as indicated by elevated calcium mobilization. IsElevR1 (EC50: 0.01 nM) was about 560 times more sensitive to synthetic IsElev than IsElevR2 (EC50: 5.59 nM). Immunoreactivity (IR) for IsElev and IsElevR1 was detected as a complex neuronal projection and several neurons in the synganglion. In salivary glands, IsElev-IR was detected in an axonal projection on the surface of the main salivary duct and in axon terminals within type II/III salivary gland acini, which are colocalized with SIFamide-IR. IsElevR1-IR was detected on the luminal surface of both type II/III acini. IsElev transcript levels were high in the synganglion and reached a peak at day 5 post-blood feeding. Salivary glands expressed IsElevR1, which gradually increased over the course of blood feeding until repletion. Here, we propose that IsElev and IsElevR1, localized in salivary gland acini types II/III, are likely involved in tick salivary secretion in the rapid engorgement phase of tick feeding. In addition, we also provide the evidences for IsElev action on the ovary by showing IsElevR1-IR and IsElevR2-IR on the surface of ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghun Kim
- Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS66504, USA
| | - Ladislav Šimo
- UMR BIPAR, INRA, Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, ANSES, Université Paris-Est, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS66504, USA.
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Tick galactosyltransferases are involved in α-Gal synthesis and play a role during Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection and Ixodes scapularis tick vector development. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14224. [PMID: 30242261 PMCID: PMC6154994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32664-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The carbohydrate Galα1-3Galβ1-(3)4GlcNAc-R (α-Gal) is produced in all mammals except for humans, apes and old world monkeys that lost the ability to synthetize this carbohydrate. Therefore, humans can produce high antibody titers against α-Gal. Anti-α-Gal IgE antibodies have been associated with tick-induced allergy (i.e. α-Gal syndrome) and anti-α-Gal IgG/IgM antibodies may be involved in protection against malaria, leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. The α-Gal on tick salivary proteins plays an important role in the etiology of the α-Gal syndrome. However, whether ticks are able to produce endogenous α-Gal remains currently unknown. In this study, the Ixodes scapularis genome was searched for galactosyltransferases and three genes were identified as potentially involved in the synthesis of α-Gal. Heterologous gene expression in α-Gal-negative cells and gene knockdown in ticks confirmed that these genes were involved in α-Gal synthesis and are essential for tick feeding. Furthermore, these genes were shown to play an important role in tick-pathogen interactions. Results suggested that tick cells increased α-Gal levels in response to Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection to control bacterial infection. These results provided the molecular basis of endogenous α-Gal production in ticks and suggested that tick galactosyltransferases are involved in vector development, tick-pathogen interactions and possibly the etiology of α-Gal syndrome in humans.
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Cross ST, Kapuscinski ML, Perino J, Maertens BL, Weger-Lucarelli J, Ebel GD, Stenglein MD. Co-Infection Patterns in Individual Ixodes scapularis Ticks Reveal Associations between Viral, Eukaryotic and Bacterial Microorganisms. Viruses 2018; 10:E388. [PMID: 30037148 PMCID: PMC6071216 DOI: 10.3390/v10070388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ixodes scapularis ticks harbor a variety of microorganisms, including eukaryotes, bacteria and viruses. Some of these can be transmitted to and cause disease in humans and other vertebrates. Others are not pathogenic, but may impact the ability of the tick to harbor and transmit pathogens. A growing number of studies have examined the influence of bacteria on tick vector competence but the influence of the tick virome remains less clear, despite a surge in the discovery of tick-associated viruses. In this study, we performed shotgun RNA sequencing on 112 individual adult I. scapularis collected in Wisconsin, USA. We characterized the abundance, prevalence and co-infection rates of viruses, bacteria and eukaryotic microorganisms. We identified pairs of tick-infecting microorganisms whose observed co-infection rates were higher or lower than would be expected, or whose RNA levels were positively correlated in co-infected ticks. Many of these co-occurrence and correlation relationships involved two bunyaviruses, South Bay virus and blacklegged tick phlebovirus-1. These viruses were also the most prevalent microorganisms in the ticks we sampled, and had the highest average RNA levels. Evidence of associations between microbes included a positive correlation between RNA levels of South Bay virus and Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease agent. These findings contribute to the rationale for experimental studies on the impact of viruses on tick biology and vector competence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun T Cross
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Marylee L Kapuscinski
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Jacquelyn Perino
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Bernadette L Maertens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - James Weger-Lucarelli
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | - Gregory D Ebel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
| | - Mark D Stenglein
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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Integrated metatranscriptomics and metaproteomics for the characterization of bacterial microbiota in unfed Ixodes ricinus. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:1241-1251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Bakshi M, Kim TK, Mulenga A. Disruption of blood meal-responsive serpins prevents Ixodes scapularis from feeding to repletion. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2018; 9:506-518. [PMID: 29396196 PMCID: PMC5857477 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) are thought to mediate the tick's evasion of the host's serine protease-mediated defense pathways such as inflammation and blood clotting. This study describes characterization and target validation of 11 blood meal-responsive serpins that are associated with nymph and adult Ixodes scapularis tick feeding as revealed by quantitative (q)RT-PCR and RNAi silencing analyses. Given the high number of targets, we used combinatorial (co) RNAi silencing to disrupt candidate serpins in two groups (G): seven highly identical and four non-identical serpins based on amino acid identities, here after called GI and GII respectively. We show that injection of both GI and GII co-dsRNA into unfed nymph and adult I. scapularis ticks triggered suppression of cognate serpin mRNA. We show that disruption of GII, but not GI serpins significantly reduced feeding efficiency of both nymph and adult I. scapularis ticks. Knockdown of GII serpin transcripts caused significant respective mortalities of ≤40 and 71% of nymphal and adult ticks that occurred within 24-48 h of attachment. This is significant, as the observed lethality preceded the tick feeding period when transmission of tick borne pathogens is predominant. We suspect that some of the GII serpins (S9, S17, S19 and S32) play roles in the tick detachment process in that upon detachment, mouthparts of GII co-dsRNA injected were covered with a whitish gel-like tissue that could be the tick cement cone. Normally, ticks do not retain tissue on their mouthparts upon detachment. Furthermore, disruption of GII serpins reduced tick blood meal sizes and the adult tick's ability to convert the blood meal to eggs. We discuss our data with reference to tick feeding physiology and conclude that some of the GII serpins are potential targets for anti-tick vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Bakshi
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer, TAMU 4467, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer, TAMU 4467, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 422 Raymond Stotzer, TAMU 4467, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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29
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Hollmann T, Kim TK, Tirloni L, Radulović ŽM, Pinto AFM, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, da Silva Vaz I, Mulenga A. Identification and characterization of proteins in the Amblyomma americanum tick cement cone. Int J Parasitol 2017; 48:211-224. [PMID: 29258831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The adaptation of hard ticks to feed for long periods is facilitated by the cement cone, which securely anchors the tick mouthparts onto host skin and protects the tick from being groomed off by the host. Thus, preventing tick cement deposition is an attractive target for the development of innovative tick control. We used LC-MS/MS sequencing to identify 160 Amblyomma americanum tick cement proteins that include glycine-rich proteins (GRP, 19%), protease inhibitors (12%), proteins of unknown function (11%), mucin (4%), detoxification, storage, and lipocalin at 1% each, and housekeeping proteins (50%). Spatiotemporal transcription analysis showing mRNA expression in multiple tick organs and transcript abundance increasing with feeding suggest that selected GRPs (n = 13) regulate multiple tick feeding functions, being classified as constitutively expressed (CE), feeding induced (FI), and up-regulated with feeding (UR). We show that transcription of CE GRPs is likely under the control of tick appetence associated factors in that mRNA abundance increased several thousand fold in 1 week old adult ticks, the time period that coincides with tick attainment of appetence. Given the high number of targets, we synthesized and injected unfed ticks with combinatorial (co) double stranded (ds)RNA and disrupted GRP mRNA in clusters according to similar transcription patterns: CE (n = 3), FI, (n = 4), and UR (n = 6) to streamline the work. Our data suggest that CE and FI GRPs are important for maintenance of the tick feeding site in that reddening and subsequent bleeding were observed around the mouthparts of CE and FI GRP co-dsRNA injected ticks during feeding. Furthermore, although not significantly different, indices for blood meal size and fecundity were apparently reduced in FI and UR ticks. We discuss our data with reference to A. americanum tick feeding physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Hollmann
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tae Kwon Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lucas Tirloni
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA; Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Željko M Radulović
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Antônio F M Pinto
- Centro de Pesquisas em Biologia Molecular e Funcional, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Tuberculose (INCT-TB), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Mass Spectrometry Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA; Mass Spectrometry Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Chemical Physiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Itabajara da Silva Vaz
- Centro de Biotecnologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Gondalia K, Qudrat A, Bruno B, Fleites Medina J, Paluzzi JPV. Identification and functional characterization of a pyrokinin neuropeptide receptor in the Lyme disease vector, Ixodes scapularis. Peptides 2016; 86:42-54. [PMID: 27667704 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pyrokinin-related peptides are pleiotropic factors that are defined by their conserved C-terminal sequence FXPRL-NH2. The pyrokinin nomenclature derives from their originally identified myotropic actions and, as seen in some family members, a blocked amino terminus with pyroglutamate. The black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is well known as a vector of Lyme disease and various other illnesses; however, in comparison to blood-feeding insects, knowledge on its physiology (along with other Ixodid ticks) is rather limited. In this study, we have isolated, examined the expression profile, and functionally deorphanized the pyrokinin peptide receptor in the medically important tick, I. scapularis. Phylogenetic analysis supports that the cloned receptor is indeed a bona fide member of the pyrokinin-related peptide receptor family. The tick pyrokinin receptor transcript expression is most abundant in the central nervous system (i.e. synganglion), but is also detected in trachea, female reproductive tissues, and in a pooled sample comprised of Malpighian (renal) tubules and the hindgut. Finally, functional characterization of the identified receptor confirmed it as a pyrokinin peptide receptor as it was activated equally by four endogenous pyrokinin-related peptides. The receptor was slightly promiscuous as it was also activated by a peptide sharing some structural similarity, namely the CAPA-periviserokinin (CAPA-PVK) peptide. Nonetheless, the I. scapularis pyrokinin receptor required a CAPA-PVK peptide concentration of well over three orders of magnitude to achieve a comparable receptor activation response, which indicates it is quite selective for its native pyrokinin peptide ligands. This study sets the stage for future research to examine the prospective tissue targets identified in order to resolve the physiological roles of this family of peptides in Ixodid ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsi Gondalia
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Anam Qudrat
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Brigida Bruno
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Janet Fleites Medina
- Vivarium Facility, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Jean-Paul V Paluzzi
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada.
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31
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Campbell EM, McIntosh CH, Bowman AS. A Toolbox for Quantitative Gene Expression in Varroa destructor: RNA Degradation in Field Samples and Systematic Analysis of Reference Gene Stability. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155640. [PMID: 27182699 PMCID: PMC4868281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Varroa destructor is the major pest of Apis mellifera and contributes to the global honey bee health crisis threatening food security. Developing new control strategies to combat Varroa will require the application of molecular biology, including gene expression studies by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Both high quality RNA samples and suitable stable internal reference genes are required for accurate gene expression studies. In this study, ten candidate genes (succinate dehydrogenase (SDHA), NADH dehydrogenase (NADH), large ribsosmal subunit, TATA-binding protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, 18S rRNA (18S), heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90), cyclophilin, α-tubulin, actin), were evaluated for their suitability as normalization genes using the geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, and comparative ΔCq algorithims. Our study proposes the use of no more than two of the four most stable reference genes (NADH, 18S, SDHA and HSP90) in Varroa gene expression studies. These four genes remain stable in phoretic and reproductive stage Varroa and are unaffected by Deformed wing virus load. When used for determining changes in vitellogenin gene expression, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for the relatively unstable genes actin and α-tubulin was much lower than for the stable gene combinations (NADH + HSP90 +18S; NADH + HSP90; or NADH). Using both electropherograms and RT-qPCR for short and long amplicons as quality controls, we demonstrate that high quality RNA can be recovered from Varroa up to 10 days later stored at ambient temperature if collected into RNAlater and provided the body is pierced. This protocol allows the exchange of Varroa samples between international collaborators and field sample collectors without requiring frozen collection or shipping. Our results make important contributions to gene expression studies in Varroa by proposing a validated sampling protocol to obtain high quality Varroa RNA and the validation of suitable reference genes for expression studies in this globally important pest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan M Campbell
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Catriona H McIntosh
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Alan S Bowman
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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32
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Quantitative RT-PCR Gene Evaluation and RNA Interference in the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152730. [PMID: 27144586 PMCID: PMC4856283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) has emerged as one of the most important invasive insect pests in the United States. Functional genomics in H. halys remains unexplored as molecular resources in this insect have recently been developed. To facilitate functional genomics research, we evaluated ten common insect housekeeping genes (RPS26, EF1A, FAU, UBE4A, ARL2, ARP8, GUS, TBP, TIF6 and RPL9) for their stability across various treatments in H. halys. Our treatments included two biotic factors (tissues and developmental stages) and two stress treatments (RNAi injection and starvation). Reference gene stability was determined using three software algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper) and a web-based tool (RefFinder). The qRT-PCR results indicated ARP8 and UBE4A exhibit the most stable expression across tissues and developmental stages, ARL2 and FAU for dsRNA treatment and TBP and UBE4A for starvation treatment. Following the dsRNA treatment, all genes except GUS showed relatively stable expression. To demonstrate the utility of validated reference genes in accurate gene expression analysis and to explore gene silencing in H. halys, we performed RNAi by administering dsRNA of target gene (catalase) through microinjection. A successful RNAi response with over 90% reduction in expression of target gene was observed.
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33
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Bullard RL, Williams J, Karim S. Temporal Gene Expression Analysis and RNA Silencing of Single and Multiple Members of Gene Family in the Lone Star Tick Amblyomma americanum. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147966. [PMID: 26872360 PMCID: PMC4752215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Saliva is an integral factor in the feeding success of veterinary and medically important ticks. Therefore, the characterization of the proteins present in tick saliva is an important area of tick research. Here, we confirmed previously generated sialotranscriptome data using quantitative real-time PCR. The information obtained in this in-depth study of gene expression was used to measure the effects of metalloprotease gene silencing on tick feeding. We analyzed the temporal expression of seven housekeeping genes and 44 differentially expressed salivary molecules selected from a previously published Amblyomma americanum sialotranscriptome. Separate reference genes were selected for the salivary glands and midgut from among the seven housekeeping genes, to normalize the transcriptional expression of differentially expressed genes. The salivary gland reference gene, ubiquitin, was used to normalize the expression of 44 salivary genes. Unsurprisingly, each gene family was expressed throughout the blood meal, but the expression of specific genes differed at each time point. To further clarify the complex nature of the many proteins found in the saliva, we disrupted the translation of several members of the metalloprotease family. Intriguingly, the nucleotide sequence similarity of the reprolysin metalloprotease gene family is so homologous that a single synthesized dsRNA sequence knocked down multiple members of the family. The use of multigene knockdown yielded a more significant picture of the role of metalloproteases in tick feeding success, and changes were observed in the female engorgement weight and larval hatching success. Interestingly, the depletion of metalloprotease transcripts also reduced the total number of bacteria present in the salivary glands. These data provide insight into the expression and functions of tick salivary proteins expressed while feeding on its host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah L. Bullard
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States of America
| | - Shahid Karim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, United States of America
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Kim D, Urban J, Boyle DL, Park Y. Multiple functions of Na/K-ATPase in dopamine-induced salivation of the Blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21047. [PMID: 26861075 PMCID: PMC4748274 DOI: 10.1038/srep21047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Control of salivary secretion in ticks involves autocrine dopamine activating two dopamine receptors: D1 and Invertebrate-specific D1-like dopamine receptors. In this study, we investigated Na/K-ATPase as an important component of the secretory process. Immunoreactivity for Na/K-ATPase revealed basal infolding of lamellate cells in type-I, abluminal interstitial (epithelial) cells in type-II, and labyrinth-like infolding structures opening towards the lumen in type-III acini. Ouabain (10 μmol l(-1)), a specific inhibitor of Na/K-ATPase, abolished dopamine-induced salivary secretion by suppressing fluid transport in type III acini. At 1 μmol l(-1), ouabain, the secreted saliva was hyperosmotic. This suggests that ouabain also inhibits an ion resorptive function of Na/K-ATPase in the type I acini. Dopamine/ouabain were not involved in activation of protein secretion, while dopamine-induced saliva contained constitutively basal level of protein. We hypothesize that the dopamine-dependent primary saliva formation, mediated by Na/K-ATPase in type III and type II acini, is followed by a dopamine-independent resorptive function of Na/K-ATPase in type I acini located in the proximal end of the salivary duct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghun Kim
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Joshua Urban
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Daniel L. Boyle
- Division of Biology, Microscopy Facility, Kansas State University, Ackert Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
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Kim TK, Radulovic Z, Mulenga A. Target validation of highly conserved Amblyomma americanum tick saliva serine protease inhibitor 19. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 7:405-14. [PMID: 26746129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Amblyomma americanum tick serine protease inhibitor (serpin, AAS) 19, is a highly conserved protein that is characterized by its functional domain being 100% conserved across tick species. We also reported that AAS19 was an immunogenic tick saliva protein with anti-haemostatic functions and an inhibitor of trypsin-like proteases including five of the eight serine protease factors in the blood clotting cascade. In this study the goal was to validate the importance of AAS19 in A. americanum tick physiology, assess immunogenicity and investigate tick vaccine efficacy of yeast-expressed recombinant (r) AAS19. We confirm that AAS19 is important to A. americanum fitness and blood meal feeding. AAS19 mRNA disruption by RNAi silencing caused ticks to obtain blood meals that were 50% smaller than controls, and treated ticks being morphologically deformed with 100% of the deformed ticks dying in incubation. We show that rAAS19 is highly immunogenic in that two 500 μg inoculations mixed with TiterMax Gold adjuvant provoked antibody titers of more than 1:320,000 that specifically reacted with native AAS19 in unfed and partially fed tick tissue. Since AAS19 is injected into animals during tick feeding, we challenge infested immunized rabbits twice to test if tick infestations of immunized rabbits could act as booster. While in the first infestation significantly smaller tick blood meals were observed on one of the two immunized rabbits, smaller blood meals were observed on both rabbits, but 60% of ticks that engorged on immunized rabbits in the second infestation failed to lay eggs. It is notable that ticks fed faster on immunized animals despite obtaining smaller blood meals. We conclude that rAAS19 is a potential component of cocktail tick vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae K Kim
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Zeljko Radulovic
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Alberdi P, Ayllón N, Cabezas-Cruz A, Bell-Sakyi L, Zweygarth E, Stuen S, de la Fuente J. Infection of Ixodes spp. tick cells with different Anaplasma phagocytophilum isolates induces the inhibition of apoptotic cell death. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2015; 6:758-67. [PMID: 26183310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2015.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an intracellular rickettsial pathogen transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks, which causes granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans, horses and dogs and tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants. In the United States, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is highly prevalent while TBF has not been reported. However, in Europe the situation is the opposite, with high prevalence for TBF in sheep and low prevalence of HGA. The origin of these differences has not been identified and our hypothesis is that different A. phagocytophilum isolates impact differently on tick vector capacity through inhibition of apoptosis to establish infection of the tick vector. In this study we used three different isolates of A. phagocytophilum of human, canine and ovine origin to infect the Ixodes ricinus-derived cell line IRE/CTVM20 and the Ixodes scapularis-derived cell line ISE6 in order to characterize the effect of infection on the level of tick cell apoptosis. Inhibition of apoptosis was observed by flow cytometry as early as 24h post-infection for both tick cell lines and all three isolates of A. phagocytophilum, suggesting that pathogen infection inhibits apoptotic pathways to facilitate infection independently of the origin of the A. phagocytophilum isolate and tick vector species. However, infection with A. phagocytophilum isolates inhibited the intrinsic apoptosis pathway at different levels in I. scapularis and I. ricinus cells. These results suggested an impact of vector-pathogen co-evolution on the adaptation of A. phagocytophilum isolates to grow in tick cells as each isolate grew better in the tick cell line derived from its natural vector species. These results increase our understanding of the mechanisms of A. phagocytophilum infection and multiplication and suggest that multiple mechanisms may affect disease prevalence in different geographical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Alberdi
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Nieves Ayllón
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Alejandro Cabezas-Cruz
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille (CIIL), INSERM U1019 - CNRS UMR 8204, Université Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Lesley Bell-Sakyi
- The Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Woking, Surrey GU24 0NF, UK
| | - Erich Zweygarth
- Institute for Comparative Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Leopoldstrasse 5, 80802 Munich, Germany; Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Snorre Stuen
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Sandnes, Norway
| | - José de la Fuente
- SaBio, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos IREC, CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Ronda de Toledo s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain; Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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Conserved Amblyomma americanum tick Serpin19, an inhibitor of blood clotting factors Xa and XIa, trypsin and plasmin, has anti-haemostatic functions. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:613-27. [PMID: 25957161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tick saliva serine protease inhibitors (serpins) facilitate tick blood meal feeding through inhibition of protease mediators of host defense pathways. We previously identified a highly conserved Amblyomma americanum serpin 19 that is characterised by its reactive center loop being 100% conserved in ixodid ticks. In this study, biochemical characterisation reveals that the ubiquitously transcribed A. americanum serpin 19 is an anti-coagulant protein, inhibiting the activity of five of the eight serine protease blood clotting factors. Pichia pastoris-expressed recombinant (r) A. americanum serpin 19 inhibits the enzyme activity of trypsin, plasmin and blood clotting factors (f) Xa and XIa, with stoichiometry of inhibition estimated at 5.1, 9.4, 23.8 and 28, respectively. Similar to typical inhibitory serpins, recombinant A. americanum serpin 19 forms irreversible complexes with trypsin, fXa and fXIa. At a higher molar excess of recombinant A. americanum serpin 19, fXIIa is inhibited by 82.5%, and thrombin (fIIa), fIXa, chymotrypsin and tryptase are inhibited moderately by 14-29%. In anti-hemostatic functional assays, recombinant A. americanum serpin 19 inhibits thrombin but not ADP and cathepsin G activated platelet aggregation, delays clotting in recalcification and thrombin time assays by up to 250s, and up to 40s in the activated partial thromboplastin time assay. Given A. americanum serpin 19 high cross-tick species conservation, and specific reactivity of recombinant A. americanum serpin 19 with antibodies to A. americanum tick saliva proteins, we conclude that recombinant A. americanum serpin 19 is a potential candidate for development of a universal tick vaccine.
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Šimo L, Koči J, Kim D, Park Y. Invertebrate specific D1-like dopamine receptor in control of salivary glands in the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis. J Comp Neurol 2015; 522:2038-52. [PMID: 24307522 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The control of tick salivary secretion, which plays a crucial role in compromising the host immune system, involves complex neural mechanisms. Dopamine is known to be the most potent activator of salivary secretion, as a paracrine/autocrine factor. We describe the invertebrate-specific D1-like dopamine receptor (InvD1L), which is highly expressed in tick salivary glands. The InvD1L phylogenic clade was found only in invertebrates, suggesting that this receptor was lost in vertebrates during evolution. InvD1L expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 cells was activated by dopamine with a median effective dose (EC50 ) of 1.34 μM. Immunohistochemistry using the antibody raised against InvD1L revealed two different types of immunoreactivities: basally located axon terminals that are colocalized with myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) and SIFamide neuropeptides, and longer axon-like processes that are positive only for the InvD1L antibody and extended to the apical parts of the acini. Both structures were closely associated with the myoepithelial cell, as visualized by beta-tubulin antibody, lining the acinar lumen in a web-like fashion. Subcellular localizations of InvD1L in the salivary gland suggest that InvD1L modulates the neuronal activities including MIP/SIFamide varicosities, and leads the contraction of myoepithelial cells and/or of the acinar valve to control the efflux of the luminal content. Combining the previously described D1 receptor with its putative function for activating an influx of fluid through the epithelial cells of acini, we propose that complex control of the tick salivary glands is mediated through two different dopamine receptors, D1 and InvD1L, for different downstream responses of the acinar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Šimo
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, 66506
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Proteomics informed by transcriptomics identifies novel secreted proteins in Dermacentor andersoni saliva. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:1029-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Kim TK, Curran J, Mulenga A. Dual silencing of long and short Amblyomma americanum acidic chitinase forms weakens the tick cement cone stability. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:3493-503. [PMID: 25189365 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.107979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study demonstrates that Amblyomma americanum (Aam) constitutively and ubiquitously expresses the long (L) and short (S) putative acidic chitinases (Ach) that are distinguished by a 210 base pair (bp) deletion in AamAch-S. Full-length AamAch-L and AamAch-S cDNA are 1959 and 1718 bp long, containing 1332 and 1104 bp open reading frames that code for 443 and 367 amino acid residues proteins with the former predicted to be extracellular and the latter intracellular. Both AamAch-L and AamAch-S mRNA are expressed in multiple organs as revealed by qualitative RT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that AamAch-L mRNA was downregulated in the mid-gut, but was unchanged in the salivary gland and in other organs in response to feeding. Of significant interest, AamAch-L and/or AamAch-S functions are probably associated with formation and/or maintenance of stability of A. americanum tick cement cone. Dual RNA interference silencing of AamAch-L and/or AamAch-S mRNA caused ticks to loosely attach onto host skin as suggested by bleeding around tick mouthparts and ticks detaching off host skin with a light touch. AamAch-L may apparently encode an inactive chitinase as indicated by Pichia pastoris-expressed recombinant AamAch-L failing to hydrolyse chitinase substrates. Unpublished related work in our laboratory, and published work by others that found AamAch-L in tick saliva, suggest that native AamAch-L is a non-specific immunoglobulin binding tick saliva protein in that rAamAch-L non-specifically bound rabbit, bovine and chicken non-immune sera. We discuss findings in this study with reference to advancing knowledge on tick feeding physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae K Kim
- Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, Department of Entomology, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Janet Curran
- Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, Department of Entomology, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Albert Mulenga
- Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, Department of Entomology, 2475 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Simo L, Park Y. Neuropeptidergic control of the hindgut in the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis. Int J Parasitol 2014; 44:819-26. [PMID: 25058510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The hindgut, as a part of the tick excretory system, plays an important physiological role in maintaining homoeostases and waste elimination. Immunoreactive projections from the synganglion to the hindgut were found using antibodies against four different neuropeptides: FGLamide related allatostatin, myoinhibitory peptide, SIFamide, and orcokinin. The presence of FGLamide related allatostatin, myoinhibitory peptide and SIFamide in both synganglia (source) and hindgut (target organ) extracts was confirmed by MALDI-TOF. Tissue-specific PCR revealed the expression of four putative FGLamide related allatostatin receptors and an SIFamide receptor in the hindgut. An antibody against Ixodes scapularis SIFamide receptor detected immunoreactive spots in epithelial cells as well as the visceral muscles surrounding the rectal sac, while staining with the antibody against myoinhibitory peptide receptor 1 revealed that the immunoreactivity was only associated with the visceral muscles. In hindgut motility assays, SIFamide activated hindgut motility in a dose-dependent manner. None of other three neuropeptides (FGLamide related allatostatin, myoinhibitory peptide and orcokinin) activated hindgut motility when tested alone. Myoinhibitory peptide antagonised the SIFamide-stimulated hindgut mobility when it was tested in combination with SIFamide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Simo
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-4004, USA.
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-4004, USA.
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Koči J, Simo L, Park Y. Autocrine/paracrine dopamine in the salivary glands of the blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2014; 62:39-45. [PMID: 24503219 PMCID: PMC4006075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is known to be the most potent activator of tick salivary secretion, which is an essential component of successful tick feeding. We examined the quantitative changes of catecholamines using a method coupling high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). We also investigated the levels of catecholamines conjugated to other molecules utilising appropriate methods to hydrolyse the conjugates. Three different biological samples, salivary glands, synganglia, ovaries and haemolymph were compared, and the largest quantity of DA was detected in salivary gland extracts (up to ∼100pg/tick), supporting the hypothesis that autocrine/paracrine dopamine activates salivary secretion. Quantitative changes of catecholamines in the salivary glands over the entire blood feeding duration were examined. The amount of dopamine in the salivary glands increased until the day 5 of feeding, at which the rapid engorgement phase began. We also detected a small but significant amount of norepinephrine in the salivary glands. Interestingly, saliva collected after induction of salivary secretion by the cholinergic agonist pilocarpine contained a large amount of DA sulphate with a trace amount of DA, suggesting a potential biological role of DA sulphate in tick saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juraj Koči
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Ladislav Simo
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
| | - Yoonseong Park
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, 123 Waters Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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Simo L, Koči J, Park Y. Receptors for the neuropeptides, myoinhibitory peptide and SIFamide, in control of the salivary glands of the blacklegged tick Ixodes scapularis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 43:376-87. [PMID: 23357681 PMCID: PMC3602366 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 01/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tick salivary glands are important organs that enable the hematophagous feeding of the tick. We previously described the innervation of the salivary gland acini types II and III by a pair of protocerebral salivary gland neurons that produce both myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) and SIFamide (Šimo et al., 2009b). In this study we identified authentic receptors expressed in the salivary glands for these neuropeptides. Homology-based searches for these receptors in the Ixodes scapularis genome sequence were followed by gene cloning and functional expression of the receptors. Both receptors were activated by low nanomolar concentrations of their respective ligands. The temporal expression patterns of the two ligands and their respective receptors suggest that the SIFamide signaling system pre-exists in unfed salivary glands, while the MIP system is activated upon initiation of feeding. Immunoreactivity for the SIFamide receptor in the salivary gland was detected in acini types II and III, surrounding the acinar valve and extending to the basal region of the acinar lumen. The location of the SIFamide receptor in the salivary glands suggests three potential target cell types and their probable functions: myoepithelial cell that may function in the contraction of the acini and/or the control of the valve; large, basally located dopaminergic granular cells for regulation of paracrine dopamine; and neck cells that may be involved in the control of the acinar duct and its valve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladislav Simo
- Department of Entomology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS 66506-4004, USA
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