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Rios T, Bomfim L, Pereira J, Miranda K, Majerowicz D, Pane A, Ramos I. Knockdown of Sec16 causes early lethality and defective deposition of the protein Rp30 in the eggshell of the vector Rhodnius prolixus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1332894. [PMID: 38711619 PMCID: PMC11070790 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1332894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
In nearly every species of insect, embryonic development takes place outside of the mother's body and is entirely dependent on the elements that the mother had previously stored within the eggs. It is well known that the follicle cells (FCs) synthesize the eggshell (chorion) components during the process of choriogenesis, the final step of oogenesis before fertilization. These cells have developed a specialization in the massive production of chorion proteins, which are essential for the protection and survival of the embryo. Here, we investigate the function of Sec16, a protein crucial for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to Golgi traffic, in the oocyte development in the insect Rhodnius prolixus. We discovered that Sec16 is strongly expressed in vitellogenic females' ovaries, particularly in the choriogenic oocyte and it is mainly associated with the FCs. Silencing of Sec16 by RNAi caused a sharp decline in oviposition rates, F1 viability, and longevity in adult females. In the FCs, genes involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR), the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), and autophagy were massively upregulated, whereas the mRNAs of Rp30 and Rp45-which code for the two major chorion proteins - were downregulated as a result of Sec16 silencing, indicating general proteostasis disturbance. As a result, the outer surface ultrastructure of Sec16-silenced chorions was altered, with decreased thickness, dityrosine crosslinking, sulfur signals, and lower amounts of the chorion protein Rp30. These findings collectively demonstrate the critical role Sec16 plays in the proper functioning of the FCs, which impacts the synthesis and deposition of particular components of the chorion as well as the overall reproduction of this vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thamara Rios
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Larissa Bomfim
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Pereira
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Kildare Miranda
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - David Majerowicz
- Departamento de Biotecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Attilio Pane
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ramos
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Entomologia Molecular, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Finetti L, Leyria J, Orchard I, Lange AB. Tyraminergic control of vitellogenin production and release in the blood-feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 156:103948. [PMID: 37075904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2023.103948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In insects, the biogenic amine tyramine (TA) has been shown to control several physiological processes. Recently, the involvement of the type 1 tyramine receptor (TAR1) in reproductive processes has been demonstrated in different insects. Here, we investigate the putative role of Rhodnius prolixus TAR1 (RpTAR1) in reproduction in female R. prolixus. RpTAR1 transcript was highly expressed in tissues associated with egg development. Moreover, after a blood meal, which is the stimulus for full egg development, RpTAR1 transcript was upregulated in the ovaries and in the fat body. After RNAi-mediated RpTAR1 knockdown, an ovarian phenotype characterized by the absence or reduction of egg production was observed. Furthermore, protein and Vg accumulation in the fat body was observed, suggesting an impairment in protein release from the fat body into the hemolymph. However, even though fewer eggs were produced and laid, there was no difference in hatching ratio of those laid, in comparison to the controls, indicating that the overall low protein uptake by the ovaries did not influence the viability of individual eggs produced. Interestingly, the eggs from dsTAR1-treated insects appeared more red, indicating a higher content of RHBP compared to the control. A higher colocalization between Vg and Rab11, a marker for the recycling endosome pathway, was observed after dsTAR1 injection, suggesting that a more active lysosome degradation pathway in response to the Vg accumulation may occur. In addition to the Vg accumulation in the fat body, dsTAR1 treatment altered JH pathway. However, it remains to be elucidated whether this event is either directly related to the RpTAR1 downregulation or for a consequence to the Vg accumulation. Lastly, the RpTAR1 action on Vg synthesis and release in the fat body was monitored in the presence or absence of yohimbine, the antagonist of TAR1, in an ex-vivo experiment. Yohimbine antagonises the TAR1 stimulated release of Vg. These results provide critical information concerning the role of TAR1 in Vg synthesis and release in R. prolixus. Furthermore, this work opens the way for further investigation into innovative methods for controlling R. prolixus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Finetti
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
| | - Jimena Leyria
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Ian Orchard
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Angela B Lange
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Nazar AP, Delgado MJ, Lavore A. Empty-spiracles is maternally expressed and essential for neurodevelopment and early embryo determination in Rhodnius prolixus. Dev Biol 2022; 490:144-154. [PMID: 35988717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Since empty-spiracles (ems) was identified and characterized in Drosophila melanogaster as a head-gap gene, several studies have been carried out in other insect orders to confirm its evolutionary conserved function. Using the blood-sucking bug Rhodnius prolixus as biological model, we found an ems transcript with three highly conserved regions: Box-A, Box-B, and the homeodomain. R. prolixus embryos silenced by parental RNAi for two of these ems conserved regions showed both maternal and zygotic defects. Rp-emsB fragment results in early lethal embryogenesis, with eggs without any embryonic structure inside. Rp-emsB expression pattern is only maternally expressed and localized in the ovary tropharium, follicular cells, and in the unfertilized female pronucleus. Rp-emsA fragment is zygotically expressed during early blastoderm formation until late developmental stages in two main patterns: anterior in the antennal segment, and in a segmentary in the neuroblast and tracheal pits. R. prolixus knockdown embryos for Rp-emsA showed an incomplete larval hatching, reduced heads, and severe neuromotor defects. Furthermore, in situ hybridization revealed a spatial and temporal expression pattern that highly correlates with Rp-ems observed function. Here,Rp-ems function in R. prolixus development was validated, showing that empty-spiracles does not act as a true head-gap gene, but it is necessary for proper head development and crucial for early embryo determination and neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Paula Nazar
- Hospital Interzonal de Agudos "San José" de Pergamino, Argentina.
| | - María José Delgado
- Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (CeBio) and Centro de Investigación y Transferencia del Noroeste de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pergamino, Argentina.
| | - Andrés Lavore
- Centro de Bioinvestigaciones (CeBio) and Centro de Investigación y Transferencia del Noroeste de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Pergamino, Argentina.
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Dalaisón-Fuentes LI, Pascual A, Gazza E, Welchen E, Rivera-Pomar R, Catalano MI. Development of efficient RNAi methods in the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis, a promising application for pest control. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3108-3116. [PMID: 35442515 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is the main vector of important stunting pathogens that affect maize production. Currently, there are no effective methods available to manage this pest without adverse impact on the environment. In this context, genomic-based technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) provide a more environmentally friendly pest control strategy. Therefore, we aimed to assess the application of RNAi in D. maidis and determine the function of a candidate gene related to insect reproduction and propagation. RESULTS We have characterized the core RNAi genes and evaluated the functionality of the RNAi machinery. We assessed the potential of RNAi technology in D. maidis via injection or ingestion of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to adult females. We chose Bicaudal C (BicC) as a target gene due to its important role during insect oogenesis. Administration of dsRNABicC caused significant reductions in the transcript levels (fold changes up to 170 times) and ovipositions. Phenotypic analysis of the ovaries revealed alterations in oocyte development, providing additional confirmation for our results and supporting the idea that Dmai-BicC is a key player of D. maidis oogenesis. CONCLUSION This is, to our knowledge, the first report of efficient RNAi in D. maidis. We believe our findings provide a starting point for future control strategies against one of the most important maize pests in the Americas. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Inés Dalaisón-Fuentes
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Agustina Pascual
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Elías Gazza
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
| | - Elina Welchen
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral (CONICET-UNL), Cátedra de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rolando Rivera-Pomar
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro Regional de Estudios Genómicos (Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata), La Plata, Argentina
| | - María Inés Catalano
- Centro de BioInvestigaciones (Universidad Nacional del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires-CICBA), Pergamino, Argentina
- Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencias del Noroeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires (CITNOBA-CONICET), Pergamino, Argentina
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Lange AB, Leyria J, Orchard I. The hormonal and neural control of egg production in the historically important model insect, Rhodnius prolixus: A review, with new insights in this post-genomic era. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 321-322:114030. [PMID: 35317995 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2022.114030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Rhodnius prolixus, the blood gorging kissing bug, is a model insect, extensively used by Sir Vincent Wigglesworth and others, upon which the foundations of insect physiology, endocrinology, and development are built. It is also medically important, being a principal vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in humans. The blood meal stimulates and enables egg production, and since an adult mated female can take several blood meals, each female can produce hundreds of offspring. Understanding the reproductive biology of R. prolixus is therefore of some critical importance for controlling the transmission of Chagas disease. The R. prolixus genome is available and so the post-genomic era has arrived for this historic model insect. This review focuses on the female reproductive system and coordination over the production of eggs, emphasizing the classical (neuro)endocrinological studies that led to a model describing inputs from feeding and mating, and the neural control of egg-laying. We then review recent insights brought about by molecular analyses, including transcriptomics, that confirm, support, and considerably extends this model. We conclude this review with an updated model describing the events leading to full expression of egg production, and also provide a consideration of questions for future exploration and experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela B Lange
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Jimena Leyria
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Ian Orchard
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Biology, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
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Dynamics of maternal gene expression in Rhodnius prolixus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6538. [PMID: 35449214 PMCID: PMC9023505 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09874-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of developmental processes in Rhodnius prolixus has recently advanced with the sequencing of the genome. In this work, we analyze the maternal gene expression driving oogenesis and early embryogenesis in R. prolixus. We examined the transcriptional profile of mRNAs to establish the genes expressed across the ovary, unfertilized eggs and different embryonic stages of R. prolixus until the formation of the germ band anlage (0, 12, 24, and 48 h post egg laying). We identified 81 putative maternal and ovary-related genes and validated their expression by qRT-PCR. We validate the function of the ortholog gene Bicaudal-D (Rp-BicD) by in situ hybridization and parental RNAi. Consistent with a role in oogenesis and early development of R. prolixus, we show that lack of Rp-BicD does not significantly affect oogenesis but impairs the formation of the blastoderm. Based on our findings, we propose three times of action for maternal genes during oogenesis and embryogenesis in R. prolixus.
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