Newmar P Marliére, Marcelo G Lorenzo, Alessandra A Guarneri
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The molecular bases of animal behaviour are intricate due to the pleiotropic nature of behaviour-modulating genes, which are often expressed across multiple tissues. The foraging gene (for) encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), pivotal in regulating downstream target proteins through phosphorylation. In insects, for has been implicated in various behavioural contexts and physiological processes regarding searching for food. Rhodnius prolixus, a hematophagous bug that transmits Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, exhibits specific activity patterns associated with its hematophagous behaviour. Our previous work demonstrated a correlation between locomotor activity profiles and the expression of Rpfor, suggesting its involvement in modulating triatomine locomotion. In this study, we investigated the impact of Rpfor knockdown on locomotory activity, host-seeking behaviour, feeding performance and lipid metabolism in R. prolixus nymphs. Using RNA interference, we achieved a significant reduction of Rpfor expression in both the brain and fat body of R. prolixus nymphs. Knocked-down nymphs exhibited diminished non-oriented locomotory activity compared with controls, without altering the characteristic bimodal pattern of activity. Additionally, they displayed an increased tendency to approach a host, suggesting a role for Rpfor in modulating host-seeking behaviour. Feeding performance and lipid metabolism remained unaffected by Rpfor knockdown. Our findings underscore the multifaceted role of Rpfor in modulating locomotor activity and host-seeking behaviour in R. prolixus nymphs, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying their hematophagous behaviour and potential implications for disease transmission. Further research is necessary to elucidate the intricate interplay between Rpfor expression, behaviour and physiological processes in triatomine bugs.
期刊介绍:
Insect Molecular Biology has been dedicated to providing researchers with the opportunity to publish high quality original research on topics broadly related to insect molecular biology since 1992. IMB is particularly interested in publishing research in insect genomics/genes and proteomics/proteins.
This includes research related to:
• insect gene structure
• control of gene expression
• localisation and function/activity of proteins
• interactions of proteins and ligands/substrates
• effect of mutations on gene/protein function
• evolution of insect genes/genomes, especially where principles relevant to insects in general are established
• molecular population genetics where data are used to identify genes (or regions of genomes) involved in specific adaptations
• gene mapping using molecular tools
• molecular interactions of insects with microorganisms including Wolbachia, symbionts and viruses or other pathogens transmitted by insects
Papers can include large data sets e.g.from micro-array or proteomic experiments or analyses of genome sequences done in silico (subject to the data being placed in the context of hypothesis testing).