Omics Tools Applied to the Study of Chagas Disease Vectors: Proteomics and Metabolomics.

Abstract

Recent omics studies (cytogenomics, genomics, and transcriptomics) have provided extensive information on Chagas disease (CD) vectors. Here, we conduct a review of proteomic and metabolomic studies on these insect vectors. We address proteomic studies in triatomines, focusing on the identification and characterization of proteins in their saliva, midgut, and salivary glands, emphasizing their role in blood feeding by providing vasodilatory and anticoagulant substances, along with anti-inflammatory and antiplatelet activities. In addition, the review investigates protein diversity in different triatomine species, highlighting the importance of proteomic analysis in understanding adaptation to hematophagy, genetic evolution, and vector defense mechanisms. Metabolomic studies on CD vectors have revealed crucial information about their biology because metabolites correlate with the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), suggesting roles in the parasite-vector interaction. Additionally, some studies have predicted T. cruzi infection and observed altered metabolomes after feeding on infected blood, providing information about vector exposure to the parasite.