Gené organ engagement in lipid metabolism revealed by a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach

ABSTRACT: Gené organ (GO) is an exclusive apparatus of female ticks that secretes a protective wax coat onto the egg surface. This wax coat makes eggs more viable in the environment due to its waterproof, stickiness and antimicrobial proprieties. In this work, a combined transcriptomic and proteomic approach shows that GO is engaged in synthesis, modification and oxidation of lipid compounds, not solely secrets compounds uptaked from haemolymph onto the egg surface. GO were analysed at two distinct stages: (i) in the day haematophagy is concluded and ticks detach from host and (ii) during egg laying, precisely at the second day of oviposition. Data presented here show that before oviposition begins, GO undergoes a maturing process in order to be ready to play its role during oviposition. Before oviposition, GO content is directed to machineries of cell division, transcription and protein synthesis, including proteins participating in the cytoskeleton structure. Whereas during egg laying, the content of proteins related to secretion, transporting and metabolism of wax is overrepresented, though protein synthesis is also preserved. Since GO is a wax secretion organ, the work was focused on lipid metabolism, examining a full machinery to synthesize, modify and oxidize fatty acids. In addition, proteins involved on sterols modification, transport and degradation were addressed. Further than highlighting GO importance in tick reproduction physiology, data reveals molecules and pathways crucial to egg wax secretion, and consequently, its development in the environment. Tools targeting these molecules and pathways would impair egg development in environment, and so could be potential targets for novel tick control methods.

INSTRUMENT(S): Q Exactive

ORGANISM(S): Rhipicephalus Microplus

SUBMITTER: Itabajara Vaz Jr.  

LAB HEAD: Itabajara da Silva Vaz Junior

PROVIDER: PXD011223 | Pride | 2022-03-01

REPOSITORIES: Pride