Dynamics of expression of two vitellogenin genes in the Chagas disease vector Triatoma infestans: Analysis throughoutpre-vitellogenesis and vitellogenesis

BLARIZA MJ; LEYRIA, J; CANAVOSO LE; SORIA N; GARCIA B

ACTA TROPICA

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2016 vol. 156 p. 100 - 107

0001-706X

The reproductive success of all oviparous species depends on vitellogenin (Vg) biosynthesis and its accu-mulation in the developing oocytes. The expression levels of two Vg genes (Vg1 and Vg2) were analyzedby qPCR and western blot in fat body and ovaries of adult females, at different times after ecdysis (pre-vitellogenic phase) and after blood feeding of females (vitellogenic phase). Vg genes were also evaluatedin fat bodies of adult males as well as in female fifth instar nymphs. No trace of Vg mRNA was detected inadult males or in nymphs. Vg1 and Vg2 were expressed in the fat bodies and ovaries of adult females. TheVg genes start to be expressed slightly in both tissues of adult females during pre-vitellogenesis. Afterblood feeding, Vg1 and Vg2 were up regulated and significant levels of Vg transcripts as well as proteinexpression were observed in fat bodies sampled throughout vitellogenesis. During this period however,the distribution patterns of Vg1 and Vg2 transcripts showed two peaks around early and advanced vitel-logenesis (days 4 and 12 post-feeding, respectively). In the ovaries, levels of mRNAs increased from theday 10 post-blood feeding onwards. In addition, the immunofluorescence assays showed a strong signalfor vitellin in the yolk bodies of terminal follicles of vitellogenic females. The involvement of fat body andovary in the synthesis of Vg suggests different roles of Vgs in supporting the growth of oocytes.