Functional proteomics of neuropeptidome dynamics during the feeding process of Rhodnius prolixus

STERKEL, M; URLAUB H,; RIVERA POMAR R; ONS, SHEILA

JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH

AMER CHEMICAL SOC

Año: 2011 vol. x

1535-3893

In hematophagous insects, blood intake triggers a prompt response mediated by neuropeptides, which regulates a variety of physiological processes. Here we report a quantitative proteomic analysis of the post-feeding response in the central nervous system of Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease. The concentration of neuropeptides NVP-like, ITG-like, kinin-precursor peptide and neuropeptide-like precursor 1 (NPLP1) significantly changes in response to blood intake. We also performed a neuropeptidomic analysis of other feeding-related organs, namely salivary glands and gut. We identified NPLP1 in salivary glands and myosuppressin in midgut. This is the first report suggesting a role for NPLP1, involving the peptides processed from this precursor in the hormonal control of the production and/or release of saliva. Our results contribute to the understanding of the post-prandial neuroendocrine response in hematophagous and provide important information for physiological and pharmacological studies aimed to the design of next-generation insecticides such as peptidomimetics.