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Characterization of a vitellogenin gene reveals two phase regulation of vitellogenesis by engorgement and mating in the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Argasidae)
Author(s) -
Horigane M.,
Shinoda T.,
Honda H.,
Taylor D.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
insect molecular biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.955
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-2583
pISSN - 0962-1075
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2583.2010.01007.x
Subject(s) - argasidae , vitellogenesis , biology , acari , vitellogenin , ornithodoros , tick , zoology , hemolymph , anatomy , ecology , gene , ixodidae , genetics , embryo , oocyte
Synthesis of the precursor yolk protein vitellogenin (Vg) occurs after engorgement in haematophagous arthropods. We identified the Vg cDNA of the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata ( OmVg ) and compared its expression in mated and virgin females. Both mated and virgin females showed increases in OmVg expression after engorgement but expression was higher in mated females than virgin females particularly as time advanced. Delayed mating in virgin females induced an increase in OmVg expression. OmVg expression was observed in the midgut and fat body by whole mount in situ hybridization, but enlarged fat body with high expression occurred in only mated females during the late phase of vitellogenesis. Therefore, engorgement initially induces OmVg expression but mating is necessary for continued Vg expression to produce mature eggs.