Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals Clade‐Specific Genetic Variation in Blacklegged Ticks

Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2025

ABSTRACT Ticks and tick‐borne pathogens represent the greatest vector‐borne disease threat in United States. Blacklegged ticks are responsible for most human cases, yet burden is unevenly distributed across northern southern Understanding genetic characteristics influencing phenotypic differences tick vectors critical to elucidating disparities pathogen transmission dynamics. Applying evolutionary analyses molecular variation natural populations ecological gradients will help identify signatures of local adaptation, which improve control mitigation strategies. In this study, we performed whole genome nanopore sequencing individual ( n = 1) blacklegged their geographical range (Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas) evaluate divergence among populations. Our integrated identified variants associated with numerous biological processes functions that segregated Notably, displayed genes linked xenobiotic detoxification, transmembrane transport, sulfation may underpin key phenotypes dispersal, host associations, vectorial capacity. Nanopore further allowed recovery complete mitochondrial commensal endosymbiont genomes. study provides evidence epidemiologically relevant gene families clades. This report emphasizes need elucidate basis driving conspecific clades

Language: Английский

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HL-TRP channel is required for various repellents for the parthenogenetic Haemaphysalis longicornis

Parasites & Vectors, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 18(1)

Published: April 14, 2025

Abstract Background Ticks can transmit a wide range of pathogens that endanger human and animal health. Although repellents are commonly used for tick control, understanding their mechanisms aren't complete. Methods The repellent effects N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET); sec-butyl 2-(2-hydroxyethyl) piperidine-1-carboxylate (icaridin); N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (IR3535); cinnamaldehyde on the parthenogenetic Haemaphysalis longicornis at nymph stage were assessed using Y-tubes. involvement transient receptor potential ( HL-TRP ) channel molecules in mechanism was investigated through situ hybridization, subcellular localization, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), RNA interference, electroantennography. In addition, binding affinity to predicted AlphaFold3. Results DEET, icaridin, IR3535, have been shown effectively repel nymphs. is shared among various arthropods, particularly several species ticks. It localized cell membrane Haller’s organ. Moreover, microinjection double-stranded elicited repellency behavior, electroantennogram responses those significantly decreased. TYR783 site proposed as an essential establish hydrogen bonds with cinnamaldehyde. Conclusions This exploration ticks found functions chemosensory and, thereby, mediates avoidance behavior. Graphical

Language: Английский

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Harnessing Insect Chemosensory and Mechanosensory Receptors Involved in Feeding for Precision Pest Management

Life, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(1), P. 110 - 110

Published: Jan. 16, 2025

Chemosensation and mechanosensation are vital to insects’ survival behavior, shaping critical physiological processes such as feeding, metabolism, mating, reproduction. During insects rely on diverse chemosensory mechanosensory receptors distinguish between nutritious harmful substances, enabling them select suitable food sources while avoiding toxins. These distributed across various body parts, allowing detect environmental cues about quality adjust their behaviors accordingly. A deeper understanding of insect sensory physiology, especially during not only enhances our knowledge biology but also offers significant opportunities for practical applications. This review highlights recent advancements in research feeding-related receptors, covering a wide range species, from the model organism Drosophila melanogaster agricultural human pests. Additionally, this examines potential targeting precision pest control. Disrupting feeding reproduction emerges promising strategy management. By interfering with these essential behaviors, we can effectively control populations minimizing impacts promoting ecological balance.

Language: Английский

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Involvement of a Microplusin-like Gene (HlonML-1) in the Olfactory Chemosensation of Haemophysalis longicornis: Expression, RNA Silencing, and Behavioral Implications

Microorganisms, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12(11), P. 2269 - 2269

Published: Nov. 8, 2024

The study of tick olfaction is relatively new compared to that insects, and the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Despite several potential chemosensory genes identified in multiple species, these are yet be validated through independent functional experiments. In this research, we cloned analyzed a microplusin-like gene, HlonML-1, investigated its role activities

Language: Английский

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