Autophagy in ticks

The generation time of ticks is estimated at several years and most ticks spend more than 95% of their life off the host. They seem to have a unique strategy to endure the off-host state for a long period. We focused on autophagy that is induced by starvation and is essential for extension of the life span in model organisms. Autophagy may occur in ticks that can survive extended periods of starvation. Although little research has been done on autophagy in ticks, recently, we showed the existence of an ATG gene homolog, HlATG12, in the 3-host tick Haemaphysalis longicornis. We have also examined the expression patterns of HlATG12, from nymphal to adult stages of this tick and revealed the localization of the HlAtg12, protein within midgut epithelial cells of unfed adult ticks. However, autophagy in ticks is a new field, so methods for monitoring this phenomenon in ticks are still to be established. This chapter discusses protocols for the detection of HlATG12, gene/HlAtg12, protein and the observation of the midgut epithelial cells using an electron microscope during the nonfeeding period of H. longicornis ticks. These methods can be adapted and modified for the study autophagy in other hard ticks.