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The Rpfor gene modulates the locomotory activity and host-seeking behaviour of Rhodnius prolixus
Newmar P Marliére1, Marcelo G Lorenzo1,2, Alessandra A Guarneri1
1Vector Behavior and Pathogen Interaction Group, Instituto René Rachou, Fiocruz, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
Insect Molecular Biology
|August 8, 2024
Summary
The foraging gene (Rpfor) in Rhodnius prolixus nymphs impacts locomotion and host-seeking behavior. Knockdown reduced general activity but increased host approach, with no effect on feeding or metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Animal Behavior
- Insect Physiology
Background:
- Animal behavior is complex, influenced by genes like the foraging gene (for) that affect multiple tissues.
- The foraging gene (for) encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG), crucial for regulating cellular processes via phosphorylation.
- In insects, for is linked to food-searching behaviors and physiological functions. Rhodnius prolixus, a vector for Chagas disease, shows activity patterns tied to its blood-feeding behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Rpfor in Rhodnius prolixus nymphs concerning locomotor activity, host-seeking behavior, feeding, and lipid metabolism.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying hematophagous behavior in triatomine bugs and its implications for disease transmission.
Main Methods:
- Utilized RNA interference (RNAi) to significantly reduce Rpfor gene expression in the brain and fat body of R. prolixus nymphs.
- Assessed changes in non-oriented locomotory activity, host-seeking tendency, feeding performance, and lipid metabolism in Rpfor-knocked-down nymphs compared to controls.
Main Results:
- Rpfor knockdown led to a significant decrease in non-oriented locomotory activity, though the characteristic bimodal activity pattern remained unchanged.
- Nymphs with reduced Rpfor expression showed an enhanced tendency to approach a host, indicating a role in host-seeking modulation.
- Feeding performance and lipid metabolism were not significantly affected by the knockdown of Rpfor.
Conclusions:
- Rpfor plays a significant, multifaceted role in modulating both locomotor activity and host-seeking behavior in R. prolixus nymphs.
- These findings contribute to understanding the molecular basis of hematophagous behavior in disease vectors.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interactions between Rpfor, behavior, and physiology in triatomine bugs.
