First Transcriptome of the Male Tick Reproductive System
Author Information
Author(s): Daniel E. Sonenshine, Brooke W. Bissinger, Noble Egekwu, Kevin V. Donohue, Sayed M. Khalil, R. Michael Roe
Primary Institution: Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America; North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
Hypothesis
Understanding the male reproductive biology of Dermacentor variabilis through transcriptomics and proteomics.
Conclusion
The study provides insights into the male reproductive system of Dermacentor variabilis and suggests that the previously described model for male regulation of female reproduction may not apply to all tick species.
Supporting Evidence
- The transcriptome identified 3,866 transcripts in 73 categories related to reproduction.
- Significant upregulation of genes associated with spermatogenesis was observed in fed male ticks.
- Proteomic analysis revealed differences in protein distribution between the reproductive system and the spermatophore.
Takeaway
Researchers studied the genes and proteins in male ticks to learn how they help female ticks reproduce. They found many important genes that might work differently than in other species.
Methodology
The study used 454 pyrosequencing to analyze the transcriptome and LC/MS/MS for proteomic analysis.
Limitations
The study did not find evidence of the male engorgement factor proteins previously reported in other tick species.
Participant Demographics
Adult male Dermacentor variabilis ticks were used in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.016
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website