Genetic basis of triatomine behavior: lessons from available insect genomes

Abstract

Triatomines have been important model organisms for behavioural research. Diverse reports about triatomine host search, pheromone communication in the sexual, shelter and alarm contexts, daily cycles of activity, refuge choice and behavioural plasticity have been published in the last two decades. In recent times, a variety of molecular genetics techniques has allowed researchers to investigate elaborate and complex questions about the genetic bases of the physiology of insects. This, together with the current characterisation of the genome sequence of Rhodnius prolixus allows the resurgence of this excellent insect physiology model in the omics era. In the present revision, we suggest that studying the molecular basis of behaviour and sensory ecology in triatomines will promote a deeper understanding of fundamental aspects of insect and, particularly, vector biology. This will allow uncovering unknown features of essential insect physiology questions for a hemimetabolous model organism, promoting more robust comparative studies of insect sensory function and cognition.

Thermosensation and the TRPV channel in Rhodnius prolixus

“…However, in spite of all the knowledge accumulated on the behavioural responses of triatomines to heat, the molecular pathways underlying them remain unknown and associated channels have yet to be recognized (Latorre-Estivalis et al, 2013). In the present report, we aim to initiate the study of the genetic bases of thermoreception in blood-sucking bugs by identifying and characterizing the expression of RproIav, a putative thermosensitive channel gene.…”

Worldwide survey of Corynebacterium striatum increasingly associated with human invasive infections, nosocomial outbreak, and antimicrobial multidrug-resistance, 1976–2020

“…Although non-diphtherial Corynebacterium spp. may be part of the human microbiota (amphibionic), varied species have been currently reported as the etiologic agent of human infections (Funke and Bernard 2011 ; Baio et al 2013 ; Bernard et al 2013 ; Zasada and Mosiej 2018 ). For many decades, the pathogenic potential of non-diphtherial Corynebacterium species was neglected, mainly for the difficulty in identification and distinction between colonization and infection (Camello et al 2003 ; Martins et al 2009 ).…”

“…For many decades, the pathogenic potential of non-diphtherial Corynebacterium species was neglected, mainly for the difficulty in identification and distinction between colonization and infection (Camello et al 2003 ; Martins et al 2009 ). However, Corynebacterium species identified during laboratorial procedures remain frequently considered as contaminants of clinical specimens and/or underestimated by a variety of health professionals in many countries (Baio et al 2013 ; Bernard et al 2013 ; Zasada and Mosiej 2018 ).…”

Evaluation of reference genes for insect olfaction studies

“…This bug is considered a classical model for insect physiology and has been used extensively to study aspects of insect biology such as gut function [ 4 , 5 ], diuresis [ 6 - 10 ], neuropeptide production [ 11 - 14 ], and behaviour [ 15 - 17 ]. Moreover, R. prolixus has recently been suggested as a model to study the molecular bases of insect sensory perception and behaviour [ 18 ]. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) or RNA-Seq analyses can be used to study these processes.…”