Article
Spectroscopy
Gabriela Sena, Regina C. Barroso, Delson Braz, Liebert P. Nogueira, Marcos Colaco, George Kourousias, Matteo Altissimo, Diana E. Bedolla, Giuliana Tromba, Patricia Azambuja, Marcelo S. Gonzalez, Arissa Pickler, Gabriel Fidalgo, Jairo J. S. Enriquez, Simone F. Silva, Gabriela B. N. Leitao, Carolina N. Spiegel, K. Paiva, Renan Barcellos, Carla Calligaro, Alessandra Gianoncelli
Summary: This study used Low-Energy X-Ray Microfluorescence (LEXRF) to assess the distribution of oxygen and sodium in the structures of the insect Rhodnius prolixus, as well as the effects of azadirachtin treatment. The results provided insights into the differences in the insect's structure and may be significant for controlling Chagas Disease.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Agustina Pascual, Rolando Rivera-Pomar
Summary: The study analyzes the maternal gene expression in R. prolixus during oogenesis and early embryogenesis and proposes three times of action for maternal genes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Sheng-Lan Lv, Zheng-Yi Xu, Ming-Jian Li, Amosi Leonard Mbuji, Meng Gu, Lei Zhang, Xi-Wu Gao
Summary: This study investigated the level of resistance, mode of action, and resistance mechanism of Spodoptera frugiperda to lufenuron in China. The results showed that the current populations of S. frugiperda in China have low resistance to lufenuron, which is mainly due to changes in the expression of chitin synthase genes rather than mutations. The study suggests that the SfCHSA gene plays a more important role in the resistance of S. frugiperda to lufenuron.
Article
Entomology
Raquel A. Ferreira, Marcelo G. Lorenzo, Claudio R. Lazzari
Summary: Kissing bugs can estimate the distance to a thermal source using thermal cues, triggering the Proboscis Extension Reflex at a specific distance from the target even without physical contact. Walking freely is necessary for accurate distance estimation, and mechanical stimuli can affect the triggering of PER.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Petter F. Entringer, David Majerowicz, Katia C. Gondim
Summary: Insects, such as the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus, rely on dietary cholesterol for cell membrane composition and hormone production. This study found that both the anterior and posterior midguts of R. prolixus can absorb cholesterol from ingested blood, with the anterior midgut absorbing more. Additionally, the fat body and ovaries of the insects also incorporate and store cholesterol, with active cholesterol transport being indicated at low temperatures.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eugenia E. Montiel, Francisco Panzera, Teresa Palomeque, Pedro Lorite, Sebastian Pita
Summary: Rhodnius prolixus' satellite DNA accounts for 8% of the total genome, composed of 39 satDNA families, including four shared with Triatoma infestans, as well as telomeric and GATA repeats. The clustering analysis revealed that most abundant satDNA families configured several superclusters, indicating complexity in R. prolixus' satellitome, with the four most abundant satDNA families being composed by different subfamilies. Transcription analysis of satDNA families in different tissues showed that 33 out of 39 families are transcribed in four different patterns of expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Manuel Latorre-Estivalis, Ewald Grosse-Wilde, Gabriel da Rocha Fernandes, Bill S. Hansson, Marcelo Gustavo Lorenzo
Summary: This study investigated the behavioral responses of Rhodnius prolixus to host cues and bug signals at different ages post-ecdysis, and found significant modulation of sensory-related gene expression. The study revealed substantial changes in gene expression in the antenna of R. prolixus during the initial days after molting, followed by stable expression profiles. For the first time, the maturation process of the peripheral sensory system of a hemimetabolous insect was described at the molecular level.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laila C. Andrade, David Majerowicz, Pedro L. Oliveira, Alessandra A. Guarneri
Summary: In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of T. rangeli infection on the locomotory activity and triglyceride metabolism of Rhodnius prolixus nymphs. They found that infected nymphs had increased activity when starved and an accumulation of glycerides in the fat body and hemolymph. These alterations were associated with changes in the expression of key genes related to triglyceride metabolism in the fat body. The findings suggest that T. rangeli is able to alter the energetic processes of its invertebrate host to increase lipid availability for the parasite and modify host activity levels, potentially increasing the transmission rate of the parasite.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Ana Caroline P. Gandara, Felipe A. Dias, Paula C. de Lemos, Renata Stiebler, Ana Cristina S. Bombaca, Rubem Menna-Barreto, Pedro L. Oliveira
Summary: Low levels of ROS play essential roles in cell signaling, with RpNOX5 and RpXDH regulating ROS in the digestive physiology of the kissing bug Rhodnius prolixus. Silencing these genes led to early mortality in adult females, impaired gut motility, decreased egg production, and disrupted hemoglobin digestion, indicating their crucial role in blood digestion control. Crosstalk between RpNOX5 and RpXDH influences redox metabolism and nitrogen excretion, highlighting their central role in digestive physiology.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tarcisio Fontenele de Brito, Vitor Lima Coelho, Maira Arruda Cardoso, Ingrid Alexandre de Abreu Brito, Mateus Antonio Berni, Fides Lea Zenk, Nicola Iovino, Attilio Pane
Summary: The study demonstrates that Rhodnius prolixus can be infected by a variety of RNA viruses from distantly related families, which are vertically transmitted from mothers to progeny. The presence of viral small interfering RNAs in eggs suggests that RNAi mechanisms play a role in reducing viral load and protecting the development of embryos. These findings significantly expand knowledge of virus complexity in triatomines and may lead to the development of novel insect population control strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kate K. S. Batista, Cecilia S. Vieira, Marcela B. Figueiredo, Samara G. Costa-Latge, Patricia Azambuja, Fernando A. Genta, Daniele P. Castro
Summary: Antibiotic treatment and recolonization with different bacteria affected the humoral immune response of Rhodnius prolixus, potentially playing a crucial role in the development and transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Cecilia Stahl Vieira, Marcela Barbosa Figueiredo, Caroline da Silva Moraes, Suelen Bastos Pereira, Paul Dyson, Cicero Brasileiro Mello, Daniele Pereira Castro, Patricia Azambuja
Summary: This study investigated the effects of azadirachtin on the immune system and microbiota of Rhodnius prolixus, revealing the inhibition of RpRelish and several AMP genes expression, while upregulation of RpDorsal and defC AMP genes later on; furthermore, the treatment also impacted on proliferation of commensal bacteria.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paula Beatriz Santiago, Kaio Luis da Silva Bentes, Waldeyr Mendes Cordeiro da Silva, Yanna Reis Praca, Sebastien Charneau, Soraya Chaouch, Philippe Grellier, Marcos Antonio dos Santos Silva Ferraz, Izabela Marques Dourado Bastos, Jaime Martins de Santana, Carla Nunes de Araujo
Summary: The lack of data on miRNAs from triatomine bugs (Reduviidae: Triatominae), which are the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, has prompted this study on the miRNome profiles of Rhodnius prolixus triatomine. Small RNA sequencing revealed abundant expression of miRNAs, along with tRNA- and rRNA-derived fragments. A total of 52 mature miRNAs, previously reported in Ecdysozoa, were identified, including 39 that were ubiquitously expressed in the three tissues. Additionally, novel miRNAs were predicted in the gut, hemolymph, and salivary glands. The study highlights the regulatory role of miRNAs in Triatominae species.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jimena Leyria, Ian Orchard, Angela B. Lange
Summary: In adult females of several insect species, juvenile hormones (JHs) play a role as gonadotrophic hormones, regulating egg production and successful hatching through the JHSB(3) signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Felipe B. Saraiva, Michele Alves-Bezerra, David Majerowicz, Lisvane Paes-Vieira, Valdir Braz, Muriel G. M. D. Almeida, Jose Roberto Meyer-Fernandes, Katia C. Gondim
Summary: In this study, the regulation of R. prolixus ACC expression and de novo lipogenesis activity in adult females under different nutritional and metabolic conditions was investigated. The blood meal induces the utilization of diet-derived amino acids by de novo lipogenesis in the fat body, and the control of this activity does not occur at the RhoprACC gene or protein expression level. These results provide insights into the synthesis and regulation of lipids in insects, particularly in the context of blood feeding and metabolic changes.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Aldo R. da Silva, Ana Claudia R. da Silva, Marcio Roberto H. Donza, Gabriel Alves S. de Aquino, Carlos R. Kaiser, Eladio F. Sanchez, Sabrina B. Ferreira, Andre L. Fuly
Summary: Snakebite envenoming is a neglected disease affecting around 5.4 million people worldwide each year, with Brazil having a high incidence. The current therapy with antivenom has limitations such as high costs, side effects, and ineffective tissue necrosis neutralization. New triazole compounds have been synthesized and tested against B. jararaca venom, showing potential for improving antivenom efficacy without toxicity. These compounds may be essential for developing better serum therapy for patients envenomed by B. jararaca venom.
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Stephanie S. de Carvalho, Cynara M. Rodovalho, Alessandro Gaviraghi, Maria Beatriz S. Mota, Willy Jablonka, Carlucio Rocha-Santos, Rodrigo D. Nunes, Thayane da Encarnacao Sa-Guimaraes, Daniele S. Oliveira, Ana C. A. Melo, Monica F. Moreira, Patricia Fampa, Marcus F. Oliveira, Mario Alberto C. da Silva-Neto, Georgia C. Atella, Rafael D. Mesquita
Summary: The author's study focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the feeding behavior of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, particularly the transition from nectar feeding to blood feeding in adult females. Through transcriptome analysis, it was found that genes related to oxidative phosphorylation, muscle development, salivary gland function, and DNA replication were up-regulated in females post-emergence. This study provides insights into the physiological and biochemical changes that prepare female mosquitoes for blood feeding, offering potential new targets for vector control.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Tereza Cristina Santos Evangelista, Maicon Delarmelina, Dinesh Addla, Rafael A. Allao, Carlos Roland Kaiser, Jose Walkimar de M. Carneiro, Floriano Paes Silva-Jr, Sabrina Baptista Ferreira
Summary: This study investigates the importance of azido-PBD as an intermediate in medicinal chemistry and examines the mechanism of nucleophilic substitution reaction for introducing an azide group into the PBD scaffold. Experimental and DFT approaches reveal the possibility of S(N)2 and double S(N)2 pathways, with a high dependence on reaction temperature.
TETRAHEDRON LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Anna Santos, Isabela Ramos
Summary: The study revealed that ATG3 is highly expressed in the ovaries of the insect Rhodnius prolixus and its depletion leads to a decrease in oviposition rates and the production of unviable eggs. Furthermore, eggs depleted of ATG3 exhibit altered chorion ultrastructure.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Youssef Bacila Sade, Camila Silva Goncalves, Sandra Mara Naressi Scapin, Guilherme Luiz Pinheiro, Roberto Becht Flatschart, Wanderley de Souza, Norton Heise, Ednildo de Alcantara Machado
Summary: This study reports the identification and characterization of a novel endoglucanase AfEG66 from the snail Achatina fulica, which shows high activity and stability against polysaccharide substrates, contributing to the improvement of production efficiency of green fuels.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Priscila Vieira, Claudia Benjamim, Georgia Atella, Isabela Ramos
Summary: Oocytes of oviparous animals are highly specialized cells with high endocytic activity, and a specific PI3K complex is essential for the biogenesis of yolk endocytic organelles. This study contributes to understanding the reproductive biology of vectors and provides insights for novel population control strategies.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Editorial Material
Physiology
Jose Luis Ramirez, Isabela Ramos, Fabio M. Gomes
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medical Ethics
Sonia M. R. Vasconcelos, Hatisaburo Masuda, Martha Sorenson, Francisco Prosdocimi, Marisa Palacios, Edson Watanabe, Jose Carlos Pinto, Jose Roberto Lapa E Silva, Adalberto Vieyra, Andre Pinto, Jesus Mena-Chalco, Mauricio Sant'Ana, Miguel Roig
Summary: This study investigates the perceptions of plagiarism among Brazilian PhD holders and finds that there is a consensus on the core principles of plagiarism across disciplinary communities. This has implications for international collaborative research networks.
ACCOUNTABILITY IN RESEARCH-ETHICS INTEGRITY AND POLICY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Thamara Rios, Larissa Bomfim, Isabela Ramos
Summary: The study explored the role of UPR receptors IRE1 and PERK in insect oogenesis, finding that their gene expression levels decrease during the transition from vitellogenesis to choriogenesis, accompanied by significant ultrastructural changes in the follicle cells. RNAi silencing of IRE1 and PERK resulted in minor alterations in chorion protein composition and ultrastructure without affecting overall oviposition and embryo development.
CELL AND TISSUE RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabela Ramos, Ednildo Machado, Hatisaburo Masuda, Fabio Gomes
Summary: Biogenesis and consumption of the yolk play essential roles in the reproductive biology of oviparous species, providing nutrients and energy for embryo development. However, the molecular mechanisms and functions of yolk mobilization remain largely unknown and require further investigation.
MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Tomasz Wasilewski, Nathalia F. Brito, Bartosz Szulczynski, Marek Wojciechowski, Natalia Buda, Ana Claudia A. Melo, Wojciech Kamysz, Jacek Gebicki
Summary: The detection of biomarkers is crucial for non-invasive medical diagnosis and screening. Reliable disease-specific volatile organic compounds can be identified through analysis of trace level gaseous analytes in breath samples. Biosensors utilizing micro- and nanotechnology advancements show promise in improving the accuracy of diagnosis, but their translation from scientific laboratories to actual clinical diagnostics is still challenging.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Physiology
Ana Claudia Amaral Melo, Guenter Arthur Schaub, Marcelo Salabert Gonzalez, Norman Arthur Ratcliffe
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Virology
Thayane da Encarnacao Sa-Guimaraes, Monica Ferreira Moreira
Summary: Zika virus, mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, has significant health impacts and can also be sexually transmitted and persist in the male reproductive tract. It can be transmitted through mosquito reproductive systems and eggs, which may serve as reservoirs. Understanding the spread of Zika virus from the reproductive tract is crucial for research and prevention.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tereza Cristina Santos Evangelista, Gabriel Alves Souto de Aquino, Marcio Roberto H. Donza, Rafael Lisboa Leitao, Victor Salarolli de Carvalho, Carlos Roland Kaiser, Sabrina Baptista Ferreira
Summary: The conversion of D-ribose into its 2,3-O-isopropylidene derivative using ultrasonic irradiation is described in this study, where ultrasound was proven to be an excellent energy source for the reaction. Different reaction times were investigated, resulting in shorter reaction times and high yields without the need for purification of the acetonide. The synthesized compounds were then used in the synthesis of 23 new glycoconjugates of 1,2,3-triazole, which were characterized using FTIR, H-1 NMR, C-13 NMR, and HRMS techniques.
JOURNAL OF CARBOHYDRATE CHEMISTRY
(2021)