Ovarian Ecdysteroidogenesis in Both Immature and Mature Stages of an Acari, Ornithodoros moubata

PLoS One. 2015 Apr 27;10(4):e0124953. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124953. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Ecdysteroidogenesis is essential for arthropod development and reproduction. Although the importance of ecdysteroids has been demonstrated, there is little information on the sites and enzymes for synthesis of ecdysteroids from Chelicerates. Ecdysteroid functions have been well studied in the soft tick Ornithodoros moubata, making this species an excellent candidate for elucidating ecdysteroidogenesis in Chelicerates. Results showed that O. moubata has at least two ecdysteroidogenic enzymes, Spook (OmSpo) and Shade (OmShd). RNAi showed both enzymes were required for ecdysteroidogenesis. Enzymatic assays demonstrated OmShd has the conserved functions of ecdysone 20-hydroxylase. OmSpo showed specific expression in the ovaries of final nymphal and adult stages, indicating O. moubata utilizes the ovary as an ecdysteroidogenic tissue instead of specific tissues as seen in other arthropods. On the other hand, OmShd expression was observed in various tissues including the midgut, indicating functional ecdysteroids can be produced in these tissues. In nymphal stages, expression of both OmSpo and OmShd peaked before molting corresponding with high ecdysteroid titers in the hemolymph. In fed adult females, OmSpo expression peaked at 8-10 days after engorgement, while OmShd expression peaked immediately after engorgement. Mated females showed more frequent surges of OmShd than virgin females. These results indicate that the regulation of synthesis of ecdysteroids differs in nymphs and adult females, and mating modifies adult female ecdysteroidogenesis. This is the first report to focus on synthesis of ecdysteroids in ticks and provides essential knowledge for understanding the evolution of ecdysteroidogenesis in arthropods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases / metabolism*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System / metabolism*
  • Ecdysteroids / genetics
  • Ecdysteroids / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Ornithodoros / enzymology
  • Ornithodoros / physiology*
  • Ovary / enzymology*
  • Phylogeny
  • Reproduction
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA
  • Steroid Hydroxylases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ecdysteroids
  • Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
  • Steroid Hydroxylases
  • Aryl Hydrocarbon Hydroxylases
  • ecdysone 20-hydroxylase

Grants and funding

A Grants-in-Aid (23-5268) for Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Fellows from The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan (to MHO) had main role for the study design, data collection and analysis and preparation of the manuscript. This study was also supported in part for the study design and preparation of the manuscript by Promotion of Basic Research Activities for Innovation Biosciences (to HK). A SUNBOR GRANT from the Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences (to MHO) supported for the manuscript preparation.