Central role of squid gene during oocyte development in the Hemiptera Rhodnius prolixus.

Oocyte polarity establishment is a conserved and crucial phenomenon for embryonic development. It relies on the precise spatial localization of maternal factors deposited during oocyte development, which is essential for establishing and maintaining cell polarity and subsequently specifying embryonic axes. The heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) encoded by the squid (sqd) gene has been implicated in mRNA localization and embryonic axis establishment in Drosophila melanogaster.

Knockdown of double-stranded RNases (dsRNases) enhances oral RNA interference (RNAi) in the corn leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis.

The leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is a harmful pest that causes severe damage to corn crops. Conventional chemical pesticides have negative environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for alternative solutions. RNA interference (RNAi) is a more specific and environmentally friendly method for controlling pests and reducing the negative impacts of current pest management practices.

Dynamics of maternal gene expression in Rhodnius prolixus.

The study of developmental processes in Rhodnius prolixus has recently advanced with the sequencing of the genome. In this work, we analyze the maternal gene expression driving oogenesis and early embryogenesis in R. prolixus.

Development of efficient RNAi methods in the corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis, a promising application for pest control.

Background: The corn leafhopper Dalbulus maidis is the main vector of important stunting pathogens that affect maize production. Currently, there are no effective methods available to manage this pest without adverse impact on the environment. In this context, genomic-based technologies such as RNA interference (RNAi) provide a more environmentally friendly pest control strategy.

Bicaudal C is required for the function of the follicular epithelium during oogenesis in Rhodnius prolixus.

The morphology and physiology of the oogenesis have been well studied in the vector of Chagas disease Rhodnius prolixus. However, the molecular interactions that regulate the process of egg formation, key for the reproductive cycle of the vector, is still largely unknown. In order to understand the molecular and cellular basis of the oogenesis, we examined the function of the gene Bicaudal C (BicC) during oogenesis and early development of R.

Genome of Rhodnius prolixus, an insect vector of Chagas disease, reveals unique adaptations to hematophagy and parasite infection.

Rhodnius prolixus not only has served as a model organism for the study of insect physiology, but also is a major vector of Chagas disease, an illness that affects approximately seven million people worldwide. We sequenced the genome of R. prolixus, generated assembled sequences covering 95% of the genome (∼ 702 Mb), including 15,456 putative protein-coding genes, and completed comprehensive genomic analyses of this obligate blood-feeding insect.