Nucleolar Persistence: Peculiar Characteristic of Spermatogenesis of the Vectors of Chagas Disease (Hemiptera, Triatominae)

Author(s)

Madeira, Fernanda Fernandez ; Borsatto, Kelly Cristine ; Campaner Lima, Anna Claudia ; Ravazi, Amanda ; de Oliveira, Jader ; da Rosa, Joao Aristeu ; Vilela de Azeredo-Oliveira, Maria Tercilia ; Chaboli Alevi, Kaio Cesar

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene; v. 95, n. 5, p. 1118-1120, NOV 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

All species of triatomines are considered potential vectors of Chagas disease and the reproductive biology of these bugs has been studied by different approaches. In 1999, nucleolar persistence during meiosis was observed in the subfamily for the first time. Recently, it has been observed that all species within the genus Rhodnius exhibit the same phenomenon, suggesting that it may be a synapomorphy of the triatomines. Thus, this article aims to analyze the nucleolar behavior during spermatogenesis of 59 triatomine species. All analyzed species exhibited nucleolar persistence during meiosis. Recently, it has been suggested that nucleolar persistence may be fundamental for the spermatogenesis of these vectors, since it is related to the formation of the chromatoid body. Therefore, we emphasize that this phenomenon is a peculiarity of the Triatominae subfamily and that further studies are required to analyze whether the nucleolar material that persists is active. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/19764-0 - Cytotaxonomy and chromosomal evolution in Triatominae subfamily
• Grantee: Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 15/14762-5 - Is there transcriptional activity during nucleolar persistence in the meiosis of triatomines?
• Grantee: Fernanda Fernandez Madeira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master