Investigating the role of neurohormone corazonin and its receptor in ticks

Corazonin, a multifunctional and evolutionarily conserved neurohormone has been shown to control heart physiology, cuticle color change, and molting in insects. The functional role of Corazonin (Crz) and Corazonin receptor (CrzR) is not yet known in ticks. To determine the functional role of tissue-specific Crz and CrzR in ticks, we cloned genes and performed developmental expression and localization patterns using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Since neurohormones regulate many vital physiological and behavioral processes such as feeding and molting. Reverse genetics approach was used to investigate the role of Crz in tick feeding and molting process. Depletion of Crz gene expression by RNA interference failed to detect a significant role of this neuropeptide in prolonged blood-feeding. The expression of Crz and CrzR in synganlia and salivary glands will be presented in the context of salivary secretions and Crz signaling system in ticks.