Contribution
Cryoprotective mechanisms of ticks: antifreeze proteins drive lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis under cold stress
Wang, Han; Zhang, Tianai; Pei, Tingwei; Liang, Xiujie; Zhang, Yuchao; Wang, Chunyuan; Nwanade, Chuks F.; Zhao, Liqiang; Yu, Zhijun
Entomologia Generalis Volume 46 Number 2 (2026), p. 477 - 485
publié: Apr 29, 2026
publication en ligne: Feb 10, 2026
manuscrit accepté: Jan 6, 2026
révision final du manuscrit reçu: Nov 25, 2025
révision du manuscrit demandée: Sep 25, 2025
manuscrit reçu: Jul 21, 2025
ArtNo. ESP146004602014, Prix: 29.00 €
Abstract
Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are crucial cryoprotectants used by various arthropod pests to survive cold or challenging environments. Despite their recognized physiological importance, their regulatory roles during cold adaptation of ticks remain enigmatic. Elucidating the underlying regulatory mechanisms critical for a comprehensive understanding of tick cryoprotection and the development of targeted control strategies. In this study, four AFP genes (Hlafp1-4) in the invasive vector tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis were found functioned synergistically and orchestrated a comprehensive lipid-energy reprogramming response critical for cold survival. RT-qPCR showed significant changes in the expression levels of AFPs after low-temperature treatment, with Hlafp1/2 increasing after 3 days of exposure at −4 °C, while Hlafp3/4 peaked at 6 days (p < 0.0001). RNAi-mediated silencing increased mortality by 47–63% at subzero temperatures (p < 0.05). Integrative transcriptomics and proteomics revealed that AFPs can activate lipid-energy reprogramming by promoting glycerolipid and ether lipid metabolism, while suppressing ribosomal biosynthesis. Yeast two-hybrid screening indicated that Hlafp3 could interact with D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), which fueled the 3-phosphohydroxypyruvate (3-PHP) synthesis to energize oxidative phosphorylation. The above findings suggested that AFPs can modulate the activation of lipid metabolism and protein synthesis inhibition, as well as energy supply during cold adaptation of ticks, and the Hlafp3-PHGDH axis represents a potential novel target for vector control strategies.
Mots-clefs
AFPs •
cold response •
energy supply •
multi-omics integration •
lipid metabolism •
molecular mechanism •
vector control •
Haemaphysalis longicornis