Localization of secreted ferritin (FER2) in the embryos of the tick Haemaphysalis longicornis

Despite the absence of a blood meal, embryogenesis involves many processes that require nutrients and other essential elements, including iron. Due to the lack of an external source of these nutrients, these requirements are acquired maternally. Because of the toxic nature of iron, they are transferred through iron transport molecules such as secreted ferritin (FER2). Here we tried to follow the trail of the FER2 through indirect immunofluorescence, and we observed an apparent shift of FER2 from the germ layer at the early part of development to the appendages during the late stage of embryogenesis. FER2 is also found in the middle part of the legs of the embryo. The apparent movement not only sheds light on iron processing events during embryogenesis but also indirectly guides organogenesis in the tick.

Automated summary

Despite the absence of a blood meal, iron is transferred maternally through iron transport molecules like secreted ferritin (FER2) during embryogenesis. In this study, we tracked the movement of FER2 using indirect immunofluorescence and observed a shift from the germ layer to the appendages during late embryogenesis. Additionally, FER2 was found in the middle part of the legs of the embryo, providing insights into both iron processing events and organogenesis in ticks.