Glória R.C. Braz

TL;DR: The first genome sequence of a nondipteran insect vector of an important human parasitic disease is described, which provides critical information on the physiology and evolution of this important vector species and should be instrumental for the development of innovative disease control methods.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review mechanisms by which heme can exert biological damage, together with a wide spectrum of adaptations developed by blood-feeding insects and ticks to counteract its deleterious effects.

TL;DR: A new view of the triatomine digestive apparatus is presented and a role for MAP kinases, GTPases, and LKBP1/AMP kinases related to control of cell shape and polarity is suggested, possibly in connection with regulation of cell survival, response of pathogens and nutrients.

TL;DR: Rp18S and elongation factor 1 (RpEF ‐1) were the most reliable genes for normalization in qPCR when gene expression in different organs was compared and both genes were found to be the best references when transcript levels were compared in the posterior midgut of insects infected with Trypanosoma cruzi.

TL;DR: To the first report of an animal that does not synthesize its own heme and relies solely on the recovery of heme present in the diet, the cattle tick Boophilus microplus is proposed as a good model for studying heme transport and reutilization in animal cells.